Expansion and renovation
Gehry Partners, LLP
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Toronto, Canada
Photo: Thomas Mayer
The expansion and renovation of the AGO increases the exhibition space by nearly half the original size and reorganizes the internal circulation within the museum.
The Museum’s main exterior has been transformed by the addition of an elevated facade, made of gently curving glass and Douglas Fir, which stretches a full city block. This facade, which encloses a sculpture promenade, allows for natural light to enter the building and connects the gallery to the community outside.
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
A new titanium and glass-clad three-story south wing, overlooking Grange Park, was added to house a new Centre for Contemporary Art and a hosting centre for special events.
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
The main entry lobby has been relocated to align the entrance with the historical core of the museum. A "Meeting Place" at the corner of Dundas and McCaul Street is accessible to pedestrians and includes retail shops, restaurants, a theatre, and a space for contemporary art projects.
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
The integration of natural light throughout the building, including a new glass roof over Walker Court and a light-filled walkway around its upper perimeter, brings light into the core of the building.
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
A sculptural spiral staircase arises from the 2nd floor walkways around Walker Court, through the glass roof, to each level of the new south wing.
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Light and exposure of the surrounding environment are key elements in the renovation of AGO. Natural light from multiple skylights in the galleries as well as the glass facades enhance the viewing experience within the museum.
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Extensive glazing on both the north and south facades allow visitors to experience the surrounding cityscape from the Gallery interior.
Photo: Thomas Mayer
Photo: Thomas Mayer
The new AGO is Toronto born Frank Gehry’s first building in Canada and marks the very place where he made the initial connection between art and architecture.
Sketch courtesy Gehry Partners, LLP
Model photo courtesy Gehry Partners, LLP
Model photo courtesy Gehry Partners, LLP
Drawing courtesy Gehry Partners, LLP
North Elevation
Drawing photo courtesy Gehry Partners, LLP
East Elevation
Total area: 550,000 square feet
Renovation area of 182,000 square feet
New construction area: 96,000 square feet
Completed: 2008
Client: Art Gallery of Ontario
Architect: Gehry Partners, LLP
Design Partner: Frank Gehry
Project Designer: Craig Webb
Project Partner: Brian Aamoth
Project Manager / Architect: Jeffrey Wauer
Project Team:
Laura Bachelder
Susan Beningfield
Henry Brawner
Peter Buffington
Zach Burns
Lisa Cage
Cara Cragan
Rogan Ferguson
Craig Gilbert
Elizabeth Grace
Jeff Guga
Leif Halverson
Dave Hardie
Patrick Hwang
Randy Jefferson
Su Kim
Nathalie Kull
Julie Lai
Natalie Magarian
Colby Mayes
George Metzger
David Pakshong
Apurva Pande
John Passmore
Doug Pierson
Ronald A. Rosell
Jason Tax
Lauren Taylor
Karen Tom
Stephen Traeger
Aaron Turner
Monica Valtierra Day
Heather Waters
Adam Wheeler
Doug Glenn
Leon Cheng
Anna Marie Flaherty
Laura Killam
Structural Engineer: Halcrow Yolles Engineering, Inc
Mechanical Engineer: H.H. Angus
Electrical Engineer: Mulvey + Banani International, Inc.
Lighting Consultant: L’Observatoire International
Civil Engineer: R.V. Anderson Assoicates, Ltd.
Acoustical Engineer: Aercoustics Engineering Limited
Historical Architectural Consultant: ERA Architects
Photographed by Thomas Mayer
Gehry Partners, LLP arcspace features
January 5, 2009