Art Gallery of Ontario

Frommer's Review

At press time, the AGO is still closed for renovations. Toronto son Frank Gehry is reinventing the city's best art gallery, and his spectacular design will increase viewing space by 40%. The current claim is that the gallery will reopen in November 2008, but I'm not sure I believe it (the renovation schedule has been somewhat fluid, shall we say). However, it's safe to say that 2009 visitors will be able to see the gallery in its new glory.

The AGO's European collection ranges from the 14th century to the French Impressionists and beyond. Works by Pissarro, Monet, Boudin, Sisley, and Renoir fill an octagonal room. De Kooning's Two Women on a Wharf and Karel Appel's Black Landscape are just two of the modern pieces. There are several works of particular interest to admirers of the pre-Raphaelite painters, including one by Waterhouse. Among the sculptures, you'll find two beauties -- Picasso's Poupée and Brancusi's First Cry. Even so, its Canadian collection has been the strongest. The paintings by the Group of Seven -- which includes Tom Thomson, F. H. Varley, and Lawren Harris -- are extraordinary. In addition, other galleries show the genesis of Canadian art from earlier to more modern artists. And don't miss the extensive collection of Inuit art.

Another reason to go: The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, with more than 800 pieces, is the largest public collection of his works. The artist gave them to Toronto because he was so moved by the citizens' enthusiasm for his work -- public donations bought his sculpture The Archer to decorate Nathan Phillips Square after politicians refused to free up money for it. In one room, under a glass ceiling, 20 or so of his large works stand like silent prehistoric rock formations. Along the walls flanking a ramp are color photographs showing Moore's major sculptures in their natural locations, which reveal their magnificent dimensions.

The newly opened gallery will include a treasure trove of new pieces, too, including the Thomson family's Canadian collection and European collection (the latter includes Peter Paul Reubens's masterpiece, "The Massacre of the Innocents"). There will also be African and Australian aboriginal art and a photography installation.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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