A work of art inside and out, the Art Gallery of Ontario (ago.ca; adult/child $30/free) is a spectacular building reminiscent of a curving crystal ship, on Dundas St in Chinatown. It holds a remarkable collection of more than 120,000 works, making it one of Canada's finest museums. The original building, dating to 1900, has been renovated and expanded several times, including a dreamlike 2008 update by revered Canadian architect Frank Gehry. Volunteer-led pop-up art chats are often available on a drop-in basis, while great offerings for kids include roving art carts and an experiential center.
The AGO's ever-growing Indigenous art collection spans the centuries, with a sharp focus on Indigenous artwork from North America, and Canada's largest collection of art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Keep an eye out for boldly colorful works by renowned Anishinaabe painter Norval Morrisseau and beaded pieces by Métis artist Christi Belcourt, such as The Wisdom of the Universe. The intense drama of Canada's vast landscapes is beautifully evoked on Level 2 by the collection of works by the Canadian Group of Seven artists and their contemporary Tom Thomson, all active mostly in the early 20th century; Thomson famously depicted the Algonquin lakes, while other highlights include Lawren S Harris' cool blue paintings of the Canadian North. Another must-see is Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room – Let's Survive Forever. The galleries on Level 1 are devoted to European art, taking in pieces by Monet, Degas and other greats.
Several highly recommended tours are offered throughout the week, all leaving from the Walker Court.
