Art Gallery of Ontario Transformation Project
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has announced the details of a transformation project that includes an unprecedented donation of art and funding by Kenneth Thomson, and a physical redesign and expansion led by Frank Gehry. Groundbreaking is set for early 2005, and the project will be complete in 2007.
"The greatest museums transform themselves into imaginative centres that reflect and enhance the world that surrounds them. Our vision is for the Art Gallery of Ontario to become such a place; a place that creates that moment when art and people meet, when conversations happen about the special role that art plays in our lives," said AGO Director and CEO Matthew Teitelbaum in describing his vision for the future at the announcement event in Toronto.
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario committed financial support for the project. "The federal government is supporting this major initiative by the AGO in recognition of the impact it will have in improving the quality of life for our citizens. We applaud Mr. Thomson for his magnificent gift to the people of Canada and the leadership of the AGO for creating and now enhancing an extraordinary home for art," said The Honourable David Collenette, Federal Minister of Transport, who is also responsible for the Greater Toronto Area.
"The Thomson donation of funding and works of art is unparalleled in the history of Canadian philanthropy," said The Honourable David H. Tsubouchi, Ontario Minister of Culture. "The current expansion plans to provide exhibit space for this outstanding collection will further position the Art Gallery of Ontario as a dynamic, world-class art museum with international presence and attraction."
Famous Rubens among collection filled with masterpieces
"The Art Gallery of Ontario has always held a special place in my heart, and I am confident that it represents the best opportunity to share my passion for art with the people of this city, Ontario, Canada, and the world," said Kenneth Thomson, a leading art collector and businessman.
Ken Thomson has made history with a donation that includes:
- The extraordinary Thomson Collection of nearly 2,000 works of art, the greatest in private hands in Canada. It includes masterpieces by such renowned Canadian artists as Paul Kane, Tom Thomson, Cornelius Krieghoff, and Lawren Harris, and a stunning collection of rare European art objects dating from the middle ages to the mid-nineteenth century that is among the finest in the world.
- The headline-making Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens, acquired by the Thomsons earlier this year for $117 million, the highest price ever paid for an old master painting.
- Two major Canadian masterpieces acquired by Mr. Thomson in recent years: Lake Superior III by Lawren Harris, and Scene in the Northwest by Paul Kane.
- $50 million in capital funding for the museum's building expansion on Dundas Street West in Toronto, plus an additional commitment of $20 million in endowment funding, thus helping to assure the AGO's continued success in the future.
First major Gehry project in Canada will be just steps from childhood home
"The Art Gallery of Ontario is where I first experienced art as a child and it was Grange Park where I played, so this project means a great deal to me. The building we envision will connect the city and its people to great art and art experiences," said world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, who is now based in California, at the announcement event.
Mr. Gehry's team is already well underway in the process of analyzing the AGO's current space and its needs for the future. In the months and years to come, the AGO will involve the community in Mr. Gehry's unique design approach and the transformation of the museum through lectures, open houses and other special events.
Renowned and admired the world over, Mr. Gehry's other landmark projects include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain and the Vitra Design Museum in Weil-am-Rhein, Germany. In addition to the AGO, Mr. Gehry is currently building the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and designing the Museum of Biodiversity in Panama City.
Formula for success
The AGO's transformation project is unique in its partnership approach. The acumen of Kenneth Thomson, creativity of Frank Gehry, vision of Matthew Teitelbaum and leadership of the AGO's Board of Trustees are just the beginning.
"We are encouraged that the Thomsons and both the federal and provincial governments are taking an active role in transforming the Art Gallery of Ontario for the future. This project is an example of how individuals, organizations and governments can work together to implement a shared vision. I am hopeful that others will join us in this vision," said A. Charles Baillie, President of the AGO Board.
Combined with the Thomson funding donation, the AGO has already secured a substantial portion of the building project cost, estimated at $178 million. Key partners in the project include the Government of Canada through Industry Canada and the Government of Ontario through SuperBuild, which have each pledged $24 million toward the AGO's expansion. The AGO is also grateful for the contribution of McKinsey & Company, who provided strategic counsel in developing a blueprint for success.
One of world's leading art museums continues to grow
"We will transform our building to welcome people with open arms, and to open them to new experiences while guiding them through a great and inspiring building with ease. We intend to literally transform the AGO with the addition of new galleries for art, new meeting places for our visitors, and improved and expanded amenities throughout our building," said Matthew Teitelbaum. As part of the transformation project, the AGO will be enlarged by 75,000 square feet, an expansion that will increase the viewing space for art by more than 40 per cent.
Economic highlights of the project, based on economic impact studies by PricewaterhouseCoopers, include:
- More than 2,000 person years of projected construction work, including about 245 permanent jobs.
- A one-time contribution to the Ontario economy of about $100 million dollars, and a projected annual boost of close to $13 million in tourism and operations dollars.
- All levels of government will realize one-time taxes from construction of $54 million, and $3.8 million annually thereafter.
The AGO's collection comprises more than 36,000 works representing 1,000 years of European, Canadian, modern, Inuit and contemporary art. This important collection, along with the Gallery's preeminence in art education and expertise in the conservation of art, makes the AGO one of Canada's most significant public resources for the advancement of the visual arts.
AGO - ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO
317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
www.ago.net
