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| - I simply love the AGO. It's a wonderful way to spend half a day in TO.
Granted, this place cannot compete with the great galleries you find in other big cities. In other words, Toronto could benefit from an even better art gallery. That is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars.
Still, you will have a great time visiting this gallery. If you are a Toronto local, the membership is a great value.
You can find some beautiful pieces at the AGO. Make sure you check all of these unique features:
1. The rotating exhibits - these require separate tickets, and it is highly advisable to book online in advance, because tickets may sell out fast. In the past they had great exhibits such as Ai Weiwei, Guillermo Del Toro and Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors.
2. Do not miss visiting the structural addition by famed TO architect Frank Ghery. Being from Toronto, Ghery received some criticism for not doing "enough" with this structure (especially seeing that this is his only building in TO.) But I think the criticism is unmerited. The addition is absolutely stunning (at least from the inside.)
3. Do not miss out on the Group of Seven exhibit. Granted, the McMichael Gallery has a nicer exhibit on the Group of Seven, but the one at the AGO is pretty nice too.
4. Appreciate all the architectural features of the gallery, including the various spiral staircases, including one which goes outside the building!
5. Take a peak of "The Grange" house (a historic house nestled within the AGO), and if you are a member, don't skip on the afternoon tea at The Grange.
6. If you have little ones, check out the Weston Family Centre.
7. You may want to check out the AGO Bistro.
8. Don't skip on the AGO store - it has some beautiful stuff.
9. Walk around the block to visit OCAD University/Grange Park/Chinatown.
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