We have an outstanding collection of historical Canadian art, with an emphasis on the art of Toronto and Ontario.

Indigenous art at the AGO currently includes works from First Nations, Inuit, and Metis as well as global Indigenous Art from Africa, Australia, and the Torres Strait Islands.

The Old Master Collection is comprised of three pillars: Dutch painting from the 1600s, Italian painting and sculpture from the 1600s, and French Salon and Impressionist painting from the 1800s.

The Modern Art Collection offers visitors a comprehensive experience of American and European art from 1900 to 1960.

The Contemporary collection includes painting, sculpture, immersive installation, works on paper, photography, performance, video and sound art from international artists since 1960 and Canadian artists since 1990.

The Art Gallery of Ontario’s African art collection contains work created by many different cultures and people from south of the Sahara Desert in Africa during the 1800s and 1900s.

The collection spans the history of the medium from the 1840s to the present day, and includes more than 70,000 works.

Our Prints and Drawings Collection spans the entire history of works on paper in the West from the 1400s to the present day, and intersects with all other collecting areas.

The library’s 380,000+ volumes include Rare Books and Artists’ Books ranging from folios and art historical books from the 17^th century to the present, illustrated books and magazines, travel guides, art sales catalogues, and artists’ books and multiples.

Ken Thomson's gift of his art collection added 2000 Canadian and European works to the gallery.