10 reasons to love the AGO in 2020

1. We’re making magic

“Step right up!” to our upcoming exhibition this February, Illusions: The Art of Magic. Be transported back in time to the Golden Age of Magic with more than 55 colourful and stylized posters from the Allan Slaight Collection of the McCord Museum, Montreal. Rediscover what it feels like to be amazed in a world where everything is Google-able.

 

2. We’re presenting iconic photographs from a legendary photographer

Circus performers, children, couples, nudists and female impersonators – the singular subjects and unflinchingly human style of Diane Arbus’s portraits are undeniably compelling. Tracing the arc of Arbus’s career, Diane Arbus: Photographs, 1956–1971 features 150 of the artist’s striking photographs. The exhibition opens on February 22. 

 

3. We’re bringing Picasso to paint the AGO blue

Picasso: Painting the Blue Period, a major international exhibition, will open at the AGO on June 27. Co-organized with The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C., the exhibition will explore Picasso’s Blue Period, a celebrated moment of the artist’s career and one of the most important episodes of 20th-century art history. Featuring masterpieces from around the world – many of which have never travelled to Toronto before – as well as groundbreaking research on two key Blue Period works from the AGO Collection, the exhibition will include over 70 works, some of which Picasso painted when he was only 19 years old. Stay tuned, and get ready to book your tickets early!

 

4. We’re inviting you over to our house

Mi casa es su casa! Not only is the AGO home to our treasured Collection and major exhibitions, it’s full of nooks, crannies and interesting spaces for you to take a load off and hang out. We recently gave caféAGO a psychedelic makeover and revamped the David Milne Centre – a quiet corner of the Marvin Gelber Print & Drawing Study Centre dedicated to Milne’s work. It has comfortable seating and scenic views of Grange Park. Come in from the cold – on your own or with friends – and find your favourite niche in our warm, artful space.

 

5. We’re offering something for all ages

It’s never been easier to enjoy the AGO with the whole family. Keep your mini-Monets busy during Family Day, over March Break and on Family Sundays where little ones and their caregivers can draw, paint and more. And don’t forget to visit the Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre  or our Maker Space for endless artmaking fun! And if they need something to keep them occupied during the summer, bring them to Art Camp.

 

6. We’ll be moved by powerful thought-leaders and dazzling illusionists 

We can’t wait for this year’s exciting line-up of engaging, eclectic programming, which is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. On February 5, award-winning journalist Desmond Cole joins us for a challenging conversation exploring Canadian assumptions of a post-racial nation. Then on March 20, we welcome author and Pulitzer Prize-winner Hilton Als for a talk exploring the life and work of legendary photographer Diane Arbus. And in celebration of Illusions: The Art of Magic, we’re hosting talks and performances from a number of astounding professional magicians including Julie Eng, David Ben and the Toronto Magic Company.

 

7. We’ll eat, drink and shop

Start 2020 with a pop-up experience at shopAGO featuring gemstones from D.A.R. Proyectos, and look forward to full year of trunk shows, special Members’ Night deals and exclusive product launches. In 2020, the team at shopAGO is creating all-new ways for you to connect with local artisans. Feeling a bit peckish? Head next door to AGO Bistro to sample the prix-fix menu with complimentary wine pairings.
 

8. We’ll settle your Friday night plans 

Fridays in the city are always a treat, especially when someone else is making the plans. We’ve got you covered in 2020! Hop off the subway at St. Patrick station and stop by the Gallery for a date night, bring some friends for Happy Hour at AGO Bistro, catch a film in Jackman Hall, or spend time exploring the museum and checking out a new Art Pick each week.

 

9. We’ll help you with your New Year’s resolutions

The Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School is in full swing this year, offering you endless ways to add new artful skills to your repertoire. After feeling the magical inspiration of the classic printed posters in Illusions: The Art of Magic, sign up for our Introduction to Printmaking course and create a poster of your own. Or come and witness the striking work of legendary American photographer Diane Arbus before trying your own hand at snapping something timeless in our Introduction to Photography course. No matter your preference, we have an artful educational experience perfect for you.

 

10. We’re your enormous family of art lovers

In just the first six months after launching the $35 AGO Annual Pass and free admission for visitors 25 and under, more than 100,000 people had signed up! AGO Passholders and Members make up one huge, art-loving community. Breezing in and out with your membership card or digital pass on an unlimited basis means you can make the AGO a true habit. Welcome home – you belong here!