All day. All ages. All in.

The next must-attend art event has arrived! We’re unveiling an entirely new way to experience the museum with AGO All Hours, an all-ages, all-day event happening three times a year. AGO All Hours launches a new platform for up-and-coming talent, offering everything from special art installations and artmaking activities to artist projects, marquee performances and more.

Channelling the laid-back fun vibe of a classic Toronto block party, AGO All Hours includes an extended celebration of performances, artmaking, artist talks, culinary delights and more both inside and outside the AGO. Open from 10:30 am to 1 am there really is something for everyone – all day! And best of all, it’s all included as part of the AGO Annual Pass or with General Admission (which, as of May 25 is free for visitors 25 and under!)

Not sure where to start the day? How about visiting the mesmerizing mirrors of Yayoi Kusama’s INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM - LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER? It will be open to the public for the first time that very day.

After that, it’s on to Walker Court, reimagined as a playground created by local artists Cam Lee and Kalpna Patel, complete with music, hula-hoop and hopscotch games. Afterwards, you can wander down to the Weston Family Learning Centre (WFLC) where kids of all ages can join illustrator Emily May Rose to make raccoon shadow puppets and then create their very own raccoon mask.

Our walls can’t contain all the excitement, so we’ve got even more fun outside! Outdoor drawing easels will be set up on the lawn in Grange Park with AGO instructors on hand to help you create your masterpiece. And nearby, in the AGO South Entrance, coffee and ice cream will be for sale alongside a mini-exhibition of historic Grange Park photographs from our own E.P. Taylor Library & Archives curated by Marilyn Nazar, the AGO’s Archivist.

If you’re interested in getting an artist’s perspective on works in the AGO Collection, Toronto artists Winnie Truong, Basil AlZeri, Nyle Miigizi Johnston and Diane Borsato will be holding pop-up talks about their favourite works throughout the museum from 11:30 am to 7 pm. At 4 pm artist, author of Trust No Aunty and Instagram star Maria Qamar (@HATECOPY) will take the stage in Walker Court for a conversation about art and community. 

The fun continues after dark! At 8 pm Juno and Polaris Prize-nominated musician Zaki Ibrahim returns to the AGO for an unforgettable live performance of her unique blend of R&B, soul and jazz from her latest album The Secret Life of Planets. And the dancing keeps going in Walker Court, as DJ Dre Ngozi takes the stage at 9 pm followed by DJ Chippy Nonstop at 11 pm.

Meanwhile, from 8 pm ‘til midnight, the AGO Youth Council will take over Baillie Court on Level 3, as they host DJ Gonnie Garko and hip hop performances by Toronto’s own Dijah SB and Haviah Mighty. There will also be friendship bracelet-making and fortune tellers if you’re feeling inspired.

The final AGO All Hours performance at 11 pm is not to be missed, when dancer and movement artist, Danah Rosales takes over Walker Court in the wee hours for a vogue performance with guest appearances by Toronto's Kiki Ballroom girls.

See you there on Saturday, May 25. Be sure to follow #AGOAllHours on Twitter and Instagram for ticketing and programming updates! AGO All Hours will return October 26 and January 18, 2020.

AGO All Hours is included with AGO Annual Pass or with General Admission (free for visitors 25 and under and AGO Members).

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