What time of day can I hold a function in AGO Bistro’s private event spaces?

• The Art Social and the Red Room may be booked for lunch or dinner events Tuesday through Saturday. On Sundays, Art Social and the Red Room are available for lunch bookings only.
• AGO Bistro is closed on Mondays, but can be opened for private events. Ask your Event Sales Coordinator for more information.

Is there a room rental fee?

• No, but there is a minimum spend required for each private event space. The minimum spend does not include applicable taxes and 18% gratuity.

How many guests can we invite?

• Art Social & the Red Room may be booked in tandem to accommodate larger groups.

Event Space Capacity

Art Social (semi-private)
Standing Reception: 50
Plated Lunch/Dinner: 30
Min Spend: Lunch $750, Dinner/Reception: $1,250

Red Room
Standing Reception: 80
Plated Lunch/Dinner: 60
Min Spend: Lunch $1,250, Dinner/Reception $2,500

Art Social + Red Room
Standing Reception: 120
Plated Lunch/Dinner: 90
Min Spend: Lunch $2,000, Dinner/Reception $3,500

When can we visit AGO Bistro and see the private event spaces?

• We are pleased to provide a tour of event spaces at your convenience. Kindly note, the rooms are not shown when booked events are underway.

Do I need to make arrangements for event staff?

• The AGO will make all staffing arrangements according to the event requirements.
• Service staff are included during regular business hours.
• All interactive food stations require a chef at $35 per hour for a four (4) hour minimum call time.
• Additional staff may be required for events taking place outside of regular business hours.

What does my AGO Bistro booking include?

• Room bookings include table settings, dining tables and chairs. Additional furniture and décor can be coordinated through the AGO at an additional cost.
• Depending on your group size, additional stemware, flatware or china may be required.

How is the menu determined?

• AGO Bistro offers prix fixe menus for groups. These menus typically change seasonally and are based on the availability of ingredients.

How do you charge for beverages?

• Beverages are billed based on actual consumption. The AGO is a fully licensed facility in accordance with the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario.
• All our servers, bar staff, management and security team are Smart Serve-trained.

Can you accommodate special diets and allergies?

• Yes. Please provide your final guest count and any special dietary needs seven (7) business days in advance of your event so the kitchen can make the necessary arrangements.

Is outside food permitted? Can I bring my own wine?

• No, outside food and beverage is not permitted, with the exception of a celebration cake. Cake-cutting fees will apply.
• The AGO offers a curated list of wines to complement our menus.

Do you offer children’s meals?

• Absolutely! We have delicious menu options to satisfy all the little appetites at your event.

How far in advance can we book?

• The AGO will accommodate bookings as far in advance as the restaurant is available. Pricing for events booked beyond one year in advance is subject to change.

Where can I park?

• Parking is not available on-site; however, there are several surface and covered lots in the area—visit AGO.ca/visit for more information.
• Valet parking can be arranged at an additional cost.

When do I need to let the AGO know my final guest count?

• A guaranteed guest count must be provided seven (7) business days prior to the event.

How much are tickets to the Gallery?

• Adult admission tickets are $19.50/person for fewer than 10 guests and $15.60/person for 10 guests or more.
• Special Exhibition tickets for adults typically cost $25 and up per person for fewer than 10 guests, and $20 and up per person for 10 guests or more.

How much is a Gallery tour?

• An hour-long art tour can be provided by an AGO Education Officer during regular Gallery hours at a cost of $225, maximum 20 guests per group, plus the costs of admission.

Can I visit the Gallery after regular hours?

• Private, after-hour tours of the AGO Collection are available for a private access fee of $1,000, plus security, admission and the cost of the Education Officer. The private access fee for Special Exhibitions is typically $2,000.
• All admission and tour prices are subject to change.

Why do I need Protection Services security at my event?

• Security is mandatory for all events at the AGO for the safety of your guests and the AGO Collection. Protection Services Officers will also assist with wayfinding during an event or tour. Adequate security is also a condition of the AGO’s insurance. Protection Service requirements are determined by the AGO, and are booked at four (4) hour minimums, beginning 30 minutes prior to guest arrival.

Is the AGO accessible for guests with disabilities?

• Yes, the AGO is fully accessible. To learn more, visit AGO.ca/accessibility

Can I have a musician or DJ in the private event space?

• No, AGO Bistro has a curated playlist that is enjoyed throughout the restaurant.

Can I have a projector and screen for my event?

• Yes, a projector and screen can be made available at an additional cost.

Can my presentation have sound?

• Yes, the presentation can have sound with the volume at a reasonable level as determined by the Restaurant Manager.

Can I hang decorations in AGO Bistro?

• No, hanging decorations in AGO Bistro is not permitted and nothing may be adhered to the walls.
• Floral table centrepieces may be arranged independently, or through your Event Sales Coordinator. All vendors must adhere to the AGO’s floral policy. All floral décor must come from a commercial supplier and any live trees (or parts thereof), dead wood or similar materials must be treated before coming on-site, with documentation supporting the treatment. All organic materials are subject to inspection upon arrival.

Does the artwork change on the walls?

• Yes, artwork on the walls usually changes every three (3) months. It is not guaranteed that art will be on the walls for functions at AGO Bistro.

How are payments made?

• Upon booking, a signed contract agreement and draft estimate is created for your event. A non-refundable booking deposit (typically 75% of the estimated costs) is required to secure the booking. A detailed estimate will be created during the planning of your event and a payment schedule will be outlined in your contract. The remaining balance will be based on actual costs and is due within 30 days post-event.
• A certified or personal cheque, wire transfer or credit card will be accepted as payment. All charges are calculated in Canadian funds. USD will be taken at par.

Need more information? Contact us at events@ago.ca or 416 979 6634.