THE VENUE
EVENT GALLERY
THE SPACES
PLAN YOUR EVENT
CULINARY TEAM
CONTACT US

 

 

THE VENUE

Powerful experiences take shape when art meets architecture.

Designed by world-renowned, Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry, the Art Gallery of Ontario is Gehry’s first building in Canada and marks his initial connection between art and architecture. Hallmarks of his AGO design include dramatic sculptural staircases, the warmth of Douglas fir and the extensive use of glass flooding the galleries with natural light. The AGO is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. From the outstanding works featured in the Thomson Collection to the comprehensive works offered in the Canadian, European and contemporary collections, there is something for everyone at the AGO.

bride and groom holding hands and looking at paintings in gallery

THE SPACES

Baillie Court
Baillie Court

Baillie Court is a modern, loft-like space with incredible panoramic south-facing views of the city skyline offering an inspiring setting for an artistic corporate event or a special celebration.  The space features nearly unlimited audio-visual capacity, private washrooms, freight elevator, a soundproof Douglas fir air-wall, and a dedicated event kitchen which allows our Culinary Team to present any menu you may desire.  Baillie Court can accommodate up to 450 guests for a standing reception, or up to 400 guests for a seated dinner.

Walker Court
Walker Court

The original heart of the AGO, Walker Court rests at the centre of the Gallery, offering an airy space which is naturally beautiful and requires little décor. It features the iconic Frank Gehry-designed spiral staircase as its focal point, which winds through a light-filled glass ceiling. Walker Court can accommodate a standing reception for up to 450 guests for a standing reception, or up to 120 guests for a seated dinner. It is perfect for after-Gallery-hours events and can be reserved in tandem with any other space.

Galleria Italia
Galleria Italia

Noted for its unrivaled architecture, this light-filled sculpture promenade offers a journey through the building. Galleria Italia simultaneously offers a quiet reprieve for Gallery guests, a chance to enjoy powerful connections to art and a picturesque view of Toronto. Located on Level Two of the Gallery and overlooking Dundas Street, Galleria Italia provides a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos and an incomparable atmosphere for receptions. The space can accommodate up to 300 guests for a standing reception, or up to 80 guests for a seated dinner at dramatic harvest-style tables.

Seminar room at the AGO
Seminar Rooms

Bring creativity to your next meeting or group gathering in our spacious and glass-enclosed meeting rooms. Located on the Concourse Level of the Gallery, the Weston Family Learning Centre offers three separate and unique professional seminar rooms with fully integrated technology. All three rooms can be catered from the in-house kitchen and each has AV equipment and Internet services.

Speakers on stage in Jackman Hall
Jackman Hall

Jackman Hall is temporarily closed. Please contact the AGO events team for other event venue options. 

view from above of event in Sculpture Atrium
Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Sculpture Atrium

The Sculpture Atrium is located to the south of Walker Court and is connected to The Grange, the Gallery’s original home. Beautiful, elongated glass windows flood the space with natural light, and elevators are close by to whisk guests to the contemporary galleries. Perfect for smaller catered events, the area allows guests to enjoy a historic space within the Gallery.

guests in lounge with fireplace in background
Norma Ridley Members' Lounge

Normally available to AGO Members only, the redesigned Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge offers a relaxing haven during visits to the AGO, as well as a chance to reconnect with The Grange, the Gallery’s historic first home. The Lounge has an eclectic ambiance, featuring contemporary Danish furnishings amidst the classic 19th century setting. For those hosting smaller groups and seeking an unforgettable experience, the lounge can be reserved after Gallery hours for private receptions and dinners.

guests having dinner in FRANK
AGO Bistro

AGO Bistro, the AGO's restaurant, is a distinct Frank Gehry-designed space. Its casual-chic decor includes modern Danish furnishings and a contemporary installation of artist Frank Stella's work. The cuisine reflects local Canadian heritage with global influences in cooking style and flavour.  AGO Bistro welcomes up to 100 guests for private receptions or 60 guests for private seated dining for both social and corporate functions. Semi-private dining is also available upon request.

Plan Your Event

bride and groom in the grange

Weddings

Exchange vows under the iconic Gehry-designed feature staircase in historic Walker Court before treating your guests to a bespoke reception menu in your choice of private event spaces. Enjoy your big day while our full-service event team takes care of all the details.

Learn More
flowers on a table

Celebrations

Mark your special occasion with the AGO.  Bar & bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, retirement dinners and more are at home in our spaces, which range from historical and elegant to modern and chic. On-site catering, planning services, and AV make party prep a breeze.

Learn More
soup in a large bowl

Corporate Events

Hold your meeting at the gallery and enjoy professional planning services from our on-site team. Choose an airy seminar room or a private conference room with city skyline views; let us take care of the details while you focus on your work.

Learn More
People life drawing in the gallery

Team Building

Stimulate creativity within your organization through team-building activities at the AGO! Workshops are designed to encourage lateral thinking and push participants' creative boundaries in a collaborative environment. Sessions include explorations of the art in our collection and optional hands-on artmaking experiences.

Learn More
a hallway in the gallery

Full Gallery Rentals

Hosting a very large group or simply want to have the gallery to yourself? Contact us about a bespoke, gallery-wide experience where you can view art works at your leisure, escorted by our knowledgeable and courteous staff.

Learn More

Extras

What else do we offer? The sky’s the limit. Imagine bespoke menus, 3D renderings of room design concepts, practically limitless décor capabilities, custom staging & audio-visual services, supplier recommendations (we only work with the best), floral décor services, art making in the studio, personalized art tours - all seamlessly arranged by your dedicated events team. Art. Architecture. Events. All here at the AGO.

CULINARY AND TEAM

Art is on your plate at the AGO. As one of the only arts institutions in North America with a dedicated, in-house food and beverage operation, AGO Kitchens presents a rare advantage: custom menus made with fresh, local ingredients by our own team of dedicated culinary experts.  Working in one of three on-site kitchens, we produce it all: from organic breakfast smoothies & house-baked pastries to extravagant tasting menus with wine pairings – and everything in between. Our team of event planners, AV specialists, banquet managers, and chefs will take your event from concept to reality – allowing you to simply welcome your guests to the gallery.

 

Beautiful salad course for O'Keeffe inspired meal
Stylized salad for O'Keeffe
Dinner setting at an event
Dinner setting at an event
Steak and shrimp entrée
Steak and shrimp entrée
Chocolate cake
Chocolate cake
Lobster corn velouté
Lobster corn velouté
Gold and pink place setting
Gold and pink place setting
Shrimp pasta entrée
Shrimp pasta entrée
Dessert pairing
Dessert pairing
berry dessert

Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri

Dessert trio
berry dessert, brownies, cake

Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri

Culinary dessert tray
fish on greens, peas

Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri

White fish on greens
duck breast

Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri

Duck breast
three berry desserts
Trio of trifles
tomatoes and parmesan appetizers

Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri

Tomatoes and parmesan appetizers
beef on yorkshire pudding

Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri

Beef on yorkshire pudding
dinner on a plate

Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri

Dinner on a plate

Our Team - secondary

Felicia Alberti - Event Chef

Felicia Alberti

Event Chef

Event Chef Felicia Alberti is a veteran team member of AGO Kitchens, where artful food is always at the forefront. With a decade of experience on the Toronto food scene, Felicia is a spirited cook and a natural leader in the kitchen. Felicia has worked in some of the city’s top kitchens, including Flow restaurant, Frank’s Kitchen and many years with Mike Crockford at Toronto institution Oro restaurant. Behind every AGO event is Felicia’s drive to create beautiful and delicious cuisine.

McKenzie Ring

Mckenzie Ring

Event Operations

Having earned her BFA in theatre, as well as a diploma in film and television, Mckenzie is no stranger to live event execution. Every event is opening night to Mckenzie, who has spent nearly 15 years working in the food & beverage industry. Meticulous attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a warm heart are her tools of the trade, and she strives to make every client’s dreams come true on the event floor.

CONTACT US

The AGO events team is available to help with any questions you may have.  We look forward to hearing from you and making your event unforgettable! Use the form below or contact us directly.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: (416) 979-6634

Fill out my online form.