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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.
Event Gallery
THE SPACES
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
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
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 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.
Jackman Hall
Jackman Hall is temporarily closed. Please contact the AGO events team for other event venue options.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stylized salad for O'Keeffe
Dinner setting at an event
Steak and shrimp entrée
Chocolate cake
Lobster corn velouté
Gold and pink place setting
Shrimp pasta entrée
Dessert pairing
Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri
Dessert trio
Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri
Culinary dessert tray
Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri
White fish on greens
Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri
Duck breast
Trio of trifles
Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri
Tomatoes and parmesan appetizers
Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri
Beef on yorkshire pudding
Photo by Anthony Patrick Manieri
Dinner on a plate
Our Team
Christy Germscheid
Senior Sales Events Manager
Eliz Torossian
Wedding & Social Event Sales Associate
Samantha Nadalin
Corporate Event Sales Associate
Our Team - Sales
Tricia Persaud
Event Sales
Adrienne Collins
Event Sales
Devon Anderson
Event Sales
Barbara Pabst
Event Sales
Our Team - secondary
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
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.