The exterior of the AGO, from Dundas Street West, 2017. Photo: AGO.
Welcome to the AGO! One of the largest museums in North America, with a collection of more than 120,000 artworks, there is always something new to see and do at the AGO. For a list of current and upcoming exhibitions visit our exhibitions page ago.ca/exhibitions, and follow us on social media @AGOToronto.
The following tips will allow you to make the most of your visit to the AGO. For more details about museum hours, directions and how to book your tickets, please visit here. For more details on how to become a Member or $35 Annual Passholder, visit ago.ca/ways-to-visit.
If you have any questions, please call the AGO Contact Centre at 416-979-6608 (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm and Saturday 10 am - 3 pm). You can also reach us via email at [email protected] with any questions, concerns, or requests and we will respond as soon as possible.
Maps
Handheld maps are available free of charge to all visitors and can be picked at the Welcome Desk on arrival. Digital maps are also available to download. Large stand-up maps are located throughout the museum.
Coat Check and Umbrellas
The coat check is open and always free for AGO Members. Please travel light, as wait times for coat check may be longer than usual. Visitors are asked to leave all oversized bags at home.
Coat Check costs are as follows:
Single item: $2
Family: $5
Oversized: $5
Use of the unsupervised umbrella stand is free.
Baggage
Backpacks, luggage and parcels must be left at coat check - these prohibited items can be checked free of charge.
Washrooms
Throughout the AGO, we’re working to ensure that has everyone a washroom option that they feel comfortable with. Some washrooms are labelled by what you’ll find inside them: toilet, urinal or wheelchair accessible -- everyone is welcome to use them. Others are single occupancy or gender specific. Please consult the map for the washroom closest to you.
Photography
The AGO allows hand-held photography for personal, non-commercial use only, except where indicated. Selfie-sticks are not permitted. Please consult the AGO photography and filming guidelines for more information.
Food and Drink
Food and drink are not permitted in the Galleries. Sealed water bottles and baby bottles are allowed into gallery spaces but must be consumed in Walker Court or Galleria Italia. Should you wish to have privacy and a quiet space, a breastfeeding area is available on Level 2 in Gallery 231.
Located on Level 1, AGO Bistro is open Tuesday – Sunday. For hours, menus and to make a reservation, visit ago.ca/dine/ago-bistro.
Located on Level 2, the Espresso Bar in Galleria Italia is open every Tuesday – Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On Wheels
Strollers are welcome in gallery spaces. Children’s wagons or buggies that are pulled behind the visitor are not permitted in gallery spaces.
Wheelchairs are available to visitors free of charge. Wheelchairs may be reserved in advance through the AGO website, or may be requested on site on a “first come first serve” basis. Reserve your assistive mobility device.
Bicycles, helmets, skateboards, skate shoes, rollerblades and scooters are not permitted and we are unable to store them at this time.
Health & Safety
Following Ontario provincial health guidelines, visitors to the AGO are not required to wear a mask, however we strongly recommend they do so. Health and safety precautions, including enhanced cleaning routines and UV sanitizing lighting remain in place, and the museum asks that visitors who feel unwell postpone their visit.
AGO Free Wednesday Nights
Free admission to our collection galleries every Wednesday from 6-9 pm is a longstanding tradition. Check out Free Wednesday Nights for everything you need to know.
Groups
Plan on visiting with ten or more people? Plan your visit with us and get the most from your exploration of the AGO. Booking groups in advance can access discounted admission, private tours or artmaking, a space for your group to meet or eat, coat and bag check, drop off and pick up locations and more! Visit our Groups page, or email us at Group Sales for more information.
Protecting the Art
Please do not touch the artwork. Keep a safe distance of 1 metre (39 in.) between you and the works of art
Video Surveillance
For the protection of visitors, staff, volunteers and works of art, the Gallery is monitored by video surveillance.
Cell Phones
Please turn your cell phone to the vibrate setting and be respectful of other visitors when using it.
Exceptions for Prohibited Items
Visitors to the AGO are now allowed to carry certain prohibited items into the galleries for specific medical conditions in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). These items may include water bottles, oversize bags with medical supplies, liquid medicines or other items.
The Protection Services Officer (PSO) at the front desk will approve visitors’ requests and will affix a visible sticker to the prohibited item(s) so that other staff throughout the Gallery will know permission has been given.
Limitation of Liability
Any public space where people come together, like the AGO, produces a risk of exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Help keep each other healthy by following health & safety guidelines, maintaining social distancing, and wearing a face mask during your visit to the AGO. By being in public spaces like the AGO you voluntarily assume all the risks related to exposure.