The AGO: Revived and Revealed
Every morning for the last ten months I’ve walked past the AGO and witnessed a transformation from drab, uninspired building to an architectural wonder that is both delicate and impressive on an incredibly grand scale. Unlike the restoration of the ROM (which still bugs me every time I pass by), I was actually excited to see how things would come together…and to my delight, it’s come together beautifully.
Earlier this week, The Globe and Mail reported that last weekend’s free admission to celebrate the reopening was a huge success -
Despite forgoing admissions charges, the weekend proved profitable for the gallery. Official figures reported $130,000 in gift-shop sales (25 per cent higher than projected), $26,000 in café sales (35 per cent higher than expected) and a fully booked slate of tables at the posh Frank restaurant. Staff also sold 521 memberships on-site.
While admission is no longer free, that also means the opening crowds will have tapered off at least a little. Let’s face it – while it’s one thing to wait in line to see a hotly anticipated movie on opening night, enjoying an art exhibit takes time to soak it all in.
Who really wants to rush anything as beautiful as this with thousands of people pushing through right next to you?
General Admission
Adults – $18
Senior (65 and over) – $15
Student (full-time with valid ID) – $10
Youth (ages 6–12) – $10
Children (5 and under with adult) – FREE
Members – FREE
For more information visit The AGO’s website.
(c) Andrew Currie on Flickr
2 Comments
Living in Vancouver now, I miss the opportunity to visit Toronto and see an exhibition at the ROM or AGO. Can’t wait to return again.
How long have you lived in Vancouver? The changes to both buildings have been tremendous/dramatic!