On Fri., Nov. 14, the revamped Art Gallery of Ontario will throw open its doors to the public with a weekend of free admission, capping
an eight-year endeavour to redesign its home using the vision of architect Frank Gehry.
The following is a look back at the milestones leading up to the unveiling of Toronto's newest cultural landmark.
MAY 1, 2000
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Gallery CEO Matthew Teitelbaum, philanthropist Kenneth Thomson and architect Frank Gehry meet for the first time to discuss expansion concepts.
MARCH 19, 2002
The Government of Ontario announces a $24-million contribution to the project.
MAY 31, 2002
The federal government pledges to match Ontario's $24-million contribution.
NOV. 19, 2002
Transformation AGO officially launches with the announcement of Gehry at the helm, and Thomson's pledge to donate his private art collection and $70-million.
JAN. 22, 2003
The AGO hosts 2,400 guests at its first open house to promote the renovation.
JAN. 28, 2004
Gehry unveils schematics of his vision for the new building.
MAY - AUGUST, 2004
The AGO engages groups both for and against the expansion in a community consultation process that eventually leads to a refined and altered design.
OCT. 27, 2004
Toronto City Council approves the Transformation AGO project without debate.
JUNE 1, 2005
A more than three-year construction process begins, forcing the Gallery entrance to be moved.
JUNE 7, 2005
The AGO officially launches its fundraising campaign, and announces it has already secured $180-million of its $254-million target.
FEB. 23, 2006 - OCT. 26, 2008
The AGO announces a series of major private donations: $5-million from AGO president Charles Baillie and wife, Marilyn; $2-million from former AGO board member Richard Currie and his wife, Elizabeth; $4-million from the estate of philanthropist David Y. Hodgson; $10-million from prominent members of the Italian community; $12-million from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation; $10-million from board member Maxine Granovsky and Ira Gluskin; and $4-million from board member David Campbell and his wife, Vivian.
MARCH 23, 2006
The Government of Ontario announces an additional $15-million contribution to the project, bringing provincial support to $39-million.
OCT. 7, 2007
The AGO closes completely, giving no hint of a reopening date.
JUNE 26, 2008
The AGO announces it has reached its $254-million fundraising goal and launches a $22-million extension, for a final goal of $276-million.
NOV. 14
GRAND OPENING
