The Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto and its architectural partners have unveiled initial designs for the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, a major expansion that adds 40,000 square feet of gallery space. The new addition will create at least 13 galleries across five floors, increasing the museum’s display capacity by roughly 30 percent and providing more room to present modern and contemporary art.
© Rendering by Play-Time, courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect
The project is propelled by a lead gift of $35 million from Dani Reiss — one of the largest donations in the AGO’s history. Reiss, chairman and CEO of Canada Goose, is a member of the Order of Canada and an active art collector; his contribution provides significant momentum and confidence for moving the project forward.
Externally, the expansion is designed to integrate sensitively with the AGO’s existing architecture and the scale of the surrounding neighborhood. The new gallery will sit one story above the current loading dock and will connect seamlessly to the museum’s existing circulation, linking to the AGO’s galleries at four access points. This configuration is intended to improve visitor flow and make navigation across the museum more intuitive.
© Rendering courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects, and Two Row Architect
Inside, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will offer at least 13 column-free exhibition spaces with varying scales and ceiling heights. These flexible galleries are being planned to accommodate a wide range of artworks and media — from large-scale installations to smaller, intimate displays. The design allows galleries to function as expansive, open spaces or be subdivided into smaller rooms, enabling adaptable programming for current artists and future generations.
Design work for the gallery began in 2022 and includes ongoing consultation with Indigenous leaders and communities, led by Two Row Architect. Those conversations have shaped key principles guiding the project, including adaptability, accessibility, cultural relevancy, inclusivity, and a commitment to zero-carbon operation. The AGO has formal support from Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Toronto’s Host Nation.
© Rendering by Play-Time, courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect
Sustainability is a central element of the project. The gallery is being designed to operate without burning fossil fuels: an all-electric mechanical system will eliminate operational carbon emissions, and the project will pursue CAGBC Zero Carbon Operating Building certification. Additionally, construction will follow Passive House principles to maximize heating and cooling efficiency, positioning the gallery among a very small number of museum spaces aiming for this level of environmental performance.
Construction is expected to begin in 2024. At this early stage, estimated development costs are approximately $100 million. Once complete, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will significantly expand the AGO’s capacity to present modern and contemporary art while emphasizing sustainable design, flexible exhibition spaces, and strengthened community partnerships.