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<title>blogTO Recent Comments: A First Look at the New AGO</title>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/feed/recentcomments/?11416</link>
<description>Comments recently made in this post on blogTO</description>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:02:03 PST</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>Heather</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I'm pretty sure in the last video you mean contemporary gallery, not modern.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c328244</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c328244</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:17:27 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Elle Driver</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Forgot to add: the AGO website promised "a memorable and special surprise" would happen once the doors would open at 4pm. Perhaps I was too far down the line, but I was half-expecting Gehry to be dropped from a balloon or shot out of cannon, making a surprise appearance. Nothing of the sort happened. Can anyone closer to the front fill me in on what happened?]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327775</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327775</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:34:28 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Elle Driver</title>
<description><![CDATA[
kstop, if you know anything about Gehry, is that he is renowned for his LACK of right angles (or straight lines, for that matter.)

I was at the opening today - got there at 3pm, and found myself lining up just outside the front doors of OCAD. Doors opened late (around 4:30) but the line-up moved swiftly.

The use of wood in the new space is very beautiful (although I wonder how long the pristine and un-scuffed condition of the wood will last, when foot traffic starts to increase.) 

Downside: the main staircase located above Walker Court was not finished; people on the upper floors were forced to rely on elevators, which took a LONG time. 

Upside: the second staircase overlooking the Grange was open, and the view was breathtaking. From there, I had an amazing view of the city, and I could see the AGO line-up snaking down McCaul, right across the Grange park, and continuing south on Beverly(?) towards Queen. 

To answer someone's question: the gift shop was a bit of a letdown - same over-priced housewares combined with junky AGO-stamped trinkets. I used to love perusing their book section, but they've moved this downstairs, which is a bit confusing, as I don't think most people were aware of the lower level store. The book selection itself was underwhelming, and I'm hoping that it will improve once everything is in order and the entire gallery is completed. 

It's worth a visit, although the weekend will probably be pandemonium. I recommend visiting when it's completely finished, and visiting on a Wednesday evening, as it's free from 6-8:30pm.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327773</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327773</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:27:58 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Amar B</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Be warned. I got there at 10 to 4 pm. The lineup wrapped all the way around the block, past OCAD's stilts and well into the Grange Park. I would say at least a thousand people, maybe even more. Will all those people be able to make it? The patrolmen on duty were not doing numbers, but I'm going to try tomorrow, maybe a couple of hours before official opening - might seem excessive, but the admission price is definitely a deal breaker. Can't say I like what's happening in the back - what's up with the blue walls?]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327748</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327748</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:18:39 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>kstop</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Then congratulations! The new AGO has all the right angles you need, and also provides 30% of your RDA of non-functional decoration!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327747</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327747</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:07:31 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Gloria</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Kstop: I guess I haven't been able to see how slanted walls, odd corners, and awkward shapes eating up perfectly good real estate adds up to something that contributes to museum space. It looks interesting, but as far as I've seen, it hasn't functioned terribly well. Not something I'd pay for.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327741</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327741</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:40:09 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>kstop</title>
<description><![CDATA[
@Gloria: I'm just a punter, but it works for me.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327733</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327733</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:04:57 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Gloria</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Kstop: The new Crystal works as a museum space? Not sure about that.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327718</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327718</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:00:01 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Corina</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Considering the AGO just did a reno in ... what 1997? I'm totally impressed with this add-on. 

From the video I've seen of the interior, the space has been dramatically reformed - the AGO used to suffer from the McMichael's problems, where every room was small and dark and tended to split up collections without rhyme or reason. I think this new layout offers a lot more curatorial creativity :)]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327686</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327686</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:54:56 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>kstop</title>
<description><![CDATA[
The thing I like most about the ROM Crystal is that it is the building, not just a facade, and it works as a museum space. I was a bit disappointed with the new AGO when I realised that all that wood and glass was just bolted on to a regular rectilinear building. It looks great, but it doesn't do anything. But maybe the rest of the revamp is more interesting.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327675</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327675</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:16:51 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Bubba</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I'm excited about these new public buildings and to see what kind of collections will come to be displayed at the AGO. Anything worth while will always cause a stir and get people talking good or bad. You want that emotional reaction because it tells you people care about what happens in this city and to our culture.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327671</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327671</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:04 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Allen George</title>
<description><![CDATA[
"and it tough" -> "and makes it tough"

I should always preview before I post . . .]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327667</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327667</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:51:35 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Allen George</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I'm not sure I'd call it "profoundly brilliant," but then again, I'm not an architecture critic.

That said, the Galleria Italia that faces Dundas is beautiful; the sensation of light and space is profound. But it's unfortunate that there's quite a wide ledge that separates visitors from the glass and it tough to see the street itself.

I liked the ROM crystal too (I'm in the minority there) and I'm glad to see more unique architecture come to Toronto.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327666</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327666</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:50:11 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Dave</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Great vid, and I think the AGO is intriguing for its unique design and boost in Canadian collection. DigitalJournal.com also did a lil tour of the AGO and we mentioned you guys at BlogTo in our write-up, check it out:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/262308]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327662</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327662</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:29:38 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>TraderZed</title>
<description><![CDATA[
The real question remains: How good is the gift shop? =P]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327654</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/11/a_first_look_at_the_new_ago/#c327654</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:54:01 PST</pubDate>
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