Glowing flags that respond to human touch taking over Toronto destination

Toronto is getting into a state of frenzied excitement over the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 games being hosted in town this June and July, with celebrations planned across the city for the biggest sporting event around.

Along with the FIFA Fan Festival celebration planned at Fort York, The Bentway plans to get into the fun with its own public art program for the 22-day-long celebration set to take over Toronto from June 11-July 19, 2026.

The popular public space beneath the elevated lanes of the Gardiner Expressway will boast a curated program of new art pieces in conjunction with the broader fan festival. 

Among the standouts, attendees will get to interact with installations such as a series of illuminated flags that respond to human touch, a shipping container turned recording studio, and a social gathering space made of soccer balls and netting.

Art installations coming to The Bentway this June include:

Fans Can Dance

From Montreal artists Daily tous les jours, this large-scale installation, located at the Bentway Strachan Gate, is a shipping container transformed into a recording studio to capture fan dances inspired by soccer celebrations.

Shore Lines

Local artists RAW Work will install modular furniture along the Bentway Skate Train, with geometry inspired by a soccer field.

Net Scape

Another installation from RAW Work, this series of lounge chairs constructed of soccer balls and netting will give the public a new themed spot at the Bentway Strachan Gate to unwind and soak in the scenery.

United in Light

This installation of LED-lit flags along the Bentway Skate Trail will respond to human touch, and likely be one of the more popular stops on this route of programmed art. The work from Montreal-based LeMonde Studio is designed to speak to the tournament's global diversity.

Make the World Go Round

Another installation planned for the skating trail, this large-scale mural from local artist Caitlin Taguibao will wrap around The Bentway's supporting columns, reflecting the local cityscape and culture.

The Bentway is located at 250 Fort York Blvd.