Major Toronto museum expansion just got a $35 million boost

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is set to receive a $35 million boost in funding for its expansion project that's currently underway and set to continue over the next two years, increasing the museum's gallery space by 40,000 square feet. 

On Friday, the provincial government announced that it's investing $35 million into the art museum as it proceeds with its massive expansion project, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery. 

The investment was announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget, with funding set to support 13 new galleries across five floors. Construction is expected to wrap up by fall 2027, increasing the museum's total space to display art by 30 per cent and helping it welcome up to 120,000 additional visitors annually. 

Rendering of the expansion. Photo: AGO, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect

The expansion's design features column-free galleries, which can shift from open spaces to multiple intimate galleries, depending on the museum's programming needs. The gallery is named in honour of the chairman and CEO of Canada Goose, Dani Reiss, who contributed a monumental lead gift of $35 million. 

According to the AGO's website, the estimated construction development costs for the expansion are approximately $100 million. The federal government is also investing $25 million in the project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.

Rendering of the expansion. Photo: AGO, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect

The AGO is set to remain open during construction, but some adjacent gallery spaces to the construction site may need to close at certain times. 

Earlier this year, the provincial government also announced an additional $21 million annually in operating funding for the AGO and the Royal Ontario Museum.