May 15 – September 25, 2025
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is set to commemorate its 125th anniversary with a series of events and exhibitions from May 15 to September 25, 2025. Founded in 1900 by Toronto artists and citizens, the AGO has grown into a prominent institution housing over 120,000 artworks from around the globe.
The festivities commence on May 15, 2025, with an after-hours birthday party featuring music that bridges the past and present. The celebration will culminate on September 25, 2025, with Art Bash, the AGO’s signature fundraising gala. Throughout the summer, art enthusiasts can engage with various programs and explore the diverse stories within the AGO’s collection.
AGO 125 Programming Highlights:
- AGO 125 Birthday Party: Raise a glass and celebrate after hours in the AGO’s Walker Court at AGO 125, a birthday bash happening Thursday, May 15 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Take a trip through time courtesy of the AGO Collection, The E.P. Taylor Library & Archives and musical performances by DJ Clymaxxx and students from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Tickets for this 19-plus event are $35 and are on sale now. Cash bar and food onsite. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ago.ca/events/125-birthday-party.
- Iconic 125 collection highlights: Connect with some of the most iconic works in the AGO collection as the AGO presents Iconic 125, a curated list of AGO artworks. 30 of these works will be on view throughout the museum, accompanied by a 125 label that highlights fun facts and insights into the artwork or artist. Every Friday evening through May, June and July, AGO Gallery Guides will speak to these works. Look for these in the museum or find the complete list at ago.ca beginning in May.
- AGO125 Capsule Collection: Wear the AGO with a new capsule collection of AGO branded apparel, totes, pins, caps and kids’ wear coming from ShopAGO. Available in-store and online this summer.
- AGO Speakeasy: Enjoy curated cocktails in the historic Grange House library. Beginning in May, and running every subsequent Wednesday and Friday throughout May, June and September, AGO Bistro transforms the historic Grange House library into a classic speakeasy serving themed cocktails and small bites. Seatings are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reservations open in April at ago.ca/visit/dine/bistro.
- AGO Friday Nights: Kick off your weekend and count down the decades in evening events every Friday through May, June and July. Join us for a lineup of historically inspired maker nights, performances, art chats and Awkward Date Tours, with artists, DJs and AGO Gallery Guides. AGO Friday Night programs are always free with general admission and for all ages. For details, stay tuned to ago.ca/events.
- Art Rate Monitor See how your heart reacts to our art when the AGO’s innovative Art Rate Monitor returns Tuesday, July 8. Explore the AGO collection as never before with this unique activation that combines wearable tech with timeless masterpieces. The Art Rate Monitor experience is included with gallery admission and is available for visitors of all ages, on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Art Rate Monitor kiosk by the Welcome Desk to participate.
- Art Bash: Canada’s Art Party is back and this year we’re celebrating the AGO’s 125th anniversary! Celebrate with us, in support of the Museum at the AGO’s signature fundraising gala on Thursday, September 25. Presented by Tricon Residential, and sponsored by RBC Capital Markets, this year’s event is co-chaired by Consuelo Jackman, Trinity Jackman, and Victoria Jackman. Tickets for Art Bash go on sale in June. For more information visit, ago.ca/art-bash-2025.
A Legacy of Growth and Generosity
The AGO’s evolution over the past 125 years is a testament to the generosity and support of its community. The museum’s first acquisition in 1906, E. A. Hornel’s oil painting, The Captive Butterfly (1905), was a gift from local supporters. In 1911, the AGO found a permanent home at the Grange, thanks to a bequest by Harriet Boulton Smith. Today, the AGO boasts an international reputation, featuring collections such as the largest public assembly of Henry Moore sculptures, the renowned J.S. McLean Centre for Indigenous & Canadian Art, the Thomson European Collection, and works from Global Africa and the Diaspora.
Looking to the Future
As the Art Gallery of Ontario celebrates this milestone, it also looks forward to future developments. The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, designed by Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects, and Two Row Architect, is currently under construction. This expansion will add 40,000 square feet of gallery space, enhancing the display of modern and contemporary art, with an anticipated opening in 2027.
Join the Celebration
Tickets for the 125th-anniversary events are available now. For more information on the celebrations and to purchase tickets, visit the AGO’s official website.
