Ontario Investing $35 Million to Expand Art Gallery of Ontario

TORONTO — The Ontario government is protecting Canadian culture and identity by investing $35 million in new capital funding over two years to support the Art Gallery of Ontario’s (AGO’s) expansion project, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery. Announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, this new funding will support at least 13 new galleries across five floors, ensuring the gallery continues to showcase world-class artists from Canada and around the world.

“Through decades of innovation and artistic excellence, the AGO has earned its place as a world-class cultural institution, inspiring, educating and entertaining visitors from near and far,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By supporting the AGO’s Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery expansion project, our government is protecting a true Ontario cultural treasure and strengthening its long-term success.”

The new Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery represents a significant expansion at the AGO that will help the gallery welcome up to 120,000 additional visitors annually. With construction expected to be completed by Fall 2027, the project will expand the museum’s gallery space by 40,000 square feet, increasing the total space to display art by 30 per cent. The design features column-free galleries of various sizes and heights, offering flexible spaces that can shift from large, open spaces to multiple intimate galleries, depending on programming needs.

Combined with additional federal and private-sector funding, this $35-million provincial investment will unlock the full potential of this transformational project, supporting nearly 800 good-paying jobs and contributing $100 million to Ontario’s GDP.

“We must continue to leverage every competitive advantage Ontario has in order to build a resilient economy for future generations, including our growing tourism sector and the millions of visitors that our province’s cultural heritage attracts every year,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “This $35-million capital investment towards the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary gallery expansion project will not only help prepare the AGO for growing attendance numbers and greater revenues, but it will help ensure Ontario continues to be a hub for culture and tourism that draws visitors from around the world and fuels our local economies.”

The 2026 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario outlines how the government is advancing its plan to protect Ontario by making the province one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7, while building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.

Quick Facts

• The Art Gallery of Ontario receives public funding through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, and is one of the largest art museums in North America.
• Earlier this month, the Ontario government announced an additional $21 million per year in operating funding for the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum to ensure these two cultural icons continue to deliver world-class exhibitions, programming and activities for visitors of all ages and interests for decades to come.
• The Government of Canada is investing $25 million in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
• From the Group of Seven to Henry Moore and Yayoi Kusama, the AGO’s collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Canadian and Indigenous artists, and European masterpieces.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to support the AGO in this next step as they expand their ability to showcase the best of Ontario artists to the world. Through this historic investment, we are equipping the gallery to welcome an additional 120,000 visitors annually while creating good paying jobs that will grow our economy.”

– Caroline Mulroney
President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs

“The AGO is one of Canada’s great public institutions and deeply deserving of this investment. This expansion creates the space a world class gallery needs to share more modern and contemporary art with everyone. I’m grateful to Premier Ford and Minister Cho for believing in that vision and supporting public art.”

– Dani Reiss
Chairman and CEO, Canada Goose

“This expansion is for Ontario and the world. It is gallery space with every square foot dedicated for the public to experience great modern and contemporary art. Thank you to the Ontario government, our largest supporter, for matching a leading investment from Dani Reiss. This extraordinary public and private partnership is our gift to future generations.”

– Stephan Jost
Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario

“With this expansion, we’re not just growing our space—we’re expanding what’s possible. Thank you to the Ontario government for strengthening the AGO to make room for more art, more stories, more connection and more possibility.”

– Beth Horowitz and Liza Mauer
Co-Presidents, AGO Board of Trustees