U.S. General Services Administration, Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
Washington, DC, United States
Art Gallery of Ontario, Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credit: Rendering of Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Tower, Art Gallery of Ontario. Courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects, Two Row Architect and Play-Time.
Project Summary
In 2022, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) began the design phase of an expansion project intended to increase exhibition space for the museum’s growing collection of modern and contemporary art. The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery expansion project will result in a 30% increase in net gallery space and showcase art that reflects the diversity of Toronto and speaks to the issues of our time.
Located in the northeast corner of the property, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery expansion project will consist of 14 new gallery spaces across five floors. The space is targeting CAGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Operating Certification and will be detailed to Passive House international standards, utilizing state-of-the-art insulation techniques and minimized thermal bridging to maximize heating and cooling efficiency.
The design approach is based on the principles of indigenousness, which ensures adaptability, accessibility, inclusivity, meaningful materials, and a welcoming environment.
The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is envisioned with flexibility as a core underlying principle, with new column-free galleries that will offer bright and spacious exhibition spaces. Varying ceiling heights, different-sized galleries, and convertible configurations will prompt a range of curatorial possibilities. This dynamic set of galleries will adapt to serve the needs of the next generation of artists working across disciplines.
MGAC joined the project after the design development phase and is providing project management services through completion, acting as the liaison between AGO stakeholders and the project team. The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is expected to open in 2027.
