Art Gallery of Ontario

Frank Gehry · Toronto · 1900

Art Gallery of Ontario
Hidden Gem

A billowing cloud of aluminum and wood that turns a simple ice rink into a heavenly sculpture.

Art museum in Toronto, Canada.

Featured in Frank Gehry's definitive monograph, Building Art: Life and Work of Frank Gehry.

Visitor Guide

Visitor Tip

The second floor features a transparent viewing area with 20-foot long windows that can be opened to the rinks.

Best Photo Spot

The front plaza, where the yellow and purple painted stripes lead directly to the gray, acid-washed aluminum entrance.

Access & Hours

Open for public skating, figure skating, and youth hockey. Skate rentals are available; checking the schedule is recommended.

Insider Note

Gehry used custom glulam timber beams inside to achieve a 'warm' atmosphere that recalls traditional ship-building techniques.

Time Needed

1-2 hours

Design & Structure

Double-CurvedFreeformShell Structure
Computational Process

Frank Gehry Associates modified the roof system from steel to wood to stay within budget while maintaining the sculptural form.

Materiality

Acid-washed aluminum panels on the exterior, custom glulam timber beams and plywood on the interior.

Structural Innovation

The saddle-shaped roof uses southern yellow pine glulam girders that span 116 feet to create the rink's curvilinear shape.

See Together

Buildings that pair well with Art Gallery of Ontario — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed Art Gallery of Ontario?+

Art Gallery of Ontario was designed by Frank Gehry and completed in 1900. It is located in Toronto, Canada.

Where is Art Gallery of Ontario located?+

Art Gallery of Ontario is located in Toronto, Canada. Its coordinates are 43.6536°, -79.3928°.

When was Art Gallery of Ontario built?+

Art Gallery of Ontario was completed in 1900. It was designed by Frank Gehry.

Can I visit Art Gallery of Ontario?+

Art Gallery of Ontario is a real building in Toronto that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.