The Art Gallery of Ontario is temporarily closing

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) will be closing temporarily effective 9 pm on March 13.

According to the AGO, it is closing on the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.

“At this time, we anticipate remaining closed through Sunday, April 5, aligning with the closure of all publicly-funded elementary and secondary schools and other cultural institutions in the province,” said the Gallery in a release.

On Thursday, Dr. Willliams advised all gatherings of more than 250 people to be suspended immediately.

“Taking into account today’s directive from the Chief Medical Officer of Health to immediately suspend all gatherings of more than 250 people, the AGO will be closed to the public starting tomorrow at 9 am,” said Stephan Jost, Sonja and Michael Koerner, Director and CEO. “The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors and the broader community is our utmost priority. I strongly believe the decision to temporarily close the gallery is the responsible one to make.”

Additionally, due to staffing limits during this closure, the Contact Centre will be closed.

“I am very proud of our staff and volunteers for coming together to help mitigate the  possible spread of the virus,” said Jost. “These are extraordinary circumstances and we understand how disappointing this closure and the associated cancellation of programming and events is to our community. As we work toward reopening the Gallery to the public, I invite everyone to visit our website, enjoy our online collections and continue to engage with culture through art.”

The Gallery also said the decision to close temporarily “is not cause for alarm or panic.”

“The AGO will continue to be guided by the advice of local, provincial and national public health officials, consider all government recommendations and will make decisions as needed regarding any additional measures.”