This is what the ROM's new outdoor plaza and performance space looks like (PHOTOS)

The Royal Ontario Museum is finally ready to open its new outdoor plaza and performance space that’s set along Yorkville’s Bloor Street.

Construction for the project first began in 2018, and it officially opens this Wednesday, August 21, providing museum visitors and the public with another way to enjoy the ROM.

See also:

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Titled the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and the Reed Family Plaza, the new addition is part of the Museum’s Welcome Project, an ongoing effort to “enhance the ROM’s presence on the Bloor Street corridor.”

Featuring garden-side seating and an open-air performance space that will host live music and theatre performances, the new terrace and plaza are located on Bloor Street and overlook Philosopher’s Walk.

According to the museum, the outdoor gathering space offers “an inviting new place for people to meet and relax in the heart of the city.”

Designed by Toronto architect Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects, the project will span 5,500 sq. ft. and was made possible by contributions from Helga Schmidt, and Nita and Don Reed.

This is what the beautiful new space looks like:

ROM View South/Matt Forsythe

The Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and Reed Family Plaza/Matt Forsythe

Donor recognition of The Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace/Wanda Dobrowlanski

View North/Hariri Pontarini Architects

You can be one of the first to experience the plaza and gardens and the official opening today.

Visitors can enjoy free live entertainment on the terrace from 12 pm to 3 pm, starting August 21, and every Saturday and Sunday throughout September.