AGO SCULPTURE COURT AND HELICAL STAIR

LOST

The third of three layers of courtyards – the Tannenbaum Sculpture Atrium – was lost to the Frank Gehry designed expansion to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto.

COMPETITION WINNING

The Tannenbaum Sculpture Atrium was the grandest and most glamorous new space to result from this competition-winning scheme – Stage III Expansion – at Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario.
In addition to providing a long, light-filled space for sculpture overlooking the Grange House and park, it also created a highly useful and theatrical space for special events, soirees, ceremonial gatherings and dining as a culmination of one’s visit to the AGO.

LAUNCHING KPMB

Victory in the competition by Barton Myers Associates, where the founders of KPMB all worked, enabled Barton’s planned transition to L.A., while KPMB took over responsibility for staff, premises, and contracts in Toronto. The project was then undertaken as a joint venture, and turned out to be critical in launching the new practice, KPMB, in 1987.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL LAYERS

The plan consciously acknowledges the gallery’s incremental growth over time. In fact, the limestone wall stretching the length of the sculpture court is the early 20th century wall to the original AGO building. With soft light flooding it in the evening, it provides a magical golden glow, with light seemingly emanating from within.