Gallery Guidelines

Visiting the AGO is easy and fun, especially if you avoid carting in the stuff these unfortunate people have brought along. By not following their example, you’ll avoid lines at coat check, have more time in the galleries, have more energy because you’re not burdened like a packhorse – and you’ll be helping us to protect the artworks for tomorrow’s visitors.

1. Backpacks are great for school, travel and shopping but – as anyone who has ridden a crowded streetcar knows – they extend your personal space, and that puts artwork at risk despite your best intentions. We’ll check any backpacks for free, but can’t promise there won’t be a lineup.

2. Computer bags are becoming as common as drops in the TSX. Consider leaving yours at home, or be prepared to check it unless the bag measures 45 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm (18 x 16 x 6 inches) or less. And who wants to carry around a measuring tape anyway?

3. Foodies take note: we love food too. We serve some great food in our FRANK restaurant and casual café. But bringing food into the art gallery spaces only makes rodents and insects happy … because once they’re done eating the crumbs, they start on the art!

4. Coffee spills. You know it. We know it. Art hates it. Floors hate it. Enjoy your coffee before entering the Gallery, and we can then talk about more interesting things when you get here.

5. Umbrellas – especially the ones that don’t fold up – are hazards to art, particularly in tight gallery spaces. Dripping umbrellas also create slipping hazards for others. Save you big umbrellas for the golf course. Although we’ll check umbrellas for free, avoid the hassle by bringing fold-up versions that fit discreetly in your pocket.

6. Big purses are making a comeback. Fashion rules but, like computer bags or other parcels, if your bag measures more than 45 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm (18 x 16 x 6 inches), it has to be checked. Consider starting a trend back to clutches.

7. Water is like coffee and dripping umbrellas. Stow yours away and use our many convenient water fountains.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you soon.