May 1, 2000
Matthew Teitelbaum, director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario,Ken Thomson and Frank Gehry meet for the first time to discuss theconcept of Transformation AGO.
March 19, 2002
Province of Ontario announces its support of $24 million for Transformation AGO.
May 31, 2002
Government of Canada announces its support of $24 million for Transformation AGO.
November 19, 2002
AGO officially launches the Transformation AGO project withthe announcement of Ken Thomson’s gift of his private art collectionand a cash donation of $70 million. Frank Gehry is announced as thearchitect for the project.
January 22, 2003
AGO hosts the first Transformation AGO Open House for the public. More than 2,400 people attend.
December 17, 2003
AGO announces unveiling of the Transformation AGO schematic design and launches the Transformation AGO wordmark.
January 28, 2004
Frank Gehry unveils his schematic design for Transformation AGO.
May – August 2004
AGO engages in a community consultation process through a Transformation AGO Working Group consisting of local neighbours to help refine design development.
October 27, 2004
City Council approves the project without debate.
June 1, 2005
Construction begins. AGO main entrance moves from Dundas Street to McCaul Street for the duration of the construction period.
June 7, 2005
AGO officially launches the Transformation AGO campaign. A total of $180 million in donations is announced, bringing the campaign to 70 per centof its $254-million goal.
February 23, 2006
AGO President Charles Baillie and his wife Marilyn increase donationto $5 million. The AGO’s new hosting centre will be named Baillie Court.
March 23, 2006
Province of Ontario announces an additional $15 million in funding for Transformation AGO, bringing total funds raised to $198 million.
May 8, 2006
Richard and Elizabeth Currie make a $2-million gift to Transformation AGO to endow the position of director of Education and Public Programming.
June 6, 2006
A $4-million bequest from the estate of David Y. Hodgson creates theDavid Yuile and Mary Elizabeth Hodgson Fund for the acquisition ofcontemporary art.
The AGO surpasses its endowment goal of $35 million by $2.3 million.
The AGO reaches 83 per cent of its fundraising goal; total funds raised $211.4 million.
June 12, 2006
AGO benefactor and catalyst for Transformation AGO Ken Thomson passes away at the age of 83.
April 4, 2007
The AGO announces a significant gift of $10 million from prominentmembers of the Italian community, bringing total funds raised to $225million. In recognition of this contribution, the AGO names itssculpture promenade Galleria Italia.
March 2008
The official public opening date of the transformed AGO is announced. On Nov. 14, 2008, the new AGO will open with three days of free access.
June 2008
The AGO announces it has achieved its original campaign goal of $254 million five months before opening and boldly increases the goal to $276 million for additional enhancements.
November 9 to 11, 2008
The AGO welcomes its members to the new Gallery for three days of exclusive previews.
November 14 to 16, 2008
The transformed AGO opens its doors to the public with three days of free admission and extended weekend hours.