The Art Gallery of Ontario has been added to the Toronto CityPASS program, expanding visitor access to one of Canada's preeminent cultural institutions. CityPASS, the first bundled attraction ticketing program in North America, offers significant savings on combined admission to top attractions across 17 major cities in the United States and Canada. This partnership represents a strategic expansion of cultural offerings available through the popular tourism program.
The AGO is one of North America's largest art museums with a collection of more than 120,000 works spanning cutting-edge contemporary art, significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists, and European masterpieces. The museum presents wide-ranging exhibitions and programs, including solo exhibitions and acquisitions by diverse and underrepresented artists from around the world. Highlights include the world's largest public collection of Henry Moore sculptures, Peter Paul Rubens' The Massacre of the Innocents, Pablo Picasso's La misereuse accroupie from his Blue Period, and Yayoi Kusama's immersive installation INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM - LET'S SURVIVE FOREVER.
This addition matters because it makes world-class art more financially accessible to both tourists and local residents. Toronto CityPASS tickets save travelers up to 38% on prepaid admission to five of the city's top attractions in one mobile ticket. The program now includes admission to CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, plus a choice of three of the following attractions: Royal Ontario Museum, City Cruises Toronto, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Tickets cost $134.96 CAD for adults and $99.96 CAD for children ages 4-12, excluding tax, and are valid for nine consecutive days.
The timing coincides with the AGO's seventh expansion since its founding in 1900. When completed in 2027, the new Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will increase exhibition space for the museum's growing modern and contemporary collection. This expansion, combined with the CityPASS partnership, positions the AGO for increased visitation and broader public engagement.
Beyond the permanent collection, the AGO offers programming for all ages and interests, from live performances to talks, and is open late every Wednesday and Friday until 9 p.m. The Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre provides family activities, while mobile Art Carts bring themed art-making activities into the gallery every weekend. Seasonal programs combine storytelling, artmaking, and performances, with dining options ranging from art-inspired prix-fixe meals to coffee and high tea.
"The Art Gallery of Ontario is an essential cultural destination, and we're pleased to welcome it to the Toronto CityPASS program," said Megan Allen, president and CEO of City Pass, Inc. "This partnership reinforces our mission to make world-class experiences more affordable, accessible and convenient for travelers." Mobile tickets are available at citypass.com, and ticketholders can use the My CityPASS app to access tickets, view attraction details, special offers, upgrades, and more. City Pass, Inc. offers a 365-day return policy on non-activated tickets.
The inclusion of a major cultural institution like the AGO in the CityPASS program has implications for both the tourism industry and cultural accessibility. For the tourism sector, it represents a more comprehensive cultural offering that may attract visitors specifically interested in arts and museums. For local residents, it provides an affordable way to experience multiple Toronto attractions, potentially increasing cultural participation. The partnership also supports the AGO's mission of accessibility during a period of physical expansion, creating new pathways for public engagement with one of Canada's most significant art collections.
