December 1, 2025

Led by Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery has received a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence! The project increases the Art Gallery of Ontario’s gallery space by 40,000 square feet, to accommodate its growing collection of modern and contemporary art.

From the exterior, the addition quietly complements the AGO’s existing architecture, respecting the scale of the surrounding neighbourhood. It will seamlessly connect to, and be accessed by, the AGO’s existing galleries from four locations, substantially improving visitor circulation.

Inside, at least 13 new exhibition spaces of varying scale and ceiling height will span across five floors. These new column-free galleries are designed to be highly functional and flexible—adaptable as large open spaces or easily divided into a series of more intimate galleries—to accommodate to the needs of future generations of artists working across all media.

The design is grounded in Indigeneity, led by Two Row Architect and informed by ongoing consultation with Indigenous leaders and communities. These conversations have been instrumental in ensuring adaptability, accessibility, inclusivity, meaningful thresholds, and a welcoming environment that feels connected to this place. 

Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is designed to operate without burning fossil fuel, and is seeking CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Design certification, making it one of a very small number of museum spaces to accomplish this. It is being built to Bizot Green Protocol—a set of standards for climate control that are responsive to the conservation needs of artwork and reduce the use of carbon.

"The expansion of this iconic gallery—already defined by multiple additions and an expressive façade—demonstrates exceptional composure and restraint. The jury commends the new addition for establishing a distinct architectural identity, while engaging the existing structures in a complimentary dialogue. Despite its substantial scale, the disciplined massing is contextually responsive while its innovative terracotta cladding both advances the project’s ambitious environmental performance and draws intelligently on Indigenous cultural references." – Kelly Buffey, juror.

Celebrating 58 years, Canadian Architect has since 1967 sponsored an annual national awards program recognizing future projects.

Learn more about the award-winning project on Canadian Architect.