Constructing the Future of Canadian Art: Beam Signing at the AGO

With the signing of the final beam, EllisDon has marked an important milestone on the Art Gallery of Ontario’s (AGO) expansion; a moment that reflects not just progress on site, but a deep, long‑standing relationship with one of Canada’s most cherished cultural institutions.

EllisDon first worked on the AGO, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, in the early 2000s, supporting a major transformation that reshaped the gallery’s presence in the city. That project helped lay the foundation for a relationship rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to public space and culture. 

More than two decades later, EllisDon has been trusted again to build to at the heart of the city many of our people call home. Now known as the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, the expansion reflects the continuity of that relationship and the care required to deliver complex work within an active, beloved public institution.

“For many of our people, coming back to the AGO feels deeply personal,” said Joe Bechberger, Senior Vice President, Operations, EllisDon. “Some of us remember the original transformation and the pride that came with it. To return years later and be part of the gallery’s next chapter is incredibly meaningful. The beam singing is a moment to recognize the teams behind the scenes and reflect on what it means to help strengthen a place that plays such an important role in Toronto’s cultural life.”

Building Above a Living Gallery

From the outset, this project was guided by a deep respect for the space, and for the art, people, and experiences it supports every day. Expanding within and above an active gallery required construction to be carefully planned so it would not disrupt visitors or the day-to-day life of the AGO.

Working within tight site conditions, teams carefully sequenced construction around live building systems to maintain an uninterrupted gallery experience. Protecting the AGO’s priceless collection remained paramount, with continuous monitoring and coordination allowing major structural work to proceed safely above occupied spaces.

Designed for Longevity, Sustainability, and Community

Designed by a collaborative team including Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects, and Two Row Architect, the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is envisioned to serve both present and future generations. The expansion will:

• Have achieved net zero carbon certification, operate without burning fossil fuels, and be built to the Bizot Green Protocol.
• Provide adaptable, flexible gallery spaces that can evolve alongside new forms of art and media
• Reflect Toronto’s diversity, creating space for contemporary voices that speak to the city and its communities
• Be grounded in Indigeneity, guided by an Indigenous Advisory Circle led by Two Row Architect, with Indigenous involvement continuing beyond opening
  

Precision When It Mattered Most

Some of the most important work on the project happened quietly, behind the scenes. One such moment involved a carefully coordinated overnight effort to adjust critical cooling infrastructure—work that had to be completed within a narrow window.

Any delay could have put temperature sensitive artworks at risk. Thanks to careful preparation and close teamwork, the work was completed successfully, and the gallery never had to close.

Collaboration at the Core

Delivering a project of this nature required close collaboration across EllisDon’s teams, united by a shared goal: protecting the gallery, its collection, and enhancing the visitor experience while shaping something new above it.

From early planning through execution, teams worked closely across disciplines to keep the gallery open and welcoming throughout the expansion. This collective approach, bringing together diverse expertise, partners, and the gallery itself, was essential to advancing the project with care and confidence.

While the beam signing marks a ceremonial milestone, it also represents something deeper: a shared history, enduring trust, and a collective belief in the value of cultural spaces. It reflects what is possible when long‑standing relationships, expertise, and care for community come together to help shape the future of Canadian art.