So Long AGO

Transformation AGO will soon be entering the final stages of its expansion project, estimated to finish sometime in mid-2008. But before the AGO closes its doors in order to begin reinstalling over 5,000 pieces of art into 110 galleries, they will be offering free admission to the public for its closing weekend this October 6 and 7.

This will be your final opportunity to view the four exhibitions that have been on display since earlier this summer, all of which close on October 7. The Medieval and Renaissance Treasures from the Victoria and Albert Museum features 35 artifacts, ranging from 300 A.D. to 1600 A.D.; while Bernini in Focus includes the largest bronze sculpture, "Corpus," by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The works of several of India's leading contemporary artists are showcased in Hungry God: Indian Contemporary Art; and artifacts of North American First Nations, ranging from everyday objects to the ceremonial, can be found in Treasures of the Tsimshian from the Dundas Collection.

Though the AGO will be closed for some time, there are still AGO-related activities available to adults and children. The Gallery School, at its temporary location (60 McCaul Street), will continue to offer a slew of studio programs for artists and non-artists alike. But if you still think you're going to be suffering from some withdrawal symptoms, you can check out highlights from the AGO's permanent collection online by navigating through the innovative and interactive website, Collection X.

And if you're really, really interested, you can also keep up to date with the AGO's construction process via their two web cameras, one facing north-west, the other, south-west.

Gallery hours for both October 6 and 7 are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Photo by Bitpicture from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.