This is Toronto. There is no limit to what’s possible in the most dynamic, culturally-diverse, vibrant, creative place in the world.
Frum Family donates $50M masterpiece to the AGO
After two years of intrigue, poker-faced negotiating and scholarly sleuthing, the Art Gallery of Ontario has landed a spectacular prize: Corpus, a full-length, life-size crucifixion sculpture by the Italian Old Master Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
This rare Baroque treasure was cast in 1650, and is said to be worth $50 million in the current art market, and is further distinguished by the fact that the artist created it expressly for himself. Bernini, generally considered the greatest sculptor of the 17th century, created it for himself and held onto it for 25 years. Corpus had gone missing for a long time and was in the hands of a French collector who thought the artist unknown. Corpus is one of the largest bronzes by Bernini, measuring approximately 5 feet, 6 inches, and is one of the most significant Old Masters works still in private hands.
In January 2007, Toronto real estate developer Murray Frum negotiated to buy the sculpture from an art dealer in the United States and donated the sculpture to the Art Gallery of Ontario. Frum’s generosity towards the AGO is well documented – he has already donated more than 80 pieces of primitive African sculpture to the Art Gallery of Ontario.
To be unveiled in June at the AGO as part of its summer exhibition, Corpus will become the second Bernini sculpture in the Gallery’s permanent collection. More »
Driving into Canada? New ID requirements are in effect.
Effective January 31, 2008, American visitors crossing the border by land (car, bus, train) or sea require either a valid passport or both of the following: a government-issued ID with photo, such as a driver’s license and proof of citizenship to re-enter the United States. American visitors travelling by air require a valid passport to re-enter the United States. Children 15 years of age are now required to show proof of citizenship (a certified copy of their birth certificate is acceptable). They are not required to show photo ID.
For more information on travel security and border procedures, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security web site. More »
For your viewing pleasure - Imagine Toronto: the creative city.
Video killed the radio star, but it brought the city to life. Created and scored by local artists and inspired by the places people gather in our the creative city, Imagine Toronto will release your imagination, and allow you to see the city’s neighbourhoods, art, architecture and people through our eyes. If you are seated comfortably, we shall begin. View video » (5MB)
Toronto Zoo wins CAZA Award for Species Recovery
In 1998 there were only 80 marmots left in the world. In 1997, the Toronto Zoo joined forces with the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Team to spearhead captive breeding of this endangered species with the goal of releasing these distinctive animals back into the wild. Threatened by logging, the Vancouver Island marmots have been returned from the brink of extinction by this aggressive program that has helped increase their population by a total of 50 marmots. In recognition of this conservation initiative, the Toronto Zoo has been recognized by the Canadian Association of Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA) and shares this award with the Calgary Zoo, the Mountainview Conservation Society and the Tony Barrett Mount Washington Marmot Recovery Centre. The marmots, too, are pleased. More »
Ansel Adams at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Few can think of photography without acknowledging Ansel Adams’ sizeable contribution to the art, taking – as he called it – “…an austere and blazing poetry of the real”. Given to conservation and preservation from his connections with California’s Sierra Club, he once said of his efforts “…I hope that my work will encourage self-expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us.” The 120 Adams’ images included in this 50-year retrospective include iconic landscapes and rarely exhibited prints and runs November 18, 2006 to February 4, 2007. More »
CN Tower chosen one of world’s 200 must-see places
The Dorling Kindesley (DK) Eyewitness Travel Book has named Toronto’s CN Tower as one of the world’s 200 must-see places. Other North American sites in the guide include the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. Entries were chosen for their unique appeal, style, and international renown. Publishers Dorling Kindesley specialize in travel guides. More »
Science Centre opens challenging new space
A brand new 25,000 square foot space has opened at the Ontario Science Centre, featuring over 50 unique interactive experiences geared to teens and young adults. The new Weston Family Innovation Centre includes garbage art, fish music, a sound panel room, vibrating chair and other challenges designed to encourage skills, attitude and behaviours that enable innovation. More »
Revamped Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art fires imagination
After two years and a $20 million makeover, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art reopened on June 23, 2006. Transformed with glass and limestone by the Canadian firm of Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg architects, the Gardiner now boasts 29,000 square feet of space. Additions include a larger retail store, a glassed-in third floor with a restaurant headed by acclaimed Toronto chef Jamie Kennedy, and a Special Exhibit Gallery. Founded in 1984 by Toronto philanthropists George and Helen Gardiner to showcase their private ceramics collection, the new Gardiner opens with an exhibit of sculptures and drawings by Canadian artist Jean-Pierre Larocque. More »
Uncommon courtesy ranks Toronto in top three cities
According to a Reader’s Digest survey, Toronto is one of the most polite cities in the world. Out of 36 cities surveyed around the world, undercover testers ranked Toronto’s good manners in the same league as New York and Zurich. The informal survey used tests like dropping folders full of paper, opening doors for strangers, and soliciting thanks from store clerks. From bond traders to street artists, 70 percent of Torontonians responded courteously.
Conde Nast Traveller names Toronto hotel on Hot List
Cosmopolitan Toronto Hotel, a Zen lifestyle hotel, has been named one of the world's hottest new hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2006 - The Very Best New Hotels in the World. The list, featured in the May edition, comprises 60 hotels, and Cosmopolitan Toronto is the only Canadian hotel, and one of five North American hotels, included. The Condé Nast Traveller Hot List recognizes hotels and resorts for design, service and ambiance, making it one of the industry's most coveted designations. More »