Aga Khan Museum, Art museum in North York, Toronto, Canada
The Aga Khan Museum is an art institution in North York, Toronto, displaying over 1,200 objects spanning ten centuries, including ceramics, metalwork and paintings from Islamic cultures worldwide. The building of pale granite and glass surrounds a central courtyard and offers large exhibition spaces as well as a cinema hall.
The institution opened its doors in 2014 after the originally planned London location was moved to Toronto and Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed the building on the former Bata Shoes site. The collection builds on the private holdings of the Aga Khan family and has been expanded through targeted acquisitions.
The permanent collection displays objects from different periods of Islamic art, including the Bellerive Room with Persian ceramics from Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan's holdings. Visitors see manuscripts, carpets and textiles that reflect life and craftsmanship across regions from Spain to China.
The institution sits on Wynford Drive and is easily reached by public transport, with the nearest subway station a short bus ride away. Temporary exhibitions, workshops and performances take place throughout the year, so checking the current program before visiting is worthwhile.
The museum grounds share a 6.8-hectare park with the Ismaili Centre, designed by Lebanese landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic and featuring water basins and shaded pathways. On warm days the outdoor areas invite lingering and form a quiet connection between the two institutions.
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