Once the City of Toronto announced it was entering Phase 2 of COVID reopening, the AGO quickly readied itself to reopen to the public on July 2. With precautionary measures in place (timed tickets, mandatory masks, limited capacity for each gallery, no bench seating, among others) the AGO welcomed back members and volunteers to explore the space they have been missing since the building shut down in March.

A number of volunteers attended over the first several days of July, reporting a positive experience overall. Here are some of their comments:

Gavin O’Hara (Thursday GG): It was great to get back into the building and see so many old friends (absolutely the staff, but also some of the works that I’ve grown to know and love). When I arrived, it felt like I was passing through a space where the lights had been turned off 3 months ago and had just been turned back on. I was able to visit all the open floors.

For the most part, it was easy to get around the gallery without having to breach the physical distancing guidelines. If there was a bottleneck, it was in the area leading to the Arbus exhibition. I think this was a result of the 5-person limit placed on the first area of that exhibit. Interestingly enough, I didn’t see the same issue with Illusions, although they were using a different approach to managing the flow (in this case, there was one staff person at the entrance and one in the first room and it was a “one-out, one-in” arrangement).

If there was one area where the removal of seating could be an issue, it might be for the Reihana In Pursuit of Venus [infected] video. Some of our older patrons or those with mobility issues that might find standing for 30 minutes or more very uncomfortable. 

On the fourth floor, it was odd to hear the audio from the Farmer and Huyghes videos, but not be able to go in to see them. Makes for an interesting soundtrack to the room (😉).

On the main floor, we’ve blocked off access to the Tanenbaum Atrium for the installation of a Haegue Yang piece, so there’s no access to get close to the Rodins. They’ve installed a thick dark curtain in the opening from the Dutch Room to the Atrium. It was surprising to see the impact of losing the outside light in that room. It’s a more somber experience for the time being. 

Louisa Yue-Chan (Friday evening IG): So great to be back!! A lot was familiar but there was much change too. You’ll note the signage all over the place – floor, walls, stair risers and numerous freestanding signs too. I felt quite safe as far as social distancing goes. Only once did I have to turn around because the gallery was already at capacity (5 for that one). Thanks to my mask no one saw the silly grin I had on my face for being back in the AGO again!!

I knew Diane Arbus and Illusions were extended but was pleasantly surprised to see Karoo Ashevak was still there! My one disappointment was that Picasso’s nude drawing is down – that piece took my breath away when I first noticed it because it was so unexpected (for me) of Picasso! I think there’s a Renoir on that wall now,though I’m not 100% sure.

Mona Eb (Friday GG): It was really quiet – I think not even 10 visitors in the whole building. It was also 11 in the morning and the first day of opening, otherwise my guess is it could have been busier. It was a bittersweet feeling – I was excited to be there but it was so quiet and of course different. There was some chairs put in Walker Court but all the other ones were removed. Most places were open and there was a line up as I was leaving for the photography exhibition!

Clari Kloezeman Thornton: I went for the volunteer invitation. It was like coming home. I brought a friend and I shared with her some of my favourite oddities – a tour of one. Felt great! I do so hope we get to do tours again.

Sharon Sheppard (Saturday GG): I went on July 2nd early in the morning. I didn’t take any photos. What struck me was how quiet it was. My GG shift is on Saturdays and I was not prepared for the lack of people. However, it was so GOOD to get back into the gallery and see art up close and in person. Would be nice if our patrons could share their thoughts and photos on some sort of virtual guest book.

Have you got a story to share? You can post to the AGO Volunteer Facebook page! We may feature you in an upcoming post!