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View a short visual and audio presentation on the history of Toronto's art collection.

Visit Toronto's Art Collection

When the City of Toronto amalgamated in 1998, it inherited a legacy of fine art that dates from the middle of the 19th century to the present. The former municipalities had made commitments to acquire and display fine art; each municipal collection was guided and cared for by professional staff and citizen advisory boards. The new City of Toronto now enjoys the benefit of an extensive art collection held in the public interest under the stewardship of curatorial staff in Arts Services. Today, over 2,000 moveable works of art, including paintings, sculptures, water colours, prints and drawings form the basis of this cultural legacy.

Public display of the art collection is one of its primary objectives and to this end the majority of the collection is on display in public areas of City Hall and civic centres, including meeting rooms and offices of council members and senior management staff. Works from the collection are also on public display in other civic buildings such as arts centres, community centres and offices. Access to the collection for research, reproduction, and loan is co-ordinated through the Market Gallery which also administers the acquisition program. At this time, we rely on donations to enhance our collection.

The Market Gallery

Located in the historic South St. Lawrence Market, on the second floor in the 19th century Toronto City Council chamber (1845-1899), the Market Gallery features changing exhibitions on Toronto's art, culture and history.

Fine Art Collection

(click images enlarge)

See also

• See also Public Art Collection
• The 5 Distinct Tours of Outdoor Public Art Download Brochure: Public Art - Driving Tour (PDF)

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