Art Gallery of Ontario

• E.P. Taylor Research Library and Archives

• Arts Organization

The AGO Archives document the history of the Gallery since 1900, and of The Grange house since 1820. Popular series include exhibition files, publicity scrapbooks (documenting Gallery exhibitions and all other activity), architectural plans, photographs, records of the Gallery School, and correspondence (with art dealers, artists, collectors, and scholars). Because of the regularity with which several artists’ groups held exhibitions at the Gallery, the archives are a rich resource for research into the activities of the Group of Seven, the Canadian Group of Painters, the Ontario Society of Artists, and others.

The Special Collections are one of the most important concentrations of archival material on the visual arts in Canada. There are over 120 individual collections, ranging in date from the early 19th century to the present day, and documenting major artists, art dealers and collectors, artist-run galleries, and other people and organizations who have shaped the Canadian art world.

Open by appointment Tuesday-Friday 10am to 4:45 pm, plus Wednesday evenings during the academic year (September-June) until 8:00 pm.

All Archives and Special Collections researchers need to register, which involves supplying your contact information and agreeing to abide by the reading room rules.

The AGO is wheelchair accessible. Street-level access to the AGO is available through our Group Entrance, open during all public hours. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to visitors on a first-come first-served basis or may be reserved in advance of your visit.
The door to the Research Library & Archives is not wheelchair accessible, but staff are available to assist.

Researchers are welcome to use their own digital cameras to make reproductions for research use only.
Photocopying facilities are available.

Our reading room is equipped with Wifi and electrical outlets at each table. Three computer workstations are available for use in the general reference area.

August 8, 2013

• Engels