A well-known gallery, which started as a private residence nestled in a beautiful wooded area just outside Toronto, is set to shut its doors for up to three years.
Last year, the province revealed that the Mc Michael Canadian Art Collection, a large gallery that’s been around for 70 years in the Vaughan village of Kleinburg, would be undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation to add more space, studios, event facilities, and even a brand-new theatre.
In the fall of last year, it was announced that Hariri Pontarini Architects from Toronto would handle the redevelopment of the space. This week, officials shared that the gallery will be closed while extensive work is completed on-site.
Lobby rendering
“This summer marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Mc Michael,” said operators on the official website.
“On July 26, 2026, we will close our doors to undertake a transformative redevelopment-one that will enhance how we care for the collection, expand our exhibitions and programs, and improve the experience for every visitor who walks through our doors.
This is a significant investment in the Mc Michael and the communities we serve, and we can’t wait to share what’s ahead.”
The gallery indicated that although there are no specific timelines yet available, they anticipate welcoming visitors back to the refreshed gallery by 2029.
The Mc Michael stated that work expected to kick off later this month includes upgrading essential systems and expanding spaces dedicated to exhibitions, education, dining, and events. There are also plans to enhance collection storage along with adding more accessible and inclusive amenities as part of this redevelopment project.
The gallery emphasized that since it hasn’t had any major renovations in over four decades, it’s well overdue for an update.
Once home to art collectors Robert and Signe Mc Michael, this gallery is now Canada’s largest publicly funded institution focused on Canadian and Indigenous art.
Sitting on 100 acres of conservation land overlooking the East Humber River Valley, this facility features not only a sculpture garden but also a restaurant and event spaces. It houses over 7,000 artworks by Tom Thomson, members of the Group of Seven alongside First Nations artists as well as Métis and Inuit creators among others.
The revitalization plan was first announced in 2025 when Ontario’s government committed up to $50 million toward it. A news release from the gallery also noted that Canada’s federal government has promised up to $25 million via its Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
A spokesperson mentioned that overall costs for this project are projected at $150 million with contributions coming from both federal/provincial governments along with private donations.
The expansion aims to turn this location into a world-class destination for art lovers.
“This once-in-a-generation renewal supported by substantial investments from both levels of government plus philanthropic partners will transform Mc Michael into a world-class museum fit for the 21st century-a hub of accessibility as well as environmental sustainability combined with artistic excellence,” stated representatives in their release.
Originally constructed in the 1950s, this gallery has evolved into one of Ontario’s leading arts destinations welcoming hundreds of thousands over time.
According to information on Mc Michael Gallery’s official site , co-founders’ collection became so extensive they offered it-and their home plus land-to provincial authorities back in 1965. The gallery officially opened its doors during summer months in 1966.
The site notes too that renowned painter A. Y. Jackson-who was one founding member among Group of Seven-spent his final years living within Mc Michaels’ residence; there’s also an intimate cemetery where six Group members (Arthur Lismer , Frederick Varley , Lawren Harris , Frank Johnston , A. J. Casson & Jackson) rest peacefully today.
Additively Robert & Signe themselves lie here eternally too.
The updated design led by HPA shall honor site’s heritage while “expanding modernity meeting diverse needs audiences faced at present day”.
All renderings courtesy from original source : Mc Michael Canadian Art Collection.
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