Ontario Investing $21 Million to Support the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum
Press Release
April 23, 2026
Government significantly increasing annual funding to protect two of the province’s most important cultural icons
TORONTO — The Ontario government is protecting Canadian culture and identity by investing an additional $21 million per year in operating funding support for the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, this new funding will ensure these two cultural icons continue to deliver world-class exhibitions, programming and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
“AGO and ROM are world-class institutions that attract visitors from home and abroad with their innovative programming,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government is proud to invest in their long-term success. By providing critical funding to these national treasures, we are protecting our invaluable tourism and cultural sectors and ensuring they remain must-visit world-class attractions for years to come.”
Among the world’s premier art galleries and museums, the AGO and ROM collectively welcome nearly 1.8 million visitors from across Canada and the world every year. This new annual investment marks the first permanent increase in provincial operating funding for these institutions in nearly 20 years. It brings total government operating support to nearly $70 million annually, helping to ensure both cultural institutions have the stability needed to offer more world-class programming and bring more unique travelling exhibitions to the people of Ontario.
“The AGO is proud to welcome the world to experience great art. Our extraordinary collections, exhibitions and programs reflect the people who live here, and our strength as Ontarians,” said Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario. “The AGO community is over 237,000 members and Annual Pass holders strong. This foundational funding from the Ontario government strengthens our collection, supports our team of professionals and ensures that our programs are accessible. Thank you, Ontario, for believing in the power of art and culture.”
This new funding builds on other recent government actions to support Canadian heritage and culture, including investing $50 million over three years to update and expand the McMichael Canadian Art Collection facility and grounds in Kleinburg.
“We are profoundly grateful to Premier Ford, Minister Bethlenfalvy and Minister Cho for their support of ROM and its mission,” said Yoke Chung, ROM Interim Co-Director and CEO. “With this additional funding, ROM can continue to showcase its world-class collections and deliver exceptional visitor experiences, affirming the Museum as a dynamic hub of learning for all Ontarians.”
The 2026 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario outlines how the government is advancing its plan to protect Ontario by making the province one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7, while building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.
Quick Facts
- An architectural landmark, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America. From the Group of Seven to Henry Moore and Yayoi Kusama, the AGO’s collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.
- Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum showcases art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages. Today, ROM houses more than 18 million objects, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary sculpture, from meteorites to dinosaurs. ROM is Canada’s preeminent field research institute, the most-visited museum in the country, and one of the top ten museums in North America.
Quotes
“As Ontario continues to become an increasingly attractive tourist destination for visitors from around the world, it is more important than ever to sustain the many cultural spaces that Ontarians and Canadians hold dear. That is why our government is making critical investments in the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum, to ensure that our province’s most iconic cultural spaces are well-equipped to welcome more visitors, grow their collections and help drive Ontario’s economy.”
– Peter Bethlenfalvy
Minister of Finance
“The Province of Ontario is the AGO’s biggest and most important funder. Thank you for this critical partnership in support of the people of Ontario. Culture brings people together and we are so grateful to the province for its support of great Canadian art and artists.”
– Beth Horowitz and Liza Mauer
Co-Presidents, AGO Board of Trustees
“The Ontario government’s additional support is a testament to the increased importance of iconic Canadian institutions and the Museum’s singular value to tourism and culture. I am thankful to Minister Stan Cho for his leadership and ongoing commitment to ROM.”
– Andrew MacLeod
Chair, ROM Board of Trustees
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Media Contacts
Scott Clark
Minister Cho’s Office
Scott.Clark@ontario.ca
Sarah Chapin
Minister Bethlenfalvy’s Office
Sarah.Chapin@ontario.ca
Denelle Balfour
Communications Branch
MTCG.media@Ontario.ca
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