McMichael Canadian Art Collection picks architect for museum expansion

"The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, home to one of the world's foremost collections of Canadian and Indigenous art, revealed today plans for a "transformative redevelopment" of its campus in Kleinburg, Ontario, led by the Toronto-based architectural firm Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA). The revitalisation marks the first major investment in the McMichael, the only museum in Canada dedicated exclusively to Canadian art, in more than 40 years."

"The McMichael's communications director Grace Johnstone tells The Art Newspaper that while the province of Ontario announced up to C$50m ($35.7m) in funding for the project in April, contingent on matching support from the federal government and private donors, following on the heels of a C$25m ($17.9m) investment from the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings in March, "there has been no further funding since April". The museum is still seeking additional funding for the project, she added."

"Spread over 100 acres in rural Kleinburg, the McMichael's property comprises the museum's 85,000-sq.-ft main building-which features a permanent collection of more than 6,500 works by Canadian artists-as well as walking trails, a sculpture garden and even a cemetery for six members of the Group of Seven. In 1965, the Group of Seven collectors Robert and Signe McMichael formally donated their art and their Kleinburg property to the government of Ontario to establish an art museum."

McMichael Canadian Art Collection will undertake a transformative redevelopment of its Kleinburg campus led by Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA). The project is the first major investment in the museum dedicated exclusively to Canadian art in over 40 years. The province pledged up to C$50m contingent on matching federal and private support, following a C$25m federal investment through Green and Inclusive Community Buildings. Museum leadership announced the plan during the Art Toronto fair while hosting a fundraiser. The 100-acre site includes an 85,000-square-foot main building with more than 6,500 works, walking trails, a sculpture garden and a Group of Seven cemetery. Additional funding remains necessary.

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