a revitalized toronto

Published Sunday, March 26, 2006 by geo | E-mail this post

ny times: a revitalized toronto pins its hopes on the hobbits

The timing couldn't be better: Toronto is undergoing a season of unprecedented cultural growth and architectural renaissance. All over the city, entire blocks have been given over to construction projects as creative as the performances and artworks they are designed to showcase. The city's most prominent museums, art gallery, opera and theater companies are undergoing (or have recently completed) expansions costing nearly half a billion dollars. To the average Torontonian, the effect of this artistic rejuvenation is dazzling — sometimes literally so; sheer glass walls and shiny, reflective facades dominate much of the new architecture.

Doesn't it make you all fuzzy and warm inside to hear people talk about our city this way?

reading toronto / national post: the renaissance of toronto's cultural sector

Until this year, finding the public face of Toronto's culture was often a hit or miss act of faith. Insiders knew where to go to piece together a cohesive arts experience. Stories about the ROM's hidden treasures grew in scale to resemble urban myths - they tantalized but were difficult to prove unless, of course, you were either a researcher or benefactor.

I got really excited last night driving by the AGO last night trying to point out the significance of the architect to Giles—who has recently moved here—last night. It's a bit tough after a few drinks while you're looking for your favourite post-clubbing Chinese restaurant. I nearly made a visit for takeout on Friday for lunch, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it might not be as good without as much Goldschlager, vodka and scotch beforehand.