Featured Events in Toronto in January, 2025 (May Updated)

MARVEL AT THE POWER OF COLOUR IN THE NATURAL WORLD. Anywhere you look in nature, colour holds meaning. From the fiery reds of warning to the soothing blues of calm waters, Nature in Brilliant Colour will take you on a kaleidoscopic journey through the vibrant hues of our planet. Awaken your senses, and have your perception forever altered, as you make your way through a series of spaces, each dedicated to a colour of the rainbow. Through over 200 specimens, photo-worthy projections, and shifting soundscapes, this exhibition promises to be a transformative experience that will deepen appreciation for the complex artistry of our world and celebrate its vivid and untamed beauty. This exhibition was created by the Field Museum.

Inspired by traditional Chinese artwork, Cloudscape is a mesmerizing installation that blends traditional artistry with contemporary themes. Artist Xiaojing Yan masterfully crafts intricate cloud forms using paper and natural reed, evoking the essence of traditional Chinese landscape painting. This awe-inspiring work presents a complex interplay of water and cloud motifs that challenge our perception of the natural world.Immerse yourself in Yan's floating masterpiece, where each sculpted cloud tells a story of cultural heritage and environmental consciousness, and invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature.

What makes for a delightful picnic? Food and drink? Poetry? Music? A new installation offers a window into the pleasures, pastimes, and artistic heritage of Iran during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). A royal picnic, depicted on a large, treasured tile arch from the collections, is complemented by exceptional objects from the period. Gracing the Osler Gate on Level 1, a colourful tiled archway made over 350 years ago in Isfahan, Iran takes centre stage, showing picnic-goers out for an afternoon of leisure and luxury. Individual tiles reveal immaculately dressed figures relaxing, enjoying delicious food and drink, and being entertained with music, poetry, and feats of archery. Lively and cheerful, the scenes on the arch offer a wonderful glimpse into the cultural vibrancy of Iran when it was ruled by the Safavids, a Shi'a Muslim dynasty, who were great patrons of the arts and architecture, and who fostered international trade and diplomacy from Isfahan, their newly built capital city. The tile arch provides a magnificent focal point for the installation, which also showcases several stunning objects from the same period. A gorgeous lute with exquisite inlays and detail, an ornately decorated bow and arrow, a delicate swan-neck bottle, and beautifully crafted dishes - one of which carries words by medieval scholar Omar Khayyam (1048-1131) beginning with the lines: "This dish, which the intellect applauds, and on whose forehead it places a hundred kisses!" - bring the action on the tile arch to life. This beautiful collection of objects not only complements the arch scenes, but showcases the stunning artistry and intricacies of artisanal work iconic to the Safavid dynastic period. One has only to take in the physical objects to be transported to the scenes in the arch, enjoying music, poetry, food, and entertainment.

Moments in Modernismhighlights the diversity and high quality of the AGO’s modern art collection, which has been built over time by generations of museum curators and patrons. This installation will show collection strengths from artistic movements such as Pop Art, Abstraction, Realism, and Minimalism. An international approach in artistic styles will be presented, including a body of work from the AGO holdings by Brazilian artists, recognizing the global nature of modernism. A selection of contemporary works that respond to modernist movements will also be shown. Many of the artists, including Andy Warhol, Helen Frankenthaler, Jules Olitski, Gerhard Richter, and Mark Rothko are well known while others are still yet to be broadly recognized such as Tomie Ohtake, Rubem Valentim, Gene Davis and Kazuo Nakamura.A particular focus will be Canadian artists including Alex Colville, Rita Letendre, Jack Bush, Agnes Martin, Guido Molinari and Norval Morrisseau. Moments in Modernismfeatures artworks that will form the cornerstone for the expansion of the new Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, starting construction in 2024. The new building is being designed by architects Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect to showcase the AGO's growing collection of modern and contemporary art.

A prodigious collector of contemporary art, the late Phil Lind (1943-2023) was drawn to artworks that illuminated social and political histories. An enthusiastic supporter of what has since come to be known as the Vancouver school of conceptual photography, this exhibition features works by noted Vancouver-born artists Stan Douglas, Rodney Graham, Ron Terada and Jeff Wall. Complementing these lens-based works – some intimate, some large-scale light boxes, some multimedia - are paintings, photographs and sculptures by Thomas Demand, William Eggleston, Antony Gormley, Philip Guston, William Kentridge, Thomas Ruff, Laurie Simmons, Wolfgang Tillmans and Ai Weiwei. This exhibition is curated by AGO's Curator of Modern Art Adam Welch.

At the dawn of the 20th century, on both sides of the Atlantic, the human mind was of great interest to scientists, scholars, and artists alike. What does it look like, they wondered, to learn and to dream? What is the shape of imagination? This installation of 13 beloved paintings from the AGO collections of European and Canadian Art brings together dream-like landscapes, portraits of children reading, and adults lost in thought, to consider the many ways artists gave form to that intangible thing – one’s interior thoughts. Featuring examples of Realist, Impressionist, Expressionist and Symbolist art, the installation demonstrates how this pursuit helped push the bounds of traditional representation.

Exploring the many ways that the French artist James Tissot represented modern women and envisioned their relationship to time during the last decades of the nineteenth century, this exhibition presents two of the AGO’s most beloved Tissot paintings alongside a selection of more than 30 works on paper donated by Allan and Sondra Gotlieb. The contradictions of the period come alive in these works, as the quickness of modernity, exemplified by the newfound speed of travel, fashion and commodity culture, is juxtaposed against the constrained pace of women’s everyday lives, characterized by the wait to find a husband, caregiving, tending to customers or recovering from illness. Curated by Mary Hunter, Associate Professor, McGill University and by Alexa Greist, AGO Curator and R. Fraser Elliott Chair, Prints & Drawings, and Caroline Shields, AGO Curator of European Art, this exhibition illustrates the many ways that time, and a gendered understanding of it, shaped women’s identities.

From the Bader Collection at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, the AGO welcomes a remarkable selection of seventeenth century Dutch paintings. Shown in dialogue with paintings from the AGO’s European Collection of Art, at the centre of this focused installation are seven artworks attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), shown together for the first time. Featuring intensely observed still life paintings, detailed interiors and mesmerizing portraits, these striking artworks offer a rare glimpse of Dutch artistry at work. This exhibition is co-curated by Adam Harris Levine, AGO Associate Curator European Art and Suzanne van de Meerendonk, Bader Curator of European Art, Agnes Etherington Art Centre. This exhibition is co-organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen's University.

As part of our annual zodiac installation, January 29, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake (蛇), the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born under this sign are believed to be wise and charismatic. The snake rarely appears as a decorative motif in Chinese art and design, however, when depicted with a tortoise, the pair have come to symbolize the mythical creature Xuanwu (玄武, the Dark Warrior), later evolving into the god Zhenwu (真武, the Perfected Warrior). The snake and tortoise symbolize the interplay of power, wisdom, and harmony of nature. Experience an exquisite array of snake and tortoise-themed objects and cultural belongings in this specially curated zodiac case. Marvel at impressive ceramics, including a mythical double-headed serpent from the early 500s. This and much more are now on view in this unique display celebrating the powerful snake.

For more than five decades, distinguished Toronto artist Louise Noguchi has been working in sculpture, installation, photography, and video. Unifying her work is a conviction that identity is not given—but constructed—shaped by events, beliefs, and circumstance. Spotlighting Noguchi’s work in video and sculpture, the AGO’s Associate Curator of Canadian Art Renée van der Avoird brings together three works from the AGO collection. Reverberating with sound, Noguchi’s looping video workCrack(2000) sees the artist performing as an assistant in a wild-west act, holding out flowers only to have them suddenly cut down mid-air by the lash of whip. Noguchi’s large sculptural installationFruits of Belief: The Grand Landscape(1986) brings together a head, a cornucopia, and a photographic reproduction of Thomas Gainsborough’s 1770s painting,A Grand Landscape, to examine our shared relationship to nature—as something real, constructed, and imaginary. By contrast, the third work in this exhibition, Noguchi’s 1990–91 mirror sculptureEden,addresses themes of surveillance and freedom, asking: are we approaching paradise, or withdrawing from it?

An unprecedented exhibition that examines the history and legacy of Auschwitz. Created by Nazi Germany, the most significant site of the Holocaust, Auschwitz, was not a single entity. It gradually became a system of camps that combined two functions: a concentration camp and a killing centre in which some 1 million Jews— and tens of thousands of others, including Poles, Romani people, and Soviet POWs — were detained and murdered in a systematic and industrialized fashion. This powerful exhibition, which arrives in Toronto just ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 2025, explores the dual identity of the Auschwitz camp as a physical setting — the largest documented mass murder site in human history— and as a symbol of the borderless manifestation of hatred and human atrocity.

Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi is one of the most famous sculptors of the 20th century and one of the first to try to combine sculpture and landscape design. He studied under Constantin Brancusi and Qi Baishi, and his works not only transcend national boundaries, but also transcend the dimension of time. Renée van der Avoird, associate curator of Canadian art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, focuses the exhibition on the artist's video and sculpture works, and combines three works from the Art Gallery's collection: Fruit of Faith: Large Landscape (1986), Eden (1990-91) and Cracks (2000).

Get into the holiday spirit at Nathan Phillips Square's beloved Cavalcade of Lights - a Toronto tradition for over 50 years. See the glittering Christmas tree, take part in public ice skating, and bask in the glow of the iconic Toronto sign and thousands of energy-efficient light bulbs as they adorn the heart of the city.

Immersing viewers in the world of hip-hop through contemporary art and fashion, The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century brings together contemporary artists, musicians, designers and stylists to tell the story of the art form and its global impact on visual culture. Organized on the occasion of Hip Hop’s fiftieth anniversary and featuring contemporary art by some of today’s most important and celebrated artists, including Derrick Adams, John Edmonds, Deana Lawson and Hank Willis Thomas, this dynamic and wide-ranging exhibition highlights the art form’s ongoing conceptual and material innovation. Placing fashion, consumer marketing, music, videos and objects in dialogue with paintings, sculpture, poetry, photography and multi-media installations, the exhibition considers activism and racial identity, notions of bling and swagger, as well as gender, sexuality and feminism. The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century is co-curated by Asma Naeem, the BMA’s Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director; Gamynne Guillotte, the BMA’s Chief Education Officer; Hannah Klemm, SLAM’s Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art; and Andréa Purnell, SLAM’s Audience Development Manager. The AGO presentation will be organized by Julie Crooks, Curator, Arts of Global Africa and the Diaspora, AGO.

The Franchise Expo - Toronto is North America's largest circuit of successful and proven events. National Event Management's Franchise Shows The Franchise Expo - Toronto is North America's largest circuit of successful and proven events. National Event Management's Franchise Shows are unquestionably the largest and best attended regional shows in North America. This show is your opportunity to meet face to face with thousands of potential franchisees or business partners eager to own their own business. Information Source: National Event Management | expotobi

Toronto International Boat Show is an international event which is the best place to see and buy boats Toronto International Boat Show is an international event which is the best place to see and buy boats. The visitors can relax at the lake or even go boating. The event offers all different varieties of boating and a free of cost experience for visitors. If the visitors need training or have queries regarding boating, they can seek to professionals. All types of boats and all possible boating equipment's can be found at this event. The exhibitors from all around gather and market their marine equipment's and there are special seminars conducted by the marine industry to educate newly established firms and visitors about latest marine trends and equipment's. If anyone is new in marine industry, then special training and seminars are also conducted. Information Source: N.M.M.A. - National Marine Manufacturers Association | expotobi

The Interior Design Show is Canada’s premier showcase of new products and furniture, superstar designers and avant-garde concepts from North America The Interior Design Show is Canada’s premier showcase of new products and furniture, superstar designers and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond. The event allows visitors to connect and network with a topmost building, remodeling, and design professionals. The event includes seminars based on latest trends and technologies to remodel and decorate your house and it also includes the types of accessories and furniture that goes well with your house. Visitors can clear their queries by discussing their issues with the professionals and find professional employees who are willing to remodel their properties at an economic cost. The event shapes the interior design year to come for the whole world. It involves the latest collections and innovative creations from a wide variety of designers from different parts of the world. Information Source: Informa Markets | expotobi

First Lunar New Year Fireworks Show: Light up the night sky at 10pm, music and fireworks for 5 minutes! Spectacular performances: Lion dance, ice show (5pm & 7:30pm), by the University of Toronto Skating Club. Family-friendly activities: Try on Hanfu, take photos with traditional Chinese decorations. Food feast: Multiple food trucks bring Chinese delicacies and international cuisine. Echo Market: Open all day, offering handicrafts and Chinese boutiques.

Annually, photographers spanning ages and abilities submit tens of thousands of images to the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest. This winter, ROM is thrilled to once again host the renowned exhibition. Organized by London's prestigious Natural History Museum, UK, this fan-favourite showcases the very best in nature photography from around the globe. Experience our world in vivid detail, beholding extraordinary species through unimagined perspectives. Each photograph, exquisitely backlit, unveils unparalleled quality and depth. Through the lens, viewers become privy to animals' lives and the challenges they face. Emotive, surprising glimpses of life on our planet are showcased via exceptional talent, technical mastery, and perfectly captured moments. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a visual journey that will leave you inspired and enlightened by the incredible beauty that surrounds us.

Recipient of the prestigious Golden Lion prize for Best National Participation at the 2022 Venice Biennale, acclaimed British artist Sonia Boyce DBE RA brings Feeling Her Way to the AGO for its second North American presentation. This captivating installation combines video, collage, music and sculpture. Feeling Her Way centers the vocal performances of four female musicians: Jacqui Dankworth, Poppy Ajudha, Sofia Jernberg, and Tanita Tikaram in a playful and thought-provoking visual and auditory experience. Brought together by Boyce at Abbey Road Studios in London and Atlantis Studios in Stockholm, the vocalists were guided by composer Errollyn Wallen through improvisation, imagination, and exploration. Spanning across two adjacent galleries, the audience will encounter colour-tinted videos that take centre stage among immersive and tessellating wallpapers created by Boyce, as well as gold 3D geometric sculptures, and a rich display of music memorabilia from the artist’s ongoing collection documenting the transnational contributions made by Black British female musicians. This site-specific installation is presented at the AGO in partnership with the Toronto Biennial of Art 2024. The Canadian presentation of Sonia Boyce: Feeling Her Way is initiated and organized by the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art. The work was originally commissioned by the British Council for the 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, 2022.

The Toronto Raptors, established in 1995 and based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors won the NBA Championship in 2019. Current key players include RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. The Milwaukee Bucks, established in 1968 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, play their home games at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks have won the NBA Championship twice, in 1971 and 2021. Current key players include Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Music lovers are in for a real treat come January 7, 2025, as the legendary Aerosmith and the soulful Black Crowes take the stage at the acclaimed Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. This highly anticipated concert tour promises to be an unforgettable night filled with rock and roll classics that have stood the test of time. With tickets priced at a reasonable 66 CAD, fans won't want to miss this opportunity to witness two iconic bands in one spectacular venue. The event is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM, so be sure to mark the calendars and secure a spot for this once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. The Aerosmith, The Black Crowes Toronto Concert Tour 2025｜January 07 is the event that no rock enthusiast should miss.

The Toronto Raptors, established in 1995 and based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors won the NBA Championship in 2019. Current key players include RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. The Boston Celtics, established in 1946 and based in Boston, USA, play their home games at TD Garden. The Celtics have won the NBA Championship 18 times, making them the team with the most titles in the league, including an eight-year championship streak from 1957 to 1969. Current key players include Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Toronto Light Festival offers a visual journey and a fun adventure through the pedestrian streets of the Distillery District. During the cold, dark winter months, the Toronto Light Festival gives visitors a reason to bundle up, get outside and celebrate the season, creativity and big city life. Now in its fourth year, the festival features local and international light artists. The artworks are curated to educate, warm the heart, inspire or simply put a smile on visitors' faces.

DesignTO is more than an event, it's about making a real difference. Celebrating 15 years of impact, DesignTO brings people together to design a better future that is sustainable, just and joyful. As Canada's largest non-profit design festival, the 10-day event features more than 100 free online and in-person events and exhibitions in Toronto. Most events and exhibitions are free, but some require registration or ticket purchase. All window installations are viewable from outside.

The Toronto Raptors, established in 1995 and based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors won the NBA Championship in 2019. Current key players include RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. The New Orleans Pelicans, established in 2002 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, play their home games at Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans have not won an NBA Championship. Current key players include Zion Williamson.

Hold onto your hats, music lovers! Sum 41 is bringing their electrifying energy to the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on January 28th, 2025. Get ready to rock out at the Sum 41 Toronto Concert Tour 2025, where the band will be performing their chart-topping hits in a show that's not to be missed. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of high-octane performances, with tickets priced at a reasonable 40 CAD. Kicking off at 19:30, this concert is the perfect way to start the year off with a bang. Mark the calendars and brace for a wild ride that's sure to be the talk of the town!