Toronto’s Vibrant Public Art Scene

Whether it’s the scenic, bicycle-friendly Toronto Islands or the panoramic views from the CN Tower, Toronto is a buzzing metropolis that appeals to all interests. And that includes those who are committed to exploring art in public spaces.

Unlike art that’s displayed within the four walls of museums and galleries, public art is all embracing, something that not only enriches families, and engages the community, but also beautifies the urban environment. It offers visitors and residents alike insights into the local history and culture, while also bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. In Toronto’s neighborhoods displaying public art, there’s no chance that the streetscape would be seen as monotonous. Rather, it lends a vitality, while also conveying a sense of identity. There are myriad other upsides to urban public art, including tackling social problems and inequalities among different members of society, and, of course, getting people outdoors, including in chilly temperatures.

These are a few of the major (and hidden) public art venues in Toronto — a couple are seasonal — that are sure to awaken your mind to something inspiring. And give you more reason than ever to visit Toronto year-round, especially in the winter.

Lumière: The Art of Light

Set in Trillium Park at Ontario Place, Lumière is an annual, nighttime event, running from March to May. It’s a perfect excuse to get Torontonians and visitors alike to roam about outside, despite the cool temperatures. Wander around this waterfront park and you’ll be dazzled with the glowing displays, illuminated works of art that are scattered along the sinuous, paved paths. The theme of the most recent exhibition was “renewal,” reflecting how everything evolves, as winter transforms into spring. This seasonal event shows off more than a dozen grand installations by Ontario-based artists along the almost one-mile set of paths.

Families anticipate this annual event, especially given that many of the installations are interactive. For example, in this park that’s noted for its blustery winds, the Aeolian Soundscape was an illuminated harp that glowed, thanks to ultraviolet paint and fluorescent strings. This harp took advantage of the breezes, which produce meditative sounds that may be described, by some, as resembling chanting.

Walking right up to Umbra Transit set off a brilliant, same-named lighting effect. It’s given this name because the structure could (in real-time) track the phases of the moon, reflecting a multitude of changing colors and shapes.

Correspondence was a multicolored inflatable sculpture that wrapped around the bridge that’s suspended over the paved path. As visitors sauntered beneath it, they craned their heads up to take in the pastel hues referencing a sunrise.

Flora Arcana was a shout out to the native botanicals (including wildflowers) found in Ontario. Those who stepped close to each illuminated plant painting heard music, as each installation glowed.

Max Tanenbaum Sculpture Garden

This sculpture garden is almost like a hidden treasure, located on a terrace of the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital. Though small, it’s worth visiting because the boldly-hued, life-sized sculptures of people are quite captivating. They’re all engaged in active, energetic poses, something that seems so very appropriate to have as a theme in this healing environment. What could be more inspirational? These Instagram worthy metal works were created by the late Canadian artist, William Lishman who, interestingly, was colorblind.

Monsters for Permanence, Beauty and Individuality

What an intriguing name for an art installation. The monsters are, in reality, cast concrete gargoyle statues that are replicas of those that once decorated numerous prominent buildings in Toronto, including the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Royal Ontario Museum. Peppering a meadow along the Lower Don River Valley Trail, a popular path with cyclists, runners and walkers, the 14 sculptures are backed by foliage that include tiesal, hickory and box elder.

The Omaskeko Cree artist, Duane Linklater, from Moose Cree First Nation, created this intriguing installation that reflects on land that has evolved over the years, from its indigenous origins (when the Native People fished, hunted and farmed) to its eventual industrialization and its impact on the valley’s ecosystem. It also takes into account the ever changing city landscape, as old buildings give way to contemporary ones.

Though you can hear the buzz of traffic on the adjacent Don Valley Parkway as you traverse beside abandoned rail tracks and under overpasses, the Lower Don Valley Trail still has a bucolic feel. And, having a greenway within walking distance of downtown and one dappled with art is a real plus for Toronto.

Winter Stations

Another seasonal art installation that easily gets people out and about when the temperatures plummet (in Feb/March) is located at Woodbine Beach. Off season, this windswept beach couldn’t be more scenic and peaceful, with many people walking their dogs, or bringing along the younger family members to discover sea creatures in the tide pools. And the bonus is being able to explore how artists from all over the world — this is an international competition — reimagine lifeguard stations. (Winter Stations has been going on for the past nine years, and this past theme was a celebration of inner growth and freedom. Like with Lumière, most of the works allow for interactions.)

This giant sculpture (Conrad) was a monument to the racoon that died at an intersection in Toronto.

LifeLine was an elongated crimson tube with an auditory experience — you can listen to the echoes at different stations along its length.

The (Home) had the names of a variety of Toronto venues carved into the wooden facade, revealing many-hued background colors. It was radiant and colorful, referencing a physical home or a symbolic one that provides a sense of security.

Ripple Hut resembled the shape of canoes, and could be viewed from a variety of different angles (and through openings) that changed not only your perspective, but also the sense of shadows and light.

At the 3 Surfaces Pavilion, the public could lie, sit or stand on any of the curved canary yellow-hued wooden surfaces and become wrapped up in the coastal scenery.

Street Art

A great way to learn about street art and graffiti is by signing up for the Graffiti Tour with Tour Guys, a walking tour company created by Jason Kucherawy who also leads tours. You‘ll come away with a wealth of information on this 90–minute tour that focuses on Queen Street West and Graffiti Alley (aka Rush Lane), the most well known nexus of graffiti and street art in Toronto. The works range from murals that blanket entire facades as well as those that are petite. Not only will your guide discuss the different styles and history of graffiti, each artist’s background and inspiration, but also graffiti’s impact on the city, and the views of property owners.

One of the most prolific artists is Uber5000, who had an initiative to get people out at night in the winter. He created colorful, yellow chick murals, including one that was painted with iridescent, glow-in-the-dark paint.

This vivid boar was created by Nick Sweetman, another well respected, Toronto-based artist.

These black and white creations can be found on numerous surfaces (including the facade and car park) of the condos bordering Graffiti Alley. This work was created by Toronto natives Nick Sweetman, Poser, and others in the Montreal-based artist collective, En Masse.