For some time I had heard the buzz about the Aga Khan Museum in Don Mills at 77 Wynford Drive, and decided to check it out one sunny afternoon. For those not familiar with it, the Aga Khan is a Toronto museum of Islamic and Iranian art and Muslim culture.
The minimalist-style formal gardens and surrounding park are quite calming and serene:
The Aga Khan Museum was opened to the public on September 18, 2014 and houses approximately 1,200 rare objects assembled by His Highness the Aga Khan and Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan.
According to the blurb on Wikipedia, the Aga Khan Museum was recognized as one of the best museums in Toronto by Condé Nast Traveler in 2018.
The Interior Courtyard
The interior courtyard of the museum is surrounded by glass walls imprinted with patterns resembling traditional Islamic Jali (lattice) screens:
“In a personal letter to architect Fumihiko Maki, His Highness the Aga Khan suggested the Museum be designed around the concept of light. Light, His Highness noted, has been an enduring inspiration for the world’s religions and civilizations since earliest times. Maki responded with a design that invites direct and diffuse light into the building in ingenious ways. The building is positioned 45 degrees to solar north to ensure that all exterior surfaces receive natural light over the course of the day. Angular walls of white Brazilian granite, a material chosen for its resilience and luminosity, enhance the play of light across building surfaces.” – AKDN Website
The Ismaili Centre
The second building on the site, The Ismaili Centre, is a religious, social and spiritual building for the Ismaili Community. Designed by architect Charles Correa, the building is oriented toward Mecca.
Crashing A Wedding Photo Shoot
During my visit I also happened upon a wedding photography session that was going on…
On The Way Out…
An interesting thing to note about the museum is that it was planned originally for London, England. The site became contentious and the Aga Khan changed his plans to relocate to Toronto. We are fortunate to have this collection and this building. I do find that the peace of the garden, which you have captured so nicely in the photos, is marred by the very high noise level from the nearby Don Valley Parkway.
How interesting… I had no idea about the location issues. Yes I agree regarding the traffic noise – it does detract from the Museum’s outdoor experience.
what we learn from each other is amazing through this blog.
what we learn from each other is amazing through this blog.
Also if your friends on this page would like free tickets to the museum just apply for a library card and go to a public library and ask for a ticket!
Great tip, Despina… thanks!