Art gallery hallway with multiple visitors walking past colorful paintings on white walls under bright ceiling lights.
Special Events

Art Toronto Opening Night 2026

OCT 29, 2026 4 PM — 10 PM

Celebrating Art Toronto
Opening Night 2026

Art Toronto Opening Night 2026 brought together artists, gallerists, curators and collectors for an evening celebrating Canadian and international art in support of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

A highlight was the first public presentation of My First Medicine Teacher, a new work by Christi Belcourt, acquired for the McMichael’s permanent collection with the support of National Bank.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us, and to our Opening Night sponsors — Hatch, Pomerleau, McCarthy Tétrault, Armin Group, Demetriou Art Group, Tourism Vaughan and Stratus — for making the evening possible.

Celebrate the Opening of
Art Toronto 2026

Art Toronto logo

Art Toronto is the definition of collecting art in Canada. We invite you to be among the first at the fair on Opening Night, on Thursday, October 29, hosted by and benefiting the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Canada’s only museum devoted exclusively to Canadian art.

First Look
Opening Night Tickets — 4 PM Priority Access

FIRST LOOK OPENING NIGHT
Date October 29, 2026
Time 4 — 10 PM
Location Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Regular Price $440

The McMichael invites you to be the first to connect with the exhibiting galleries and get first pick of artwork available at Art Toronto with exclusive early access at 4 PM for Opening Night.

  • Priority 4 PM Access on October 29
  • Opening Night Party Admission with complimentary drinks and light bites
  • Complimentary coat check Opening Night
  • Premium Fair Pass (Friday–Sunday including 11 AM and access to the VIP Lounge)
  • Suggested attire: arty cocktail

Proceeds support McMichael Canadian Art Collection*.

Sold Out

Opening Night Tickets — 6 PM Access

OPENING NIGHT
Date October 29, 2026
Time 6 — 10 PM
Location Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Regular Price $350

The McMichael invites you to celebrate the launch of Art Toronto with a vibrant evening of art, music, drinks, and canapés. Meet gallerists, artists, collectors, high-profile curators and art consultants.

  • 6 PM Access on October 29
  • Opening Night Party Admission with complimentary drinks and light bites
  • Complimentary coat check Opening Night
  • Premium Fair Pass (Friday–Sunday including 11 AM and access to the VIP Lounge)
  • Suggested attire: arty cocktail

Proceeds support McMichael Canadian Art Collection*.

 

*A portion of the sale of this ticket may be eligible for a charitable tax receipt if/as applicable and allowable by the CRA, once all event financial details have been finalized. All proceeds from this evening benefit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

Sold Out

Friends of McMichael @ Art Toronto

The McMichael is once again hosting Opening Night at Art Toronto on October 29, and we’re looking for our Friends of McMichael @ Art Toronto—a special ticket + support package for those who want to be part of this much-anticipated evening.

Join the Friends of McMichael @ Art Toronto

With a $5,000 donation, join the Friends of McMichael @ Art Toronto—a wonderful group of great Canadians who support our mission and believe in what we do. All funds raised through Friends of McMichael @ Art Toronto will support the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. This is a terrific way to entertain clients and friends. Join our creative vortex!
You can join this group either through a straight donation (no tickets and full tax receipt) or a ticket package for four (with reduced tax receipt.)*

Opening Night at Art Toronto is one of the best nights in the Canadian art calendar, a true gathering of art lovers from coast to coast. We hope you will join us and bring along friends, colleagues and fellow enthusiasts. From the mouth of Sarah Milroy, we need you with us!

The evening will feature Stratus wines and light bites—always delicious.

Friends of McMichael package includes:
  • Four tickets to First Look Opening Night (4 PM entry) and an invitation to McMichael’s private VIP reception at 5:30 PM. These tickets also provide VIP readmission for the duration of the fair (11 AM entry and VIP Lounge access)
  • Recognition and thanks from the podium by Sarah Milroy, Frances and Tim Price Executive Director and Chief Curator (if desired)
  • Named inclusion on promotional material for Opening Night (if desired)
  • Option to purchase up to 6 additional tickets at First Edition pricing (2025 rates), valid until Thursday, October 29

*Official donation receipt for income tax purposes to be provided as per CRA guidelines.

Join Now

Host Committee

Emily-Jean Alexander
Ameet Bhojwani
Angelica Demetriou
Heather Edwards
Jane Edwards
Zoë Foster

Roz Heintzman
Grace Johnstone
Nicole Jolly
Hannah Kim
Nicole King
Alexandra Lambert

Lily Li
Kulin Matchhar
Michelle Meneley
Pam Meredith
Sarah Milroy
Deanne Moser

Suzanne Palko
Anjli Patel
Nancy Rowat
Steven Wilson

Opening Night
Presenting Sponsor
Opening Night
Sponsors
Friends of McMichael
at Art Toronto

Paul Bailey

Mira and
Harry Blum

Christopher Bredt
and Jamie Cameron

Terry Burgoyne

Debra and
Barry Campbell

Tony Comper C.M.

Dattels
Family Foundation

Kiki and
Ian Delaney

Jon and
Lyne Dellandrea

Christine and
Andrew W. Dunn

Drew Fagan

Fairmount Foundation

Emmanuelle Gattuso

David and
Mieke Geldart

Jennifer Grant
and David Dattels

Carol Gray

Hariri Pontarini
Architects

King Weekly Sentinel

Nancy Lang

Andrea Lenczner
and Blair Levinsky

Patti MacNicol

Elizabeth Margles
and Stephen Halman

Christine Maw
and Sandy Stephens

Michelle and
Pat Meneley

Nathalie Mercure
and Michael Matheson

Jad and
Roula Shimaly

Donna and
Gary Slaight

Megan Hagarty Smith
and Geoff Smith

Jay and
Sue Wright

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