TORONTO.- Today the AGO (Toronto) announced bold and exciting changes that will ensure greater museum access than ever before. Starting on May 25, admission for visitors 25 and under is free – all year, anytime, including for special exhibitions. For visitors over 25, single-visit tickets are now $25 and include the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions with no added fees. And the AGO is launching a new Annual Pass that provides unlimited museum admission for a year for $35.

According Stephan Jost, the AGO’s Michael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO, “the goal is to make it easier for everyone to make art a part of their everyday lives. We will test and learn from this new model over the coming year, with the goals of increasing engagement with our audiences, and also gaining new understandings of visitor patterns that will help us better meet their needs.”

The AGO is celebrating this landmark initiative with the launch of AGO All Hours, an unmissable event that will happen three times a year. AGO All Hours runs from morning to night, and invites visitors to participate in unconventional experiences featuring local artists and community partners. From special programs, art installations and artmaking activities to pop-up bars, marquee performances and more, AGO All Hours has the vibe of a Toronto block party welcoming all ages all day, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Adding to the exciting lineup at AGO All Hours on May 25 is the highly anticipated public opening of Yayoi Kusama’s INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM - LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER, the first contemporary artwork in Canada to be acquired through a major crowdfunding campaign. Same-day reservations to see the artwork can be made on-site at the AGO.

These major pricing changes go into effect on May 25. Annual Pass holders will receive a digital card for smartphones so that they don’t have to wait in line for tickets; they simply present their digital pass to be scanned upon arrival. Visitors without smartphones may request a physical Annual Pass. For single ticket purchasers, one simplified price of $25 now includes admission to the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions with no extra fees.

AGO Membership levels remain unchanged and continue to offer special benefits to Members, who provide important philanthropic support. The AGO’s robust membership program provides a foundation of philanthropic support. The generosity of nearly 100,000 members allows the AGO to fulfill its mission to bring art, learning and audiences together. Membership continues to offer special benefits, including exclusive previews of special exhibitions, discounts, access to the Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge, and more.

“Great cities deserve great civic spaces, and increasing access to the AGO will make the museum a more welcoming and inclusive place for all,” says Stephan Jost. “Thank you to AGO Members, donors, sponsors, and partners for allowing us to break down barriers in truly meaningful ways.”