Use

The strategic addition of approximately 14,000 s.f. allows the museum to host international exhibits of contemporary works and to showcase the expanding permanent collection. The adaptive reuse of the underground parking garage, excavated by one metre, creates much-needed space in which to accommodate educational studios and curatorial spaces to support the Gardiner's evolving popular community outreach programs and research activities.

The design also greatly enhances the museum's revenue-generating potential with a new retail shop that faces Queen's Park, rentable multi-purpose event space, and a destination restaurant managed by Jamie Kennedy.

The existing plan was completely reconfigured to define a journey through the galleries that unfolds in ascending order, from the ground to the new third floor. Windows and terraces are positioned to offer visitors previously unimagined vistas of Queen’s Park, the University of Toronto, and the downtown skyline.