In Plain Sight: Highlights from the AGO’s Collection of Historic Picture Frames

You’ll find more than 30 wooden frames from the Art Gallery of Ontario’s collection, spanning the 16th to 19th centuries and gathered from across Europe. This exhibition highlights frames as more than borders for paintings—they are artworks themselves, blending craftsmanship with function. The show reveals how these frames protect and enhance the pieces they surround, inviting you to notice details often overlooked. It’s a thoughtful presentation curated by experts from the museum’s Curatorial and Conservation teams. Beyond their decorative appeal, these frames tell stories about artistic styles and cultural values of their eras. As you move through the installation, you can trace shifts in design and technique reflecting changing tastes and technologies. Whether you’re drawn to history, art, or craftsmanship, this exhibition offers a quiet but rich experience. It’s a chance to see how something often taken for granted plays a vital role in preserving and presenting art.