ike Gabbo's arrival in Springfield, anticipation of the Art Gallery of Ontario's (AGO) reintroduction has been steadily bubbling. Now, with a mere week to go, the storied gallery prepares to bring aesthetes back from artistic outreaches (sorry, Ossington, Parkdale, et al).

Toronto's cultural renaissance has relied heavily on one aesthetic element: glass. Throughout the city, the age-old translucent design fixture has enjoyed an artistic mauling at the hands of world-famous architects and crafters. Perhaps the most famous glass-utilizing project thus far (sorry, ROM) is Frank Gehry's AGO revamp.

Universe-renowned (why not?) architect, Gehry has affixed his name to buildings around the world, including the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Seattle's Experience Music Project, and the Disney Concert Hall. However, this is the first Canadian foray for the Toronto-born heavy.

To celebrate the AGO's long-awaited reopening, access to the gallery will be free from opening on Friday November 14th to closing on Sunday November 16th. Also, members will get a sneak preview beginning on November 9th.

While the AGO's new façade has been the main source of news as of late, look for the focus to shift inwards upon debut. With its glass front comes a concordantly pumped up, re-imagined inside. The permanent collection has received a massive boost thanks to the late Ken Thomson who donated 2000 works. At 68 000 total pieces, the AGO has an impressive roster of works, from favourites like Group of Seven selections, to contemporary works.

Magically, the reworking has created more inner space (see Mark Z. Danielewski's The House of Leaves), with 110 galleries to wander. Purportedly, the new look will be light filled, as portended by the glass-heavy front.

Other additions to AGO 2.0 will include the highly anticipated Frank restaurant -- itself a painstakingly created modern eatery -- as well as an attendant café. Furthermore, look for a new tower which will provide vistas of surrounding sights (i.e. Grange Park, cityscapes, etc.).

Martiniboys.com will have an in-depth look at nouveau AGO next Thursday, November 13th. Check back then for a glimpse inside. -S.T.