Province aims to strengthen tourism, cultural identity and long-term stability of key institutions
First permanent operating funding increase in nearly two decades
The Ontario government is committing an additional $21 million in annual operating funding to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), marking a significant investment in two of the province’s most prominent cultural institutions.
Announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget, titled A Plan to Protect Ontario, the funding is intended to support ongoing operations, enhance programming and ensure both institutions remain globally competitive attractions. The increase represents the first permanent boost in provincial operating support for the AGO and ROM in nearly 20 years.
“AGO and ROM are world-class institutions that attract visitors from home and abroad with their innovative programming,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government is proud to invest in their long-term success. By providing critical funding to these national treasures, we are protecting our invaluable tourism and cultural sectors and ensuring they remain must-visit world-class attractions for years to come.”
Strengthening Ontario’s tourism and cultural economy
The AGO and ROM together attract approximately 1.8 million visitors annually, making them central pillars of Ontario’s tourism sector. With the additional funding, total provincial operating support for the two institutions will rise to nearly $70 million per year.
Government officials say the investment is designed to provide financial stability, allowing both organizations to expand exhibitions, attract international showcases and improve visitor experiences.
“As Ontario continues to become an increasingly attractive tourist destination for visitors from around the world, it is more important than ever to sustain the many cultural spaces that Ontarians and Canadians hold dear. That is why our government is making critical investments in the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum, to ensure that our province’s most iconic cultural spaces are well-equipped to welcome more visitors, grow their collections and help drive Ontario’s economy.”
- Peter Bethlenfalvy
Minister of Finance
The funding also aligns with broader provincial efforts to position Ontario as a competitive destination for global investment and tourism, while reinforcing cultural infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.
Institutional leaders welcome long-term support
Leaders at both institutions emphasized the importance of stable, predictable funding in maintaining operations and expanding public access.
“The AGO is proud to welcome the world to experience great art. Our extraordinary collections, exhibitions and programs reflect the people who live here, and our strength as Ontarians,” said Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario. “The AGO community is over 237,000 members and Annual Pass holders strong. This foundational funding from the Ontario government strengthens our collection, supports our team of professionals and ensures that our programs are accessible. Thank you, Ontario, for believing in the power of art and culture.”
Board leadership at the AGO echoed that sentiment, highlighting the province’s role as a key financial partner.
“The Province of Ontario is the AGO’s biggest and most important funder. Thank you for this critical partnership in support of the people of Ontario. Culture brings people together and we are so grateful to the province for its support of great Canadian art and artists.”
- Beth Horowitz and Liza Mauer
Co-Presidents, AGO Board of Trustees
At the ROM, officials said the additional funding will help reinforce its position as a leading research and cultural institution.
“We are profoundly grateful to Premier Ford, Minister Bethlenfalvy and Minister Cho for their support of ROM and its mission,” said Yoke Chung, ROM Interim Co-Director and CEO. “With this additional funding, ROM can continue to showcase its world-class collections and deliver exceptional visitor experiences, affirming the Museum as a dynamic hub of learning for all Ontarians.”
“The Ontario government’s additional support is a testament to the increased importance of iconic Canadian institutions and the Museum’s singular value to tourism and culture. I am thankful to Minister Stan Cho for his leadership and ongoing commitment to ROM.”
- Andrew MacLeod
Chair, ROM Board of Trustees
Building on broader cultural investments
The announcement builds on other recent provincial investments in cultural infrastructure, including a $50 million commitment over three years to expand and modernize the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg.
Officials say such initiatives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ontario’s cultural identity while supporting economic resilience through tourism and the arts.
The AGO, one of North America’s largest art museums, houses more than 120,000 works ranging from Indigenous and Canadian art to European masterpieces and contemporary installations. Meanwhile, the ROM, established in 1914, holds over 18 million objects spanning natural history, art and global cultures, and remains Canada’s most-visited museum.
With the latest funding increase, the province is signalling a renewed focus on cultural institutions as both economic engines and cornerstones of Canadian identity.