Arts on Track
On April 8 2008 Toronto Community Foundation opened the completely transformed Museum Subway Station.
The renovated subway station, part of the Foundation's "Arts on Track" project, connects the subway station to the recently reinvigorated Royal Ontario Museum and the Gardiner Museum which stand above the station.
The opening of the redesigned Museum Subway Station reflects the Toronto Community Foundation's commitment to connecting philanthropy to community needs. The impetus for the "Arts on Track" project came from the Mayor's “Clean and Beautiful City” initiative. The idea of beautifying and invigorating public spaces in the city appealed to a handful of Toronto Community Foundation donors who asked the Foundation to further explore the concept. Subsequent dialogues convened by the Toronto Community Foundation brought together a diverse group of donors, stakeholders and community leaders who worked together to complete this “Public Philanthropic Partnership”. Partners included an inspirational $1.0 million gift from the Budd Sugarman Foundation while an additional $1.0 million was raised from a total of 14 donors affiliated with the Toronto Community Foundation. Public support came from the Toronto Transit Commission, which contributed $1.25 million, and a further $2 million in funding came from the Province of Ontario.
The design for the new station platform was created by celebrated Toronto architect, Jack Diamond of Diamond + Schmitt Architects. Working with ROM curators and other specialists, five evocative designs were chosen for Museum station columns; the column designs replicated throughout the station represent First Nations Canada (“The Wuikinuxv First national House Post”), Ancient Egypt (“The Osiris Pilaster”), Mexico’s Toltec Culture which ruled Yucatan from 900 to 1200 AD (“The Toltec Warrior”), China’s traditional culture (“The Forbidden City Columns”) and The Parthenon of Ancient Greece (“The Doric Columns”). The new Museum Station is an inspiring sight for the thousands who pass through the station daily and an ongoing invitation for all citizens and visitors to enjoy the cultural treasures above.