crystal clear

Lindzi Armstrong

Louvre complex have we? Let’s see, take an ancient stone building that houses some of the world's finest pieces of history, and lay down an irrationally contemporary feat of architecture. To love it or to hate it? The public at large--from Toronto’s savvy to the old pan-handler whom everyone has come to love at the corner at Queen & Bloor--certainly hasn't hold its collective tongue when it comes to this installation art piece designed by Daniel Libeskind and Bregman + Hamann Architects. This giant is like a shard of glass coming out from the old relic. Made of 25% glass and 75% aluminum, the renovation gave the ROM another six galleries and a new gift shop, restaurant and entrance. 

Named after Michael Lee Chin--one of Canada’s billionaires who invested the largest sum of money ($30 million) to create this talk of the town-- the ROM is the fifth largest museum in North America and contains more than six million items and over 40 galleries. The renovation was clearly one of passion--a whole design to completely change Bloor and Queen, and to become a large part of the Toronto culture.  Opened on June 2, 2007, the new and improved museum is ready for its new wave of guests, but still faces criticism as to how the money was spent. Gone are the free Fridays for everyone from the learning pre-schooler to the experienced artist.