Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne officially inaugurated the Aga Khan Park on May 25, a landscaped green space that encompasses the area between and around the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre. The Park, the Museum, and the Centre together form Toronto’s newest cultural hub.
His Highness the Aga Khan
The reflecting pool of the Aga Khan Park, mirroring the roof of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto at dusk
His Highness the Aga Khan joined Premier Wynne at the opening of the Park, which has become the site for a number of cultural, educational, and social programs designed to foster intercultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas. The Park, created by Lebanon-based landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, unites two buildings designed by renowned architects: the Ismaili Centre by Indian architect Charles Correa, and the Aga Khan Museum by Fumihiko Maki of Japan. Moriyama and Teshima are the Canadian architects of record for the entire project.
The Aga Khan Park is alive with plantings well-suited to the Canadian climate whose colour and aroma evokes the experience of visiting a traditional Islamic Garden (Gary Otte)
The Aga Khan Park, located off the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto, will provide an urban venue for individuals, families and communities to enjoy social and cultural activities(Sean Weaver)
During his address to the guests, the Aga Khan expressed the hope that “this park will contribute to strengthening Toronto’s already vibrant pluralism, showcasing to the world Canada’s rich example of pluralism in action.”
Designed by award-winning, Lebanon-based landscape architect, Vladimir Djurovic, the Aga Khan Park aims to recreate the sensory experience of traditional Islamic gardens in Alhambra, Spain and Delhi, India(Tom Arban)
Award-winning landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic hoped to create a space that is both “ephemeral and eternal” that may change with the passing light or season, yet becomes a permanent legacy for the city of Toronto(Moez Visram)
In her remarks, Premier Wynne said, “The Park brings its own unique style and its own atmosphere to this beautiful corner of the city. This is a true 21st-century space, one that’s steeped in history but that speaks to our modern vision of a global, inclusive, and peaceful society.”
The reflecting pool of the Aga Khan Park is flanked by the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, Toronto, placing both buildings in conversation (Janet Kimber)
The Park can be enjoyed year-round, with trees and plants chosen to thrive in Toronto’s climate. Based on a traditional Persian and Mughal chahar bagh (four-part garden), the formal gardens within the Park provide a place for contemplation as well as areas for public programming or private events.
A private park, the space is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk with informal musical performances and film screenings animating the park throughout the summer(Moez Visram)
On July 5, this programming will officially begin with the arrival of the Pan Am Lantern. In addition to a number of events scheduled in the Park itself, both the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre regularly host exhibitions, lectures and other events.
These three projects are an initiative of the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. The Aga Khan Museum’s mission is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage. Through education, research, and collaboration, the Museum fosters dialogue and promotes tolerance and mutual understanding among people. The Ismaili Centre joins other Centres in London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, and Dushanbe, and continues a tradition of hosting programs that stimulate the intellect, encourage dialogue, and celebrate cultural diversity.
Based on a traditional Persian and Moghul charbagh (four part garden), the formal garden in the park is given a natural geometry through the planting of trees and shrubs combined with paved walkways and green performance spaces
Earlier in the day at Queen’s Park, His Highness the Aga Khan and Premier Wynne signed an agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and the Province of Ontario that sets a blueprint for cooperation in a number of areas, including culture and education. Learn more about the Aga Khan Park, the Aga Khan Museum, and the Ismaili Centre, Toronto at agakhanpark.org.
