ROM Welcome Project by Hariri Pontarini Architects

The ROM’s new Bloor Street Terrace and Plaza, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, revealed.

Architect: Hariri Pontarini Architects
Location: Toronto, Canada
Year: 2019
Size: 13,600 sq.ft.
Lead Design Architect: Siamak Hariri
Project Architect: Patrick Cox
Photography: Hariri Pontarini Architects

From the architect: In a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by donors, board members and executives, the ROM marked the opening of the new Helga and Mike SchmidtPerformance Terrace and the Reed Family Plaza. The spaces, designed by Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) create a lively streetscape around the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal entrance providing a welcoming place to sit, relax, and enjoy outdoor performance programming.

“For me, this project is all about welcome – the realization of the possibilities and rich opportunities of the public realm as it extends not only forward along Bloor Street but also to the west with its connection to Philosopher’s Walk. A space that creates a warm and open connection between the ROM and the city,” says Hariri. A Sentiment that was echoed by the ROM’s Director and CEO, Josh Basseches, who hopes this project will further the museum’s “commitment to being a place for all.”

The soft Algonquin limestone of the terrace and the gently curved edges of the benches surrounding planting beds lush with trees and biodiverse gardens provide much needed public gathering and seating space in the heart of the city. The terrace, elevated off of Bloor street and nestled beneath the west side of the Crystal, provides a sheltered area for outdoor performances and connects to the greenery of Philosopher’s Walk. 

Upon arrival at the ceremony, just prior to the 10:00 am opening of the ROM, visitors waited comfortably nestled on the benches of the planters under the soft shading of the trees, enjoying the warm summer morning – the space functioning exactly as it was envisioned. 

This marks the third and final phase of the ROM’s Welcome project that included the reopening of the heritage Weston Family Entrance on Queen’s Park in 2017, also designed by HPA, and free access to the Daphne Cockwell Gallery in 2018.

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Jennifer Routhier performs onstage at the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace.

Siamak Hariri and Ron Holbrook standing infront of planters on the Reed Family Plaza.

Siamak Hariri and Josh Basseches enjoying a quite moment on the Reed Family Plaza.