Garden of the Greek Gods
On July 14th, 2021, Toronto City Council approved an agreement with the Toronto Event Centre. One of the provisions in the agreement permits Exhibition Place to relocate the Greek Gods to a more accessible community viewing location at Exhibition Place.
In September 2014, the Board of Governors approved a Working Group to evaluate options for relocating the Garden of the Greek Gods. Chaired by the CEO of Exhibition Place, the Working Group included Kathy Sutton (the artist’s daughter), staff from the local Councillor’s office, and representation from the City’s Museum and Heritage Services and the Toronto Greek Community, as well as Exhibition Place staff.
After carefully analyzing and considering 14 potential sites, the Working Group has selected the Rose Garden area south of Bandshell Park as the ideal location for The Garden of the Greek Gods. This site is particularly significant, as it was the preferred location of the artist, E.B. Cox, back in 1979—prior to the creation of the original sculpture garden on the south lawn of the Horticulture Building.
Learn more about the unveiling of the new permanent location for E.B Cox’s Garden of the Greek Gods along with a “Digital Amphitheatre” in partnership with HeART Lab and CAMH.
Community Access
Accessibility
History
The site is within walking distance of the local communities of South Parkdale and Liberty Village. The Dufferin bus stop is nearby, and the site is a short 15-minute walk from the GO station and TTC loop. site is close to restaurants, washrooms, and other amenities. School bus and visitor parking is available near the Bandshell Stage, with convenient taxi drop-off points.
Publicly accessible from existing waterfront path and from Martin Goodman Trail over the Bailey Bridge. A flat, grassy area large enough to accommodate the entire collection, with space for children to safely play and to touch the sculptures. Makes use of existing paved pathways that allow easy access for all. Benches and other seating areas are nearby.
The area is rich in history, with other nearby sculptures (e.g., the Peace Fountain) and heritage sites (such as Scadding Cabin and the Fort Rouille site). The Rose Garden is already a popular spot for weddings, picnics, and pedestrian visits, and will become a key destination for art lovers and tourists.
"It was unfortunate for all parties that the leased area of the Toronto Event Centre included the Garden of the Greek Gods, however, through considerable interest-based discussions amongst the parties, we were able to include this provision in the Toronto Event Centre agreement, achieving a favourable outcome for all parties.”
Don Boyle, Exhibition Place CEO
“I am delighted that an agreement has finally been reached to relocate the Greek Gods. It was Don Boyle who made this happen, and I am very grateful to him for everything he did to ensure all involved are happy with this new agreement. Along with numerous arts advocates and members of the local community, I’m looking forward to once again being able to enjoy this sculpture collection in a garden setting.”
Kathy Sutton, Daughter of E.B. Cox