Royal Ontario Museum unveils crystal
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) unveiled the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal on June 2, 2007. It is the centerpiece of the Museum’s $270 million Renaissance ROM expansion project, designed by world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. To celebrate the Architectural Opening & Building Dedication of the Lee-Chin Crystal, the ROM presented “A World of Possibilities”, a free outdoor concert for thousands of spectators on the new Bloor Street Plaza. The theatrical performance featured an outstanding line-up of Canadian artists, complemented by spectacular visual effects projected on the dramatic exterior facade.
Located at one of Canada’s most important urban intersections, the unique aluminum-and-glass-covered building is named in honor of Michael Lee-Chin, whose donation of $30 million launched the Renaissance ROM Campaign in May 2003. At the heart of its diverse community, this vibrant, light-filled structure will be the distinctive new symbol of Toronto for the 21st century. The entire development was designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind, in a joint partnership with Toronto’s Bregman + Hamann Architects.
ROM Director and CEO William Thorsell states, “It is difficult to imagine a more eloquent symbol of the ROM’s growth and revitalization than Daniel Libeskind’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. It will provide Toronto residents and visitors with a place for contemplation, learning, and fun.”
Daniel Libeskind notes, “The Lee-Chin Crystal – designed in close collaboration with the Museum – is intended to transform the ROM into a focal point for the city and people of Toronto, a place of wonder and joy.”
The 175,000 square-foot, aluminum-and-glass-covered Michael Lee-Chin Crystal houses seven galleries overlooking Bloor Street West as well as a graceful new main entrance and two soaring interior spaces – Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court and the Spirit House. The sizeable new ROM Museum Store, the attractive fine dining destination Crystal Five (C5) Restaurant Lounge, excellent special events facilities, and Canada’s largest space for international exhibitions – Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall, are other important features of the building.
Five new galleries of world cultures and natural history are currently being installed and will open in stages starting in December 2007.
For more information about the new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal building, please visit www.rom.on.ca/crystal/
Courtesy of grouptravelblog.com
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