nmoraitis
New Member
Sorry, I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but I think you are mistaken. Please see this article from 2024 that mentions 80million of the 130 million had already been raised at that point. No where does it say that this aspect of OpenROM will be done in phases. I do remember the architect saying that there will be other changes to the ROM in the future.That’s the project: OpenROM, which is being built in phases. $50M was fundraised from a goal of $130M.
The phase under construction right now is the Bloor entrance, including a canopy, stairs and fountain, and the new lobby which will replace the Spirit House. As such, I believe the second floor dinosaur gallery has to be included because it crosses the Spirit House and the east gallery will have a circular balcony in its floor looking down into the lobby.
The remaining $80M hasn’t been raised and construction isn’t scheduled as of yet. The lily pad stair and the skylight in the Court are not funded nor under construction.
I’d much rather they shelve those components and undergo fundraising for a brand new south crystal to replace the terrace building near the now under demolition planetarium. This would add significant gallery space and research facilities and complete the circulation around the entire perimeter of the museum, an abandoned goal of the Libeskind plan.
I could also see it connecting and integrating with UofT’s upcoming Centre for Civilizations, Cultures, and Cities. Just as this new building is clearly dancing with the Libeskind angles, The ROM could use similar materials to build its south addition and perhaps bridge across to UofT’s building for collaborative research facilities.
"The museum says it has raised $80 million of the $130 million cost of the project. Out of that $80 million, $50 million was a donation from the Hennick Family Foundation — headed by Canadian billionaire Jay Hennick — and the remaining $30 million by private donations.
The Hennick Commons will be a four-storey atrium capped with a glass ceiling, where visitors will encounter a new, 2,400-square-foot forum where regular performances, programs, and hands-on experiences will take place."
