Image: Mooniyang, 2022, Caroline Monnet
Beginning sunset October 1st, familiar spaces across the city will be reimagined through the eyes of local, national and international artists during Nuit Blanche, an all-night celebration of contemporary art. From 7PM to 7AM, explore Nuit Blanche’s curatorial theme, The Space Between Us, which invites artists to transform the cityscape by creatively sharing stories about their connection to place while bridging cultures and connecting with communities and the environment. Find out what’s taking place in the Entertainment District, and after you work up an appetite appreciating all that art, indulge in some of our amazing food & nightlife destinations. Read on to discover conveniently located dining options close to each exciting Nuit Blanche project in the neighbourhood.
ArtWalk
Participating art enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Toronto has an impressive public art collection. While exploring Nuit Blanche, add to your experience by discovering and engaging with over 70 unique artworks scattered throughout the district. We’ll let you know what pieces are situated close to the Nuit Blanche projects in the area, or visit our ArtWalk website to learn more!
Up Front, Onsite Gallery at OCAD University -199 Richmond St W
In partnership with the Inuit Art Foundation, Onsite Gallery presents ‘Up Front’, a new series of commissioned digital murals by Inuit artists Kablusiak and Jordan Bennett take over the front windows of Onsite Gallery, each with a mural and an augmented reality piece.
Image: Kablusiak, ‘Plucked Oopik’ and ‘Furby Oopik’, 2021
Dining and ArtWalk Nearby
Across the street from Onsite Gallery is JaBistro at 222 Richmond St W, featuring artfully prepared sushi & cocktails, and a sophisticated take on traditional Japanese sushi and sashimi. Book a reservation here!
Travel East just past Simcoe St, outside the luxurious Shangri-La hotel to discover a magnificent, monster-shaped tree sculpture, inspired by an important message to inspire harmonious relationships between humans and nature.
The Judgement of the Eye, RendezViews – 229 Richmond St W
The Judgement of the Eye is a three-storey projection to marvel at on the East Wall of RV East, which invites audiences to experience a new work in The Colour Odyssey series, a vibrant visual art experience, by artist Yaw Tony.
Image: Stories to Live By, by Yaw Tony.
Dining & ArtWalk Nearby
After taking in this piece of art, you won’t have to go far, because it’s situated at RendezViews, a massive patio space with great vibes, drinks, and delicious menu options from a variety of restaurants to satisfy any craving!
Speech Bubble is a transformation of a standard LED screen into a communicative device through the clever use of a custom-designed frame. The content of the work plays back abstract animated videos and an ironic commentary on the spoken and unspoken.
Built for Art, 401 Richmond – 401 Richmond St W
401 Richmond will feature dynamic and interactive programming, taking place in tenant venues and common public spaces located throughout the ground and basement floors. Experience work by various creators, including Inspiration|Exhalation: Breath-Taking-Time and The Space Within Us, by Susan Beniston, and ApHeart a performance by Moonhorse Dance Theatre.
Image: Apheart Claudia Moore, 2020. Courtesy of John Lauener
Dining & ArtWalk Nearby
If you’re looking to power up and get a healthy boost in preparation for your all-night adventure, Fresh On Spadina at 147 Spadina Ave makes mouth watering vegan and vegetarian meals daily, in-house, from whole, natural ingredients. Book a reservation, so you and your crew will feel incredible all weekend long, even after a full night of art parties and no sleep.
Uniform, Measure, Stack is a distinctive art piece, created in 1997 by artist Stephen Cruise and was built to commemorate the surrounding area of the city that was once the textile factory district.
You’ll also want to check out Graffiti Alley, once a hot spot for unauthorized graffiti which has since been designated as an area of municipal significance. It is a unique place to view some of the best examples of Toronto’s vibrant street art and mural culture.
Land of None | Land of Us, Metro Hall – 80 Spadina Ave, Suite 205 & 55 John St
Land of None | Land of Us is an exhibition of contemporary circumpolar photography. Images are viewable on the South East corner of King and John St outside Metro Hall. There is more to see at 80 Spadina Ave, suite 205 during Nuit Blanche, and this exhibition will also be shown simultaneously at other venues throughout Canada. Land of Us is a collaborative project, click here to learn more about the artists.
Image: Parallel, 2021, Angu Motzfeldt, Photo Courtesy of Arctic Arts Summit
Dining & ArtWalk Nearby
MARBL restaurant is committed to sourcing the most sustainable, local and freshest, products available. Offering an extensive wine collection and wide selection of creative and traditional cocktails, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pairing with a fabulous dish or share platter.
As you travel from 80 Spadina towards 55 John, you’ll come across Ballast, a patinated bronze sculpture of the prow of a ship, anchoring the corner of King and Charlotte streets in Toronto. Designed by renowned artist Jed Lind, the artwork began as a maquette that was laser scanned and enlarged.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place – TIFF Bell Lightbox – 350 King
An animation and augmented reality installation that brings a remote, Southern Ontario landscape to downtown Toronto, showcasing it through the eyes of the immigrant.
Artist: Haneen Dalla-Ali.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place, 2022. Courtesy of Haneen Dalla-Ali
Dining & ArtWalk Nearby
Art lovers will appreciate the creative atmosphere of La Carnita, designed with the help of some of Toronto’s best street style artists. Enjoy delicious tacos, churros, cocktails and beer surrounded by art and graffiti-style murals.
The John Street sidewalk outside of the Festival Tower condominium atop the TIFF Bell Lightbox is enhanced by this painted steel installation by internationally renowned local artist James Carl. The 1,400 pound sculpture craftily titled Thing’s End, monumentalizes the humble blue rubber band.
CN Tower Projections– 290 Bremner
Projects will be viewable from a distance and projected on the Radome of the CN Tower, featuring video animations by three unique artists, Blackpowerbarbie, Caroline Monnet, Kereama Taepa
Mooniyang, 2022, Caroline Monnet
Dining & ArtWalk Nearby
Visit Steam Whistle Brewery Biergärten and Taproom! Experience a traditional Biergärten experience, featuring signature dishes such as German fries with Onion Aioli, Bacon and Green Onion, as well as Soft and doughy warm pretzels with Mustard & Cheese Sauce and many other options like salads, wings, smoked ribs and even a deli board to share!
Towering over the south entrance of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is FASTWÜRMS’ sculpture, Woodpecker Column. This massive steel work rises from the ground in stark but welcome contrast to the concrete jungle behind it.
Commissioned along with their Woodpecker Column is FASTWÜRMS’ piece, Snowm’n, standing like guardians on either side of the semi-circular driveway, these larger than life sculptures take on the familiar forms of snowmen.