The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has debuted the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and the Reed Family Plaza to the public.

The museum’s new terrace and plaza on Bloor Street, overlooking Philosopher’s Walk, feature a place to gather with garden-side seating and open-air space for music, theatre, discussion, and performances.

“Building community, ensuring accessibility, and playing a meaningful role in people’s lives are key elements of our enduring success,” said Josh Basseches, ROM Director & CEO in the museum’s press release.

Designed by Toronto architect Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects, the Bloor Street exterior has been reimagined and transformed into 13,595 square feet of outdoor public space, anchored by landscaping and architectural design.

The green space, designed by Ronald Holbrook & Associates, will feature a seasonal palette of native, perennial plant species that reflect the ROM’s biodiversity mandate.

Construction management for this project was provided by Gillam Group and GFL Environmental Inc. supplied demolition services.

The project was made possible by lead donors Helga Schmidt and her late husband Mike Schmidt, and Nita and Don Reed. Additional donations were made by Hatch, Nancy Lockhart and the late Murray Frum, Richard Wernham and Julia West, and Flavia Redelmeier.

Image courtesy of The Royal Ontario Museum.