“I am very very honoured to call the Aga Khan a friend of our province, I share and know we all share his vision of society where everyone has the chance to succeed, as Premier I look forward to many opportunities to visit this beautiful park with members of the community. You’re building a beautiful place here.
– Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne
The reflecting pool of the Aga Khan Park, mirroring the roof of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto at dusk. (Photo: Janet Kimber via Digital Journal)
“Together, these three projects [Ismaili Centre, Toronto; Aga Khan Museum; and the Aga Khan Park] will symbolise the harmonious integration of the spiritual, the artistic and the natural worlds — in keeping with the holistic ideal which is an intimate part of Islamic tradition.
At the same time they will also express a profound commitment to inter-cultural engagement, and international cooperation.”
– His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, Imam (Spiritual Guide) of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of Aga Khan Development Network
By Khalid Magram for Digital Journal in Lifestyle. Published 1:32 pm EDT
Three unique projects in the heart of Toronto came to its completion Monday afternoon with opening of The Aga Khan Park by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and His Highness The Aga Khan.
A picturesque 6.8 hectare Chahar Bagh, a Persian style garden is city’s newest green space, which physically connects Toronto’s other two cultural institutions: The Aga Khan Museum and The Ismaili Centre that were inaugurated in September.
The triad projects on Wynford Drive already dubbed Toronto’s latest cultural hub, blends Islamic architecture, art and design in a 21st century setting. It offers visitors a remarkable opportunity to experience the work of three internationally-renowned architects on a single site.
The reflecting pool of the Aga Khan Park, mirroring the roof of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto at night. (Photo: Gary Otte via Digital Journal)
Aga Khan Park Tours begin June 2, running seasonally at 4 pm Tuesday to Friday and 10:30 am and 4 pm on weekends. Approximately 60 minutes in length, these tours introduce visitors to the plantings of the Aga Khan Park as well as the inspiration for its design.
• On July 5 at 8 pm, the Pan Am Games Lantern visits the Aga Khan Park. Before the lantern’s arrival, the Park hosts a community celebration with family-friendly programming.
• Shamez Mohamed (Imara) shares stories about how the Aga Khan Park was developed and what inspired its design in the free public lecture From the Ground Up: Creating the Aga Khan Park (July 8).
• Informal musical performances and film screenings animate the Park throughout the Summer season, and the Park can be enjoyed from the patio of Diwan at Aga Khan Museum. A variety of additional public programming will be announced.
• The Park is open to the public daily from dawn to 10 pm.
Ismailimail 