Located at one of Canada’s most important urban intersections, the unique aluminum-and-glass-covered building is named in honour 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 (opening mid-June), excellent special events facilities, and Canada’s largest space for international exhibitions - Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall, are other important features of the building.
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