TORONTO.- Time is running out to see the Art Gallery of Ontario’s hot summer exhibition, Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris before it concludes its only Canadian appearance on Aug. 26, 2012. The AGO is responding to popular demand by significantly extending its hours next week.

Normally closed on Mondays, the AGO is making a special exception on Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., allowing even greater access to the exhibition during its final days. This Monday, both the AGO’s permanent collection and the Picasso exhibition will be open to visitors.

Due to an enthusiastic response from GTA residents and visitors to the city, the AGO is also extending the hours of Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris during its final week, from Thursday, Aug. 23, to Sunday, Aug. 26. For these four days only, the exhibition will be open until 7 p.m, giving visitors the opportunity to purchase tickets for timed entry at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The permanent collection at the AGO will close at 5:30 p.m. as usual on those four dates.

Timed-entry tickets for Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris can be booked by phone or online at ago.net. Regular-priced tickets range from $16.50 for youth visitors to $25 for adults. Admission is FREE for AGO Members and for children ages 5 and under.

The 141-work exhibition is not just for adults. A specially created children’s audio tour includes seven designated stops with kid-friendly programming and is free with the purchase of any adult audio guide. In addition to the exhibition, visitors to the Gallery are encouraged to check out the new shopAGOkids for fun, inspired and unique toys, apparel, games and books. There are also kids menus to be enjoyed at both caféAGO and FRANK restaurant.

In the spirit of Picasso and his birthplace, FRANK will continue to take reservations for its Spanish-inspired prix fixe dinner until Aug. 25. The stunning Frank Gehry–designed restaurant invites Gallery visitors to discuss their experience while enjoying the flavours of Spain.

The AGO is located at 317 Dundas St. W. (between Beverley Street and McCaul Street). It is easily accessible by the TTC via St. Patrick Subway Station or the Dundas streetcar. Please visit ago.net for more information on directions and parking.

Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris is curated by Anne Baldassari, chairman and chief curator of collections of the Musée National Picasso, Paris. The exhibition is co-organized by the Musée National Picasso, Paris, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.