Whatever the case, I really do think that the beauty and magnificence of the Michael Lee Chin Crystal is under appreciated.
I think that they’re on the right track, correcting some of the shortcomings, reopening the Queen’s Park entrance and fixing the Bloor forecourt and its connection to Philosophers Walk. Next, they should undergo an item by item correction of the interiors, beginning with refinishing the walls and other interior finishes like the dirt prone drywall and those terribly fitted metal panels. The blast doors in the main staircase should be replaced with fireproof glass and the staircase lit differently than a fire escape. Dim blue and red lights would make the illuminated display cases stand out — which by the way, there should be more of them. It’s called the “Stair or Wonders”. The structure of staircase is quite beautiful.
As for circulation, the crystal is not to blame. It’s the remaining 1980s terrace building that creates dead ends.
There was supposed to be a south Crystal. I hope that they start working towards completing the plan rather than hire another architect to add yet another style to the museum. Whatever the case, the south terrace building needs to go.
On another note, this is how the Queens Park entrance’s ticketing looks:
There are no barriers or stancions to enter. I walked from the Bloor entrance through the museum, wandered around the Queens Park foyer and went back in. The ROM staff kept track of those who are paid and didn’t ask me again for my ticket. I see what they mean about a free flowing main level.
