Toronto’s new ArtWalk 2.0 combines art and technology to provide viewers with a fresh and modern take on outdoor public art and the best part? It’s all for free. 

ArtWalk 2.0 is a new, immersive augmented reality (AR) and audio experience that showcases over 70 outdoor public art pieces across downtown Toronto.

Organized by Toronto Downtown West BIA, ArtWalk 2.0 allows people to use their technology to view digital art in the city’s most popular areas. This includes the CN Tower, King Street W. and Front Street W. among others. 

“ArtWalk 2.0 creates an experience where residents and visitors alike can connect with the district’s rich concentration of art and history. It encourages dialogue, ignites curiosity, and transforms Toronto’s downtown into an interactive cultural playground,” Director, Marketing & Communications of Toronto Downtown West BIA Dana Duncanson said in a statement. 

Viewers will use an online map and go on a self-guided walking tour to see dozens of AR pieces. 

HOW DOES ARTWALK 2.0 WORK?

First, viewers must download the Engage Art app on either their iPhone or Android smartphone. This app can be found on YourExperienceAwaits.ca/arts or the Apple or Google app store. 

On the app, you can choose from six different ArtWalk “outings,” each with their own curated adventures. 

Make sure to bring earphones as well because there is an audio tour paired with the outing. 

Once an outing is selected, you can put your earphones in, and start walking. Once you reach an art piece, simply hold up your phone using the Engage Art app and see the AR visuals come to life. 

As you walk through the city, the audio tour will tell stories of the artists and the history and cultural context behind the artwork. 

Here are the five AR stops now available:

CN Tower, Butterfly mural artist: Jo Lalonde (the ChalkChick)

290 Bremner Boulevard

Dream House, Artists: Vong Phaophanit, Claire Oboussier

14 York Street, ÏCE Condominiums at York Centre

Glenn, Artist: Ruth Abernethy

250 Front Street West, in front of the CBC building

The Poet, The Fever Hospital, Artist: Bernie Miller 

215 King Street West, David Pecaut Square

Triad, Artist: Ted Bieler

123 Front Street West

The sixth and final AR stop is at 401 Richmond Street W. and is scheduled to launch on Sept. 23 as part of Toronto’s Nuit Blanche.