Lisa, you have it right, only perhaps rather understated for my sensibilities.
What a lost opportunity this thing represents, a colossal waste of money adding nothing to the city. I took some striking photos of the steelwork as it was nearing completion.
The idea of this as a glass structure promised at least an exciting building, if not a peaceful one, this architect specializing in brutal structures.
If, as proved to be the case, it was technically impossible to create the crystal, the design should have been scrapped, and a new competition held.
The reality is a noisy, jarringly unpleasant thing - just homely really - sitting on the sidewalk. It is totally uninviting, with cheesy panels vaguely resembling giant imitation Mondrian paintings from decades ago.
Once the paid hoopla this weekend ends, no one will want to do anything in this new 'square.' The museum's management has totally blown it on this and do not deserve the public's support.
Thank God, the condominium at the other end of the museum was halted. With tastes like this guiding it through, it would have been an eyesore.
Visitors from abroad will come for a while out of sheer curiosity, but once it is firmly established what an ugly pile this is, no one will be interested.
I predict a movement within a decade to tear it down. After all, the AGO has been rebuilt almost every decade.
