Two Toronto artists are transforming space under the Gardiner into something beautiful

Something new is about to take shape underneath the Gardiner Expressway this May. The Bentway is set to unveil two new public art installations.

Toronto artists Anahita Akhavan and Stanzie Tooth bring the two installations to life at CityPlace. Residents and visitors are invited to experience the familiar area in a different way.

A new way to connect the community

It is set to open May 9, 2026 with Majles/Sitting Room by Akhavan and A Persistent Crossing by Tooth. To celebrate the occasion, the two artists will lead a free public tour that day. It’ll give people the chance to explore the works and hear about the ideas behind them firsthand.

Akhavan’s piece is actually the first commission of The Bentway’s new Step-Up Series. It’s a three-year program created in partnership with Choice Properties.

The series reimagines the large staircases beneath the Gardiner at West Block as a platform for public art and gathering, according to The Bentway. Her mural is inspired by Persian rug motifs, textiles and the rich blue of lapis lazuli. It, in turn, creates a vibrant “sitting room” which is designed to spark conversation across cultures and generations.

As for Tooth’s A Persistent Crossing, it uses large-scale imagery at Bentway Staging Grounds “to explore connections between people and urban nature,” according to The Bentway. It blends human silhouettes with native plants, pollinators, and shifting skies, all while highlighting the connection between people and our evolving environment. It’s the final artwork in part of a rotating series at the Staging Grounds – a pilot that turned what was once an empty space into a temporary “living laboratory” with experimental gardens.

“These two public artworks by Toronto artists transform unique sites beneath the Gardiner Expressway into living, participatory spaces for residents and visitors alike,” shared Anna Gallagher-Ross, director of programming at The Bentway.

“We’re so pleased to partner with our neighbours at Choice Properties on the inaugural Step-Up Series, and to return to Staging Grounds for a final public art presentation—together revealing the potential of the unique spaces underneath the Expressway’s, both today and in the future.”

Besides the opening day experience, starting at 2 p.m., there’s more free programming thoughout the next few months to better enjoy the artwork:

Free public programming at The Bentway

Shared Rhythms: Music at West Block

Live performances curated by Small World Music.

When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.

Social Fabric: Community Textile Activation

Co-create a temporary communal textile, guided by SHEEEP Studio.

When: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.

In Bloom: A Flower Market + Workshop

Stop by the summer flower market and support local growers from the Toronto Flower Market. There will also be a drop-in flower arranging workshop by Waard Ward.

When: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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