Apr 23, 2026
Remembering Michael Koerner
Koerner was a devoted AGO supporter for seven decades, leaving a lasting philanthropic legacy
Michael Koerner, 2015. Photo © AGO
The AGO is saddened by the passing of Michael Koerner, one of the Gallery’s most generous and dedicated supporters and a true champion of art and culture across Canada. Michael passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 97.
Along with his wife Sonja, Michael prioritized giving back to his adopted home from the moment he arrived in Canada in the middle of the 20th century. Through philanthropy, the couple have made a meaningful impact on Canadian arts and culture, education and healthcare, their contributions driven by a genuine and heartfelt desire to improve institutions and communities.
Michael first became involved with the AGO in 1954, a relationship that spanned over seven decades and millions of dollars in support, resulting in countless transformative moments for the Gallery. The journey he and Sonja have taken with the AGO includes four capital expansions, the emergence of several new collecting areas and the growth of the AGO’s Collection—including several works, such as Gerhard Richter’s One Sculpture, For Johann Joseph Fux, donated by Michael himself.
Michael believed in the power of art to transform lives and societies, both in the immediate moment and in the future. Among the most significant gifts he and Sonja made were endowments through The AGO Foundation. They signalled their commitment to strong leadership at the museum by funding the Michael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO position—one of the first such endowments at an art museum in Canada.
“Michael helped shape the AGO into the world-class art museum it is today,” says Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO. “He had a deep appreciation for the power of art and an incredible curiosity and capacity to live life to its fullest. I am extremely grateful to have enjoyed a productive relationship with him over the last decade.”
The Koerners also endowed the Michael and Sonja Koerner Conservation Initiatives Fund, which has sustained the AGO’s world-class conservation team in caring for art and supporting exhibitions and research.
“Having that funding has raised our practice to another level and enabled us to do so much more than we could before,” says Maria Sullivan, Head of Conservation at the AGO. “It’s allowed us to stay at the forefront of our field.”
Michael also gave generously of his time, serving as President of the AGO’s Board of Trustees from 1982-1984 and as Chair of the Transformation AGO campaign and the European Curatorial Committee. An avid art collector and musician, his curiosity and passion for the arts shone through in his relationship with the AGO.
Michael Koerner at F.H. Varley: A Centennial Exhibition opening, September 16, 1982. Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives, Art Gallery of Ontario. Photo © AGO
Michael leaves behind an extraordinary philanthropic legacy at the AGO and across Canada. His generosity and vision have helped our community flourish, and will continue to help future generations experience the power of art. The AGO is deeply grateful for his enduring support and extends our condolences to his family and friends.
Michael Koerner. Transformation AGO Celebration, 2008. Photo © AGO
Text written by Matt Semansky, Assistant Manager, Development Communications at the AGO.
