Syria in Toronto

Syrian war-and-peace and the attendant humanitarian disaster are in the headlines. 25.000 31,000 Syrians are finding new homes in Canada. In response, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto announces "Syria," opening in October.  It looks like a spectacular display, not avoiding current crises but drawing on the rich historical, artistic, and cultural resources of that ancient country.  Exhibit, speakers, concerts, films, events -- it's a lavish and ambitious package.

That's exactly the kind of substantial, provocative, engaged programming we should expect our major museums to be launching regularly.  Kudos to the Aga Khan for stepping up.

Meanwhile the Royal Ontario Museum has?  A highly promoted promo for the glassblower Dale Chihuly.  And recently, an exhibit on tattoos borrowed from a European museum.  Sheesh.