Designed by Toronto architect Raymond Moriyama and opened in 1980, the structure of concrete barrel vaults covered by aluminum and baked enamel is unusual. Each vault contains skylights-Moriyama's answer to the problem of providing indirect natural lighting without damaging the art. The result is a series of airy and spacious galleries where changing exhibits are displayed. Selections from the permanent Canadian collection of 18C and 19C works are on view, including portraits by London's native son Paul Peel, who maintained a studio on Richmond Street. The historical museum features exhibits on the city's past.