Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, is a peculiar tourist destination. This lively city has a strong cultural background and serves its visitors with several attractions. What I love about this bustling city is- well absolutely everything! The food, landmarks, art galleries, museums, bars, and whatnot.
Do you know that the city boasts several museums to excite your curiosity to learn more? So, if you are travelling to Toronto, I must tell you to visit these amazing museums. I am here with my list of best museums there to make your a little more convenient.
There are so many amazing museums that you can plan a special trip for these only and you won’t regret it. As, they provide you with a wide information and displays from various fields including history, arts, crafts, science, sports, nature, and culture. The best thing about visiting museums is that they are family-friendly, and you can take your kids with you.
If you are also searching for the best museums in Toronto, you are at the right place, read on to know!
1. Royal Ontario Museum
You must have heard about the Royal Ontario Museum. It is a gem among all Toronto museums. Get friendly with the world of dinosaurs, explore every minute detail about meteors, or experience the diversified cultural aspects and natural history of the world in one place. This is a highly reputed and one of the biggest and best museums in Toronto with more than 40 galleries.
You must bring your kids for there is a separate kid’s area. They showcase brilliant artifacts and modern trends in several galleries. A large number of exhibitions are held there throughout the year. One thing I would highly recommend you explore there is the display of dinosaurs’ skeletons and fossils. You will also spot several cultural objects from the ancient Americas, China, and Japan.
Address: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, M5S 2C6
2. Bata Shoe Museum
If you are also crazy about footwear. Visit the Bata Shoe Museum, one of its kind among Toronto museums. You will get overwhelmed by the countless number of shoes displayed there. A large range of items related to footwear is displayed there. The Bata Shoe Museum exhibits a variety of shoes from the early period to shoes worn by celebrities.
The Museum started as a personal collection of Mrs. Bata who used to collect traditional shoes and other footwear-related objects from different parts of the world. Soon the collection started growing and her family planned it to be displayed as a shoe collection in a museum.
You will find more than 12,500 shoes and related items in this museum. Experience a unique way of defining history, culture, and race through shoes from different periods.
Address: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON M5S 1W7
3. Hockey Hall Of Fame
If you are a sports enthusiast, and if hockey is your favourite sport, then you must visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto where you can discover all the details about famous hockey players and the history of ice hockey. You will spot various records, data, trophies, and information about players of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Several galleries and exhibits are displaying the collection in artifacts and visual form regarding hockey. The Stanley Cup showcased there is its biggest attraction.
You can board a tram, a train or a bus to get there if you are in the city. The entrance for kids up to 3 years of age is free.
Address: 30 Yonge Street, Toronto Ontario M5E 1X8
4. Aga Khan Museum
It’s time to delve into some Islamic cultural history. Right, I am talking about the Aga Khan Museum. It boasts the historical and cultural significance of Islamic art and Iranian art. This is among the largest Toronto museums and the only museum exhibiting the Islamic world outside any Islamic country.
It allows you to explore the historical artifacts and scientific and cultural contributions of Muslim society to the world. Apart from experiencing amazing art galleries and decorative exhibitions, the museum also offers you to dine in its special Diwan. Diwan is the area for visitors to have the best foods inspired by South-Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. You can’t just miss that!
They also offer you to plan any personal event like a wedding or any personal gathering under their lovely decor. You can also shop from the museum’s shop which has beautiful collections of jewelry, clothing, and home decor influenced by Islamic tradition.
Address: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1K1
5. Ontario Science Centre
For all science lovers, it’s your chance to learn everything related to science at the Ontario Science Centre. Bring your kids and family and learn lesser-known facts about the secrets of science through their displays, workshops, exhibitions, and live demonstrations.
The museum is an amazing platform for students and teachers to learn thoroughly about scientific approaches. Various activities are also organized there to enable your kids to experiment with different things and learn science as fun. I strongly recommend you to explore the Rain Forest, Space Hall, science Arcade, and the IMX theatre there.
Address: 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto, M3C 1T3
6. Textile Museum Of Canada
Up next in my list is the Textile Museum of Canada which is popular for its impressive permanent collection glorifying the textile history of the world. You will gain a unique experience while exploring this museum and for those keen to know more about fabrics all around the world, this is the right place for you.
The textile museum displays a huge collection of textiles, carpets, clothes, mats, and quilts of different fabrics, designs, and colours. The collection varies from ancient times to modern and contemporary trends. You will also learn about the different technologies used in the textile industry in different periods in the world.
This small museum in downtown Toronto is not only a good spot for visitors but also a very informative place. There is a gift shop in the museum from where you can buy some interesting textile works.
Address: 55 Centre Avenue, Toronto Ontario, M5G 2H5.
7. Museum Of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a masterpiece that displays contemporary Canadian art. Enjoy the amazing artworks of local and international in one place. The art galleries and other items are displayed on the five floors of a historic building.
A wonderful destination for art lovers to explore more about the fine art and sculpture showcased inside the museum.
Address: 158 Sterling Road, Toronto, M6R 2B7
8. Mackenzie House
Mackenzie House is a famous historical building in Toronto that turned into a museum. It is supposed to be the last house of William Lyon Mackenzie, the first mayor of Toronto.
The museum gives you an insight into the Victorian era, and if you are fearless then dare to listen to the ghost stories rendered there. The museum gives you an informative description of the house, society, and the people living in that era.
Address: 82 Bond Street, Toronto, M5B 1X2
9. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is also a historic house museum in Toronto. I will tell you this is a heritage landmark owned by Toronto city. The castle is now well maintained for event purposes also with facilities for air conditioning, theatre, and AV.
This museum arranges several permanent exhibits displaying Canadian history and culture. It also displays some original furniture of the earlier period. There is also a long tunnel, stables, towers, and many decorated rooms that add to its beauty.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto Ontario, M5R 1X8
10. Gardiner Museum
Gardiner Museum is known for its exclusive and unique collection of ceramics. If you are fond of ceramic art, you must visit this museum. The museum displays various artifacts, pottery, and porcelain from different parts of America, Asia, and Europe. Surprised! Yeah, this one is something different.
There are big posters for every art gallery giving all the information about them, this museum is spread over three floors. You will also spot miniature clay figures in the exhibits representing society. The third floor has a clay restaurant that gives a unique food experience. You can also join their educational talk shows or clay classes. Also, bring your kids to try their hands at clay art. Don’t forget to buy lovely ceramic products from the shop inside.
Address: 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto Ontario M5S 2C7
11. Art Gallery Of Ontario
For all the art lovers there, I have the best option for you- the Art Gallery of Ontario The museum displays amazing artworks and sculptures from the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
It showcases a beautiful and large collection of Canadian and European art that includes miniatures, abstract art, sculptures, and contemporary art. You can also ask for a family membership to enjoy all its features. The museum also offers shopping and dine-in facilities. Overall, this is a perfect place to spend your day with family and friends.
Address: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, M5T 1G4
Get Ready to Explore the Vast Treasure!
It wouldn’t be wrong if we call Toronto a Land of Museums. As the city boasts the top-class museums in the world. In this article, I elaborated on the best and the most versatile Toronto museums which you must plan to visit. Get a full dose of fun, entertainment, and knowledge at these best museums in Toronto.
Last Updated on April 6, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
The architecture, views, history, everything is so spectacular about the museums in Toronto and I got to know that Gardiner Museum is famous for its distinct ceramics with this post, the entire post is quite good.