Being able to boast as one of the largest museums in North America, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) was founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens and today sits on a space measuring 583,000 square feet. It's seen many changes through its lifetime, but most notably, its expansion in 2008, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. You'll find over 80,000 works in the museum, spanning from 100 A.D. to the present, and it is truly a must-visit and treat for any traveller who has a love of art and design.
Where to Find:
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
416-979-6648, ago.net
Photography courtesy of Royal Ontario Museum. © Sam Javanrouh, 2008
The Royal Ontario Museum is probably one of Toronto's best known and loved museums -- and one of the most photographed buildings in the city thanks to its intricate, jutting design developed by Michael Lee-Chin in his $30 million renovation gift to the ROM (known as the Lee-Chin Crystal, or the distinctive architecture along Bloor Street West) in 2007. It's also known as one of the world’s leading museums of natural history and world cultures and opened its doors in 1914. The ROM is the ideal spot to spend an afternoon, perusing collections and special exhibitions, and the downtown location next to several subway stations make it easy for locals and travellers.
Where to Find:
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
100 Queens Park, Toronto
416-586-8000, rom.on.ca
Get in touch with a Canadian institution -- the Canadian Broadcasting Commission (CBC). The TV station has brought Canadian programming, news and films to the country for over 70 years and you can look back at Canadian classics in radio and TV by strolling through the small museum.
Where to Find:
CBC Museum/Canadian Broadcasting Centre
250 Front Street West, Toronto
416-205-5574, cbc.ca/museum
What's more Canadian than hockey? Especially in the country's biggest hockey city, Toronto. See the sport's legends, the coveted Stanley Cup, play interactive games, watch videos and see how Canada's national sport has progressed through the years. And added bonus? It's right downtown on the busy corner of Yonge and Front Streets, so you're close to the Rogers Centre (for the avid sports fan), pubs, restaurants, the picturesque Union Station and close to the waterfront.
Where to Find:
The Hockey Hall of Fame
30 Yonge Street, Toronto
416-360-7765, hhof.com
Photography courtesy of the Gardiner Museum, Shai Gill
Opened in 1984, this Toronto museum was created to hold the ceramic and porcelain art of George and Helen Gardiner. Today the now independent museum (it was formally run by the Royal Ontario Museum) houses a permanent collection plus a full schedule of exhibitions and programs, making it a must-see in the city. In 2003 renovations allowed for a contemporary addition of 14,000 square feet that created new exhibition space, education space and a new shop and on-site cafe.
Where to Find:
The Gardiner Museum
11 Queens Park, Toronto
416-586-8080, gardinermuseum.on.ca
