The 13 Best Museums in Toronto, Canada [2024]

Toronto is one of Canada’s largest and most important cities. So, it’s not surprising that it’s also one of the country’s biggest cultural hubs.

As a result, Toronto’s museums are some of the most renowned in North America. From art and history to culture and even sports, the Ontario capital has exhibit spaces dedicated to nearly all interests.

The Best Museums in Toronto

1. Aga Khan Museum

Since 2014, Aga Khan Museum in Toronto has been a premier facility for the education and showcasing of Muslim art from around the world and throughout history. In less than a decade, the exhibit has amassed a collection of 1,200 rare pieces, many of which were curated by Sadruddin Aga Khan, the museum’s namesake and son of a hereditary imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims.

Tile panels, rulers, urns, and a number of other ornately decorated household and decorative items are on display in the gallery’s permanent displays. During the year, the Aga Khan also hosts temporary exhibits that delve into more current themes and topics that are taking over the art world.

The facility also celebrates the performing arts through concerts, film screenings, and pop-up performances. Other special events include educational talks and panels. Additionally, the Aga Khan can be rented for private events, including corporate gatherings and lectures in the on-site auditorium.

Admission is free for members and children under 6 and CA$20 (about $15) for everyone else. The Aga Khan Museum is open Thursday through Sunday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Wynford Drive at Sakura Way.

• Address: 77 Wynford Drive, North York, ON M3C 1K1

“The Aga Khan Museum, with its exquisite architecture and remarkable Collections and exhibitions, is a truly unique space of intercultural reflection and connection. We invite you to visit and experience the tranquillity of our light-flooded, welcoming atrium, the serenity of our Islamic art galleries, and our unique programming of exhibitions and performance showcases.”

Dr. Ulrike Al-Khamis, director and CEO, Aga Khan Museum

2. Arcadia Earth Toronto

Arcadia Earth describes itself as a journey through planet Earth. The museum gallery uses immersive displays and different stimuli, from colorful lights to intricate art installations, to showcase the human impact on the environment. Arcadia’s mission is to help encourage visitors to pursue sustainability in the future.

While walking through the facility’s exhibits, visitors are able to explore large-scale recreations of underwater worlds and forests. However, some of Arcadia’s most popular areas are its more fantastical sets that take elements of science fiction and fantasy. There are also a few speculative installations that aim to serve as inspiration for a better world of tomorrow.

Arcadia welcomes guests of all ages. However, since there are lights and sounds used in the experience, it can be overwhelming to those with sensory concerns. Be sure to call the facility before you visit if you have any questions.

Admission is free for children under 4, CA$24 (about $18) for children 4 to 12, CA$29 (about $21) for kids 13 to 17 and seniors 65 and over, and CA$39 (around $29) for other adults. Arcadia Earth is closed on Monday and Tuesday and has varying hours the rest of the week. The nearest tram stop is Spadina Avenue at Front Street West.

• Address: 486 Front St. West, Building C, Toronto, ON M5V 0V2

3. Art Gallery of Ontario

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has been one of the city’s premier art centers since its establishment in 1900. It is not only a beloved art facility but also one of the largest museums on the continent, taking up over 480,000 square feet of space.

AGO’s collection is divided into 10 categories and includes works by Canadian and international artists working with a variety of media. Today, the facility houses over 120,000 works, the oldest of which were created in the first century.

Some highlighted pieces at AGO are “Double Self-Portrait” by Jeff Wall, “Respecting the Circle” by Manasiah Akpaliapik, and “Above Lake Superior” by Lawren S. Harris. Keep in mind, however, that the AGO is currently closed for restorations, though it’s scheduled to reopen soon. In the meantime, the space occasionally works with other facilities.

Admission is free for members, Indigenous people, children under 9, and residents under 25. Tickets are CA$15 (around $11) for kids 10 to 17 and CA$30 (around $22) for everyone else. Art Gallery of Ontario is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The nearest tram stop is Dundas Street West at Beverley Street.

• Address: 317 Dundas St. West, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4

4. Black Creek Pioneer Village

Black Creek Pioneer Village takes visitors back in time. It’s an open-air museum that preserves Ontario’s historic heritage of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Since this is an immersive village museum, the collection consists of real-life structures. Currently, there are 40 authentic buildings from the 1800s throughout the park, all of which have been decorated to suit the time period. These buildings are often operated by staff members who play the roles of the craftspeople who would have inhabited them, like blacksmiths, mill workers, and general store clerks.

Historically, these buildings were spread around the Toronto area, but they were carefully moved to Black Creek for preservation. However, the Stong Family buildings, often considered the centerpiece of the park, are still in their original place. Black Creek hosts a number of hands-on events throughout the year for children and adults of all ages.

Admission is free for conservation park members and children under 4, CA$13.20 (about $10) for kids 4 to 14. CA$14.40 (about $11) for students and seniors 65 and over, and CA$18 (about $13) for other adults. Black Creek Pioneer Village is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Murray Ross Parkway at Steeles Avenue West South Side.

• Address: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON M3J 2P3

5. Gallery Arcturus

Gallery Arcturus first opened in 1994 as a nonprofit exhibit meant to showcase contemporary art to the general public. Since opening, the facility has amassed a small but ever-growing collection of over 225 pieces from contemporary artists around the world. However, though many of these works are on display permanently, others are rotated every 6 to 8 weeks to make room for temporary exhibitions as well.

These special galleries allow Arcturus to highlight other current artists of the modern day. Floyd Kuptana, Elaine Ling, and Luke Gilliam are just a few of the artists represented at the museum.

Gallery Arcturus also acts as a research facility and has an on-site library where students can study art and contemporary artists upon request. To help inspire future artists, the facility has started hosting workshops throughout the year, especially in the collage medium. It also hosts other events like screenings.

Admission is free for everyone. Gallery Arcturus is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 5:30 p.m. The nearest tram stop is Carlton Street at Church Street.

• Address: 80 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, ON M5B 1G6

6. Gardiner Museum

Gardiner Museum is entirely dedicated to ceramics. Since it opened in 1984, the space has acquired over 4,000 pieces.

This collection can be divided into 2 categories: those made of earthenware ceramic and those made of porcelain. Both include items that represent dozens of cultures from around the world.

Since Gardiner’s collection is so impressive, only a portion is displayed at a time. Periodically, the museum rotates its galleries to bring pieces out of the archives and showcase items on loan from other collections and facilities. Some highlighted pieces include “Kneeling Figure” by Eli Tikeayak, “Full of Beans” by Victor Cicansky, and “Fear of Flying” by Patrick Amiot.

Admission is free for members, students, children 18 and under, and Indigenous people, CA$11 (around $8) for seniors 65 and over, and CA$15 (about $11) for other adults. Admission is free for everyone on Wednesday after 4 p.m. The Gardiner Museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Queen’s Park at Charles St West North Side – Museum Station.

• Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

7. Hockey Hall of Fame

Toronto was an obvious choice for the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is dedicated to preserving the history of ice hockey, the National Hockey League, and some of the league’s most memorable players and moments.

In addition to the actual commemorative hall, which inducts new names each year, the museum has 15 exhibits. These spaces incorporate both traditional and hands-on displays to create an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. There’s even an exhibit dedicated to leagues other than the NHL, which shows how the sport is played and loved around the world.

The numerous trophies housed on-site are some of the most popular pieces on the premises, including the Stanley Cup, the most coveted trophy in the NHL. When visiting the Hall of Fame, look for names like Rob Blake, Peter Forsberg, and Clark Gillies. The hall or specific exhibits can also be rented for private events.

Admission is free for children under 4, CA$15 (about $11) for kids 4 to 13, CA$20 (about $15) for seniors 65 and over, and CA$25 (about $19) for adults. The Hockey Hall of Fame is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 6 p.m. during summer. The nearest tram stop is Wellington Street at Yonge Street.

• Address: 30 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5E 1X8

8. Mackenzie House

Mackenzie House was once the home of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, and even after his death, his family lived here for decades.

Because of its role in Toronto’s early history as a city, the home has survived numerous rounds of neighborhood demolitions. Today, it’s been transformed into a museum that showcases the life of Mackenzie and his family. During his life, he not only played a vital role in the area’s political growth but was an important newspaper editor and a prominent member of the community.

Mackenzie House also shows visitors what the day-to-day life of an upper-class Canadian family would have looked like in the 19th century. Most of the furnishings that adorn the home are original pieces that were purchased by the Mackenzie family, alongside other antiques and restored or recreated items.

Admission is free for everyone. Mackenzie House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest tram stop is Dundas Street East at Church Street.

• Address: 82 Bond St., Toronto, ON M5B 1X2

9. Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, Canada

Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA) was established in 1999. Since then, it’s been one of Ontario’s most prestigious art centers.

Since the space focuses on current and up-and-coming artists, MOCA doesn’t have permanent exhibits. Instead, the space hosts rotating exhibitions that change a few times a year. Since it first opened, the museum has highlighted works from over 800 artists in hundreds of gallery shows. While MOCA prioritizes the work of Canadian artists, creators from around the world are also featured.

In addition to its traditional exhibitions, MOCA hosts live showings to honor the performance arts. Workshops, family days, and screenings are also staple parts of the museum’s event calendar. Though it’s a self-guided space, you can book guided tours for groups of up to 20 people.

Admission is free for members, Indigenous people, aides of guests with disabilities, and children 18 and under. It’s CA$10 (about $7) for students and seniors 65 and over and CA$14 (about $10) for other adults. MOCA is open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Lansdowne.

• Address: 158 Sterling Road #100, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7

10. MZTV Museum of Television

Housing over 10,000 artifacts, MZTV Museum of Television focuses on the changes in the television industry. In particular, MZTC focuses on the technological side of television and the work that goes into broadcasting. Dozens of set pieces, televisions, and cameras are displayed around the museum to show the passage of time in this medium.

In addition to the permanent displays, the museum typically has 1 or 2 special exhibitions that focus on a specific aspect of television history. Currently, the “Philo T. Farnsworth” and the “John Logie Baird” exhibits are on display.

Some highlighted pieces in these exhibitions are the very first camera tube created by Farnsworth, personal journals written by important people in the industry, and experimental pieces from the 1920s, when television was still in its infancy. It’s also possible to take a virtual tour of the museum to prepare for your visit.

Admission is free for children under 13 and members, CA$5 (about $4) for groups, students, and seniors, and CA$10 (about $7) for other adults. MZTV is open Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The nearest tram stop is King Street West at Joe Shuster Way.

• Address: 64 Jefferson Ave., Toronto, ON M6K 1Y4

11. Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum and one of the biggest on the continent. It houses over 13 million pieces that range from cultural items and works of art to artifacts of natural history.

ROM’s items can be broadly divided into 5 categories, including interactive areas, textile displays, and entire wings dedicated to cultures around the world. Some highlights from ROM’s collection include tools used by Canada’s indigenous First Nations, the largest cerussite mineral (Light of the Desert), and fossils of prehistoric megafauna, including mammoths.

Temporary exhibitions are also regularly hosted at the facility, which delve deeper into specific and diverse areas of interest, like nature photography or even the tyrannosaurus rex. ROM also hosts and sponsors research and educational programs.

Admission follows surge pricing, but general admission typically ranges between CA$26 (about $19) and CA$28 (about $21). Purchasing tickets ahead of time is cheaper than buying them on-site. ROM is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Museum Station.

• Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6

“An architectural landmark in the heart of downtown Toronto, ROM is home to more than 18 million objects spanning art, culture, and nature. It is also Canada’s most popular museum, with fascinating exhibitions and sweeping galleries featuring everything from contemporary art and the wonders of ancient Egypt to meteorites and the rise of dinosaurs.”

Josh Basseches, ROM director and CEO, Royal Ontario Museum

12. Spadina Museum

Spadina Museum is a sprawling estate museum that once belonged to a local doctor. Since opening as a museum, the home preserves what life was like in Toronto between the 1860s and 1930s for the city’s upper class.

Since the museum is furnished with authentic antiques from the time period that are, as a result, incredibly delicate, you can only visit Spadina as part of a guided tour. However, this also allows you a chance to learn more about the culture of Toronto culture at the time.

Keep in mind that groups of 15 or more will be charged administrative fees and must book their tours in advance. Spadina can also be rented as an event venue and photoshoot set, highlighting its ornate and luxurious architecture. Each year, the museum also operates a children’s summer camp for children ages 6 to 12. 

Admission is free for everyone. Spadina Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Dupont.

• Address: 285 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2V5

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Toronto Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. There are also several other programs that offer similar concessions.

The Toronto Public Library offers the TPL:map pass. It’s a free pass but requires participants to have a city library card. With the pass, visitors can get reservations and discounted entrances to a number of Toronto attractions, including the Aga Khan Museum, the Toronto Zoo, the Hot Docs Festival, the Gardiner Museum, and more.

Toronto also offers museum passes that last between 24 and 72 hours and offer free or steeply discounted admission to a number of the city’s most famous attractions. Participating venues include Bata Shoe Museum, Gardiner Museum, Aga Khan Museum, Little Canada, and more.

Participation is subject to change. Please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Boasting some of the best exhibits not just in the province of Ontario but in the entire country, Toronto has a gallery or facility for virtually anyone. Whether you’re a sports lover, an art buff, or a history fan, there’s no shortage of Toronto museums worth visiting. With any luck, this list has helped you narrow down your options.