Toronto museums you must visit

Toronto museums you must visit

If you are moving to Toronto, you are probably wondering what this city has to offer. Well, there is a simple answer to that question. Whatever you might like, you will definitely be able to find it in this great city. As it is the city with the biggest population in Canada, you can just imagine what you can find there. The choices are endless in this city. Therefore, your only job is to wish for something, and you will easily find it there. Here we will speak about the cultural scene of Toronto, focusing on Toronto museums. The very first thing you need to know is that Toronto is a home to more than 80 cultural institutions of all kind. Even though we can’t go through the entire list, we’ll try to emphasize the ones you must visit. Let’s begin.

Art Gallery of Ontario

This gallery should definitely be the first on your list. There is no better place to start exploring Toronto museums than a house of artists from all around the world. Here you will find more than 100,000 pieces of art. Yes, you read correctly. And this number is not a surprise, as this is the biggest art museum in North America. Important to realize is that you shouldn’t expect to explore this building in just one day.  Therefore, schedule a couple of visits if you want to make sure you didn’t miss anything. In the end, it would be disappointing to skip this beautiful place after you move to Toronto.

Bata Shoe Museum

Now, this is not something you will see every day. The actual museum of footwear. First, it was a museum of a private collection of world-famous shoe designer Sonja Bata. From 1995. till today, more than 15,000 pieces of footwear were placed in this beautiful five-story architectural masterwork. Many of these shoes are actually telling many stories. Lots of pieces are connected with tradition, culture, and religion from many nations. Make sure you bring your camera with you, as this is something you will want to remember later.

Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum is the biggest museum dedicated to the Islamic religion in this part of the world. And it is not a typical kind of museum. Park and gardens are part of this gorgeous landmark, so you will be able to enjoy a walk while exploring it. There are many pieces representing Islamic culture through last 1000 years. This is an architectural landmark as well, as walls are made from the Brazilian granite, and the light that is coming from the open roof is giving a special atmosphere.

Casa Loma

This Canadian Camelot once was a private home of wealthy businessman and his wife. Sir Henry Pellatt invested 3.5 million dollars in the early 20’s to build this gothic-style castle. Everything inside this building has a medieval note, as its founder was a big fan of this period. numerous stairs, tunnels and secret chambers are making this monument a real labyrinth. All over there are exhibits that Sir Henry brought from his travels all around the globe. But European medieval pieces prevail.

Ontario Science Centre

Even though there are many music venues in Toronto, you need to have a daytime activity. And there is no better place for spending a Sunday afternoon than this science center. But this is no ordinary museum. Six floors, ten halls, and public planetarium are a home to over 500 interactive installations. And all of those in name of science. It is one of the most amazing places in the world where you can have unique experiences such as:

• Walking through the living rainforest
• Listening waterfalls
• Play interactive educational games
• See poison frogs
• Enjoy stars

Hockey Hall of Fame

Well, it wouldn’t be a real Canadian experience without hockey. One of the most unique Toronto museums, dedicated to the sport every Canadian adore. Each and every exhibit here has a story behind. Each and every of hockey artifact here is describing a history of this sport in Canada. It is an attraction for all ages, so it is a place for the whole family. In the center is The Esso Great Hall where you will be able to learn about the most famous hockey’s individuals.

Gardiner Museum

This is not something that we would list between typical Toronto museums. It is a Toronto’s hidden gem dedicated to the ceramic arts. First, it was opened for the private collection of Gardiner family at the end of 19th century. Just 10 years ago, it was turned into one of the most beautiful buildings in Toronto. Besides amazing pieces of ceramic exhibits, this building has a terrace with the best view in the entire city of Toronto. So, even if you are not a ceramic art enthusiast, make sure you visit this place in order to enjoy the best view you can get in Toronto.

Royal Ontario Museum

Recently, this museum celebrated 100 years of existing. There are more than 40 galleries that have exhibits from all around the globe. Here you can find sculptures from China, samurai swords, Greek antiques, and ancient Arabic scripts. Pretty much everything important form the history of civilization. More than 13 million pieces of art will guide you through the entire history – from the age of dinosaurs to the modern art collections.

 

As we said at the beginning of this article, the list of great museums this city has to offer is much longer. So, once you finish visiting these great Toronto museums, continue exploring others. You will need much time to scratch each and everyone from the full list. But, you should definitely do it as museums are such beautiful places for you to spend your free time. Now, if you still didn’t manage to organize your Toronto relocation, you should do it as soon as possible, and there are some pretty good last minute movers that can help you with that. Toronto is waiting for you.