Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto, Canada · Museum
About Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest and most comprehensive museum of world cultures and natural history. Located in the heart of Toronto, it is internationally famous for its distinctive Michael Lee-Chin Crystal facade, which seamlessly merges historic stonework with sharp modern glass. Inside, visitors can discover millions of artifacts spanning ancient civilizations, world biodiversity, and dramatic dinosaur skeletons.
Don't miss
- Stand beneath towering fossil skeletons, including a massive Barosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex, in the Age of Dinosaurs galleries.
- Explore the remarkable Chinese temple art and monumental architecture preserved inside the Bishop White Gallery.
- Marvel at glittering crystals, rare gems, and space rocks in the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth's Treasures.
- Admire the striking architectural contrast of the crystalline Daniel Libeskind-designed entrance against the 1914 heritage building.
Plan your visit
Visit on weekday mornings right when doors open to explore the popular galleries before school groups and weekend crowds arrive. It also serves as a fantastic indoor destination during colder winter months.
Admission is paid, and special feature exhibitions often require an additional surcharge. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance to bypass the main ticketing queues.
From downtown Toronto, take TTC Subway Line 1 directly to Museum Station, which brings you steps from the main entrance. You can also easily walk from St. George or Bay subway stations along Bloor Street.
Tips for visiting
- Take time to appreciate Museum subway station, which features platform columns decorated like ancient Egyptian, First Nations, and Greek artifacts.
- Wear supportive walking shoes, as navigating all four public floors requires considerable walking.
- Pick up a gallery map at the information desk or download the digital guide to help plan your route across the wings.
- Consider purchasing a Toronto CityPASS if you plan to visit multiple major attractions around the city.
- Take an elevator to the top floor first and work your way down to avoid waiting for crowded elevators later in the day.
Royal Ontario Museum FAQ
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, all public exhibition spaces are fully accessible via elevators and ramps. Manual wheelchairs are also available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the coat check.
Can you take photos inside the galleries?
Still photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted throughout the permanent collections without flash. Selfie sticks, tripods, and photography in select special exhibitions are not permitted.
Is the Royal Ontario Museum good for children?
The museum is very family-friendly, featuring hands-on interactive zones like the CIBC Discovery Gallery. Children particularly enjoy the walk-through Bat Cave and the extensive dinosaur displays.
Can you buy food and drinks inside the museum?
Yes, there is an on-site cafe on the lower level offering sandwiches, hot meals, snacks, and beverages. Outside food is not permitted in the gallery spaces, but Bloor Street outside offers countless dining choices.
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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: ZEAQRAHT, jameswheeler on Pixabay.