10 Best museums in Toronto

If you plan to visit Toronto, you will find a city that stands out for its tall skyscrapers, led by the CN Tower, which became the tallest structure in the world, and for its wide and scattered green spaces. However, art and history are also a focus of intense cultural activity in Canada, especially as the capital of Ontario, and the best way to discover this facet of the city is to explore its museums.

Some of the best things to do in Toronto include visiting the exhibits at the Bata Shoe Museum, touring the Art Gallery of Ontario, getting lost in the Royal Museum, learning about Canadian history at the Railway Museum, touring the Hockey Hall of Fame, being amazed at the Ontario Science Centre and visiting the Museum of the Mountaineers.

If you want to visit one of Toronto's most eye-catching exhibitions, you can't miss the popular Bata Shoe Museum, which focuses on the history of footwear and, primarily, shoes. With an exhibition containing more than 10,000 items from different eras and regions, you can take a cultural tour that will lead you to understand that footwear has been much more than just a functional necessity throughout history.

From the elegant shoes of royalty to the traditional footwear of various indigenous communities, each item in this museum, the only one of its kind in North America, will allow you to learn about the similarities and differences of the communities that made and used them in their time.

In addition, the architecture of the museum complements the experience, as it has a design that will allow you to follow a circulation core that will lead you through all the exhibition halls and will lead to an internal courtyard that contains a cafeteria and gift shop. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts temporary exhibits that add a dynamic feel to the tour.

Furthermore, the Bata Shoe Museum's location in downtown Toronto allows you to combine this visit with other local experiences, such as some of Toronto's best tours. Without a doubt, this exhibition will allow you to approach local and regional culture from a different perspective.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 11 euros per person.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

With over 40 galleries, the Royal Ontario Museum is a cultural treasure trove that houses a collection of masterpieces spanning centuries and continents. This exhibition, considered one of the largest in North America, will allow you to tour exhibits ranging from ancient civilizations to more contemporary expressions that reflect the cultural richness of the region and beyond.

In this multicultural museum you can marvel at pieces from ancient Egyptian civilisation, explore the intricate European artwork of renowned painters and dive into Canada's indigenous artistic expressions. In addition, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that round out the visitor experience, offering a window into contemporary artistic and cultural trends.

The ROM is also one of Canada's leading natural science museums, making it one of the best places to visit with children in Toronto. From dinosaur recreations to the largest collection of fossils from the Burgess Shale, one of North America's most famous geological formations, you'll find it all here.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 22 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto.

The Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto is a must-see destination for art lovers. In its corridors you'll come face to face with an eclectic collection ranging from historic works to cutting-edge contemporary creations. Paintings by world-renowned artists, such as Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night, will transport you to unique and significant styles.

However, this gallery is also home to a large collection of Canadian art, offering an intimate glimpse into the country's identity and creativity. From the impressionist visions of the Group of Seven to the more modern expressions of contemporary artists, the gallery is a testament to the evolution of local culture.

Set in a modern architectural building in the heart of the city, the gallery allows you to participate in interactive exhibitions, especially if you plan to visit Toronto in December, when Christmas-themed exhibitions are organised.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
• Location: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto.

The history of Canada's industrial might is closely linked to the local development of the railway. Due to the influences of the French and English colonial powers, from the 18th century the country became a centre of high technology, which allowed it to be at the forefront of the Commonwealth territories. You can learn about this rich Canadian past and much more at the Toronto Railway Museum.

This exhibition will take you on a captivating journey through Canada's railway history to learn how the rails connected and transformed the country. Through the exhibits you will learn about the development of railway technology, from steam locomotives to the modern high-speed trains that define contemporary mobility.

The restored locomotives and carriages will give you a first-hand insight into Canada's past, when the railway played a key role in territorial expansion. This mode of transportation was not only crucial in connecting communities, but also played a vital role in the economy, facilitating trade and the transport of natural resources across the country.

The historical importance of the railway in Canada is evident in every corner of the museum, recalling the significant contribution of this infrastructure to the building and unification of the nation. At the Toronto Railway Museum you can discover the engineering behind the railways, as well as fascinating stories of travellers and railway workers who played a crucial role in the growth of Canada.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 20 euros per person.
• Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.
• Location: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.

Ice hockey is Canada's national sport, and the country not only has some of the best teams in the history of the NHL, the league that brings together Canadian and American teams, but also some of the most prominent stars in the history of the sport. At the Hockey Hall of Fame Museum you can find a sanctuary for skate and rubber lovers and learn about the indivisible cultural roots of the sport among the locals.

In the halls of this hall of fame you'll find yourself surrounded by the greatness and history of hockey, with exhibits that pay tribute to iconic players, videos that look back on legendary moments and displays that give you an insight into the evolution of the game over the years. From the early days to the excitement of the modern NHL, every corner of the museum is steeped in the essence of ice hockey.

Display cases showcase iconic trophies, such as the Stanley Cup, along with personal memorabilia from players who have left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. In addition to the players, the museum celebrates the contribution of coaches, referees and prominent figures who have shaped and elevated the status of hockey in Canada.

At the museum, in addition to participating in themed and interactive activities, you can learn how to buy tickets to an ice hockey game in Toronto and learn about the history of the local Toronto Maple Leafs.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 25 euros per person.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: 30 Yonge St, Toronto.

The Ontario Science Centre Museum is a fascinating melting pot of knowledge and discovery. It offers a unique educational experience that fuses fun and learning, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Toronto. Explore the halls and discover a universe of scientific wonders, from exhibits on biology and physics to amazing natural phenomena.

The interactive approach is what makes this museum a distinctive experience. Visitors, especially young children, can actively participate in experiments and demonstrations that spark their curiosity and foster an understanding of science. From simulators to live demonstrations, each room in the museum is designed to inspire and educate in a fun way.

At the Ontario Science Centre Museum, theory becomes practice, allowing young scientists to touch, experiment and learn in a dynamic way. The playful approach to science here creates a stimulating environment that leaves visitors with a renewed appreciation for the world around them. Are you ready to meet the scientist in you?

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 13 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: 770 Don Mills Rd, North York, Toronto.

Is it possible to see one of the largest displays of Islamic art in Toronto? The Aga Khan Museum has the answer and the answer is yes. This exhibition is a beacon of cultural and architectural beauty that takes visitors on a journey through the rich traditions of the Islamic world.

In the museum's galleries you will encounter a variety of artefacts spanning centuries and regions, from illuminated manuscripts to intricate ceramics and textiles. Each piece tells a unique story and reflects the diversity and sophistication of Islamic cultures over time, but also encourages the promotion of cross-cultural understanding.

The distinctive architecture of the building, designed by Fumihiko Maki, is itself a masterpiece combining modernity and traditional Middle Eastern and Near Eastern elements. Its bright and spacious rooms invite contemplation and appreciation of art in a recreational environment. In addition, the Aga Khan Museum offers educational programmes and events that foster mutual respect.

This museum offers much more than an encounter with exceptional works of art; it is an immersion into the cultural richness of the Islamic world and a reminder of art's ability to build bridges between even the most distant communities.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 20 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Location: 77 Wynford Dr, North York, Toronto.

The Toronto Holocaust Museum is a moving testimony to one of the darkest chapters in human history. This site, which reviews the aftermath of the Shoah, offers an ideal place to learn about the tragic events that took place during the Second World War.

In its exhibition halls, visitors can encounter personal accounts, photographs and objects documenting systematic persecution and genocide. The museum not only pays tribute to the victims, but also seeks to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of hatred, intolerance and indifference.

The museum, which believes that preserving the memory of the Holocaust is essential to prevent the recurrence of such events, plays a crucial role as a space for reflection, education and testimony. It also traces the history of Canadians who participated in the Second World War and those who perished in Nazi concentration camps.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 18 euros per person.
• Hours: Sundays to Thursdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: 4588 Bathurst St, North York, Toronto.

Located in the former St. Lawrence Market, the Toronto Market Gallery offers an exhibition that combines the vibrancy and diversity of this Canadian city. This exhibition is a showcase of local artistic talent, in forms ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and decorative arts.

Emerging and established artists contribute a mosaic of styles and perspectives, and exhibit works that are a unique expression of local cultural and artistic identity. All this in the city centre, where you can also take part in some of Toronto's best food tours, street food stalls or even Kensington Market, located in a neighbouring neighbourhood.

In addition to exhibitions, the Market Gallery is an interactive space that presents events and activities that connect the community with art. From exhibition openings to creative workshops, the site becomes a dynamic hub that celebrates creativity in all its forms.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission is free.
• Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: 95 Front St E, Toronto.

The 48th Highlanders Museum in Toronto is a living testament to Canada's rich military history, which in turn focuses on one of the country's most distinguished regiments. Here you can learn about the exploits and traditions of the 48th Highlanders, a regiment that dates back to the 19th century, when they were vital in determining the border with the United States.

The museum's collection ranges from historic uniforms to personal items belonging to members of the regiment, offering a fascinating insight into their service over the years. These exhibits highlight pivotal moments in which the 48th Highlanders played a significant role. From historic conflicts to peace missions, the museum sheds light on the courage and dedication of these soldiers.

The importance of this museum lies in its ability to honour and preserve the legacy of the 48th Highlanders, as well as to educate the public about Canada's military contribution. Whether exploring detailed uniforms or examining medals of valour, each object tells an essential part of Canada's military history and those who served with distinction in the ranks of this regiment.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 19 euros per person.
• Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• Location: 73 Simcoe St, Toronto.