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MuseumsLocal GemRainy-Day Pick

Gardiner Museum

111 Queens Park · Toronto, ON

Why you should go…

Opened in 1984 across from the ROM, the Gardiner Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated solely to ceramic art. Its collection ranges from ancient Americas earthenware to European porcelain and Japanese tea ceremony wares. Hands-on clay workshops run for both kids and adults.

  • #ceramics
  • #art
  • #workshops
  • #museum

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Gardiner Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Royal Ontario Museum

    $25–$50

    Canada's largest museum spans dinosaur fossils, ancient Egypt, and a jagged crystal entrance you can't miss.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Kensington Market

    Free

    A scruffy, colorful grid of vintage shops, spice stores, and street murals with a proudly independent streak.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Art Gallery of Ontario

    $25–$50

    One of North America's biggest art museums, with the world's largest public Group of Seven collection.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Casa Loma

    $25–$50

    Wander a full-blown Gothic Revival castle, complete with secret passages and manicured gardens, in midtown Toronto.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Free

    Toonie Tours

    Free

    Guide-led, tip-based walking tours of downtown Toronto, plus e-scooter tours and bike rentals.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Hockey Hall of Fame

    Under $25

    Stand next to the real Stanley Cup and shoot pucks at simulated NHL legends in a restored 1885 bank hall.

    1.7 mi awayMore like this