A guide to museums to visit in Toronto

by YP Contributor

Toronto is a thriving metropolis with a fascinating history. Whether you’re interested in exploring Inuit artefacts, Group of Seven artwork, or keen to learn the history of TV in Toronto, the following is a guide of must-see museums in the city. [Image credit: iStock.com/bukharova]

• If you’re a dinosaur-enthusiast, check out The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), which has a massive collection of duck-billed dinosaurs and complete Barosaurus skeleton.
• The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has a permanent collection of the world’s most important collection of contemporary Inuit art.
• Archives of Ontario is the place to go to dig up old articles from the city and beyond (just sure you prepare for your visit).
• A wee north, you can check out stunning Islamic Art at the Aga Khan Museum. Just outside of the city, you can visit the McMichael Gallery, which houses exclusively Canadian work, including that of Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven (six members were actually buried on site).

The free CBC Museum, located on the main floor of the Canadian Broadcasting Centre, holds an archival collection of broadcasting paraphernalia dating back to 1936, the year the CBC was founded. The centre includes interactive installations, archival sound and video footage, and even pop culture gems, such as Mr. Dressup’s tickle trunk. The MZTV Museum of Television is another quirky spot to check out, which focuses on the history of technology in Canada (you can even peep Marilyn Monroe’s television set).

If fashion and interior design tickle your fancy, pop by:

• The Textile Museum of Canada is the spot for exploring different fabric arts from across the world; you can even take a virtual tour beforehand.
• Bata Shoe Museum holds 12,500 artefacts surrounding the footwear industry across time, including one of Terry Fox’s sneakers.
• You can take a class, lecture or tour at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.

There are some 4,500 official heritage buildings in the province of Ontario, which are preserved under the Ontario Heritage Act, and definitely worth visiting. Visit Allan Garden’s Conservatory, a free and truly remarkable collection of greenhouses and glass buildings, including the "Palm House," a heritage landmark esteemed amongst horticulturalists and architects. The Toronto Stock Exchange Building is an art deco masterpiece built in 1937; inside you can check out the Design Exchange. The Hockey Hall of Fame pays homage to the history of hockey; you can even peep an extensive collection of Wayne Gretzky’s gear. You can take a Toronto’s downtown heritage walking tour to catch all the highlights. For more info, check out the online interactive Toronto Heritage Register map.

Toronto is a museum buff’s dream; we have a plethora of engaging galleries, museums, and unconventional historical spaces. So, strap on your sneakers, grab your camera, and hit the streets to enjoy all the history, science and cultural exploration our city has to offer.