The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Free Museums in Toronto

Toronto is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. It is the provincial capital of Ontario and the most populous city in all of Canada. Toronto is home to more than 2.7 million people, many of whom are immigrants from around the world, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Toronto is known for its diverse range of attractions, from its iconic CN Tower and bustling entertainment district to its many museums and art galleries. For those exploring Toronto on a budget, it is good to know that there are plenty of free museums and galleries available throughout the city.

History of Toronto

Toronto has been inhabited by Indigenous people for thousands of years before it was officially founded in 1793 as the Town of York by Governor John Graves Simcoe. The city was initially a British military outpost and trading hub, but it grew rapidly and was officially declared the capital of Ontario in 1867. Since then, Toronto has become a major center for business, culture, and entertainment in Canada. Over the past few decades, the city has seen rapid growth, becoming a hub for technology, finance, and the creative arts.

What to Do in Toronto

Toronto is a city full of life, with something for everyone. The city offers a variety of activities, from exploring its many museums and art galleries to taking in a show at one of its world-class theatres or enjoying some of the best restaurants in the country. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to explore, including kayaking on Lake Ontario or hiking through one of the city’s many parks. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone in Toronto.

Free Museums in Toronto

While there are plenty of things to do in Toronto, one of the best ways to get an insight into the city’s history and culture is to explore its many museums. Fortunately, there are several free museums in Toronto which offer a glimpse into the city’s past and present. Here’s a look at some of the best free museums in Toronto:

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Toronto and is considered one of the best museums in all of Canada. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the ROM offers a variety of exhibits on art, culture, and natural history from around the world. Visitors can explore ancient artifacts from Egypt and Greece, as well as more recent artifacts from Canada’s Indigenous peoples. The museum also features special exhibitions on a variety of topics throughout the year, as well as interactive displays and activities for children.

The Bata Shoe Museum

The Bata Shoe Museum is one of Toronto’s most unique museums. Located in downtown Toronto, the museum houses over 13 thousand shoes and related artifacts from around the world. The museum offers a fascinating look at the history of footwear and its impact on culture, with exhibits on everything from ancient Egyptian sandals to modern-day sneakers. The museum also features interactive exhibits and activities for visitors to enjoy.

The Textile Museum of Canada

The Textile Museum of Canada is dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional textile arts from across Canada. The museum features a variety of exhibits on weaving, spinning, dyeing, quilting, knitting, and more. Visitors can explore a variety of artifacts from across Canada’s diverse cultures, including traditional garments and contemporary textile artworks. The museum also offers interactive activities and workshops throughout the year.

The Gardiner Museum

The Gardiner Museum is a stunning museum dedicated to ceramic arts located in downtown Toronto. The museum features an impressive collection of over 2 thousand ceramic pieces from around the world, as well as temporary exhibitions on a variety of topics throughout the year. Visitors can explore ancient artifacts from China and Japan, as well as contemporary works from local artists. The museum also offers interactive displays and activities for children.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of Toronto’s most iconic attractions. Located in downtown Toronto, the AGO features an impressive collection of over 95 thousand works by Canadian and international artists. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, and more from across the centuries. The AGO also offers interactive activities for children and special exhibitions throughout the year.

Popular Tours Related to Free Museums in Toronto

In addition to exploring its many free museums and galleries, visitors to Toronto can also take advantage of several popular tours related to these attractions. Here’s a look at two popular tours related to free museums in Toronto:

Royal Ontario Museum Tour

The Royal Ontario Museum Tour is a great way to get an insider’s look at one of Toronto’s most iconic attractions. This guided tour takes visitors on a journey through some of the ROM’s most popular galleries—from ancient Egypt to Greek & Roman art—AND provides an opportunity to see some rarely-seen artifacts behind closed doors! Visitors will also have the chance to learn about the ROM’s history & architecture while taking in stunning views from its rooftop terrace. The tour lasts approximately two hours and can be booked here.

Art Gallery of Ontario Tour

The Art Gallery of Ontario Tour is a great way for visitors to explore one of Canada’s premier art galleries. This two-hour guided tour takes visitors on a journey through some of the AGO’s most popular collections—from Canadian art to European masters—AND provides an opportunity to see some rarely-seen works behind closed doors! Visitors will also have the chance to learn about AGO’s history & architecture while taking in stunning views from its outdoor terrace. The tour lasts approximately two hours and can be booked here.

Conclusion

Exploring Toronto’s free museums is a great way to get an insight into the city’s history and culture without spending any money. From the iconic Royal Ontario Museum to the stunning Art Gallery of Ontario, there are plenty of free museums to explore throughout Toronto. In addition to these attractions, visitors can also take advantage of two popular tours related to these attractions—the Royal Ontario Museum tour and Art Gallery of Ontario tour—to get an even deeper appreciation for Toronto’s culture & history! So why not take advantage of all that Toronto has to offer and explore its many free museums today?