Museum · Downtown
Royal Ontario Museum
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The ROM is Canada's largest museum and one of North America's great encyclopedic institutions, spanning natural history and world cultures under one roof, dinosaurs, a bat cave, Egyptian mummies, dazzling minerals and gems, and deep collections of Asian, Indigenous, and global art. Its most divisive feature is the building itself: the 'Crystal,' a jagged, deconstructivist glass-and-aluminium addition by architect Daniel Libeskind that erupts from the original heritage facade onto a busy Toronto corner.
There's far too much to see in one visit, so pick your interests, the dinosaur galleries and the gem-and-mineral rooms are perennial favourites, and families gravitate to the natural-history halls. It's a downtown anchor, easily combined with the nearby museums and university district.
Don't miss
- The dinosaur and fossil galleries
- The Teck Suite of gems and minerals
- Egyptian mummies and world-cultures collections
- The Libeskind 'Crystal' architecture
- The bat cave (a longtime family favourite)
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Royal Ontario Museum
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Royal Ontario Museum with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
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How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- It's huge, pick a few galleries (dinosaurs, gems, Egypt) rather than trying to see everything.
- Check for discounted or free entry times before you go.
- The subway stops right at the door (Museum station).
- Weekends are busy with families, weekday visits are calmer.
A bit of history
Founded in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum grew into Canada's largest and most comprehensive museum. The controversial 'Crystal' extension by Daniel Libeskind opened in 2007, dramatically (and divisively) reshaping its presence on Bloor Street.
Common questions
What are the highlights?
The dinosaur galleries, the gem-and-mineral rooms, Egyptian mummies, and the world-cultures collections, plus the striking Libeskind 'Crystal' building itself.
How long should I spend?
Two to three hours for the highlights; you can't see it all in one visit, so focus on your interests.
Is it good for kids?
Very, the dinosaurs, bat cave, and natural-history halls are a hit with families.
How do I get there?
The Toronto subway stops right outside at Museum station, on the Bloor–Yonge line.
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