The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada, is one of North America’s largest museums, showcasing art, culture, and nature from around the world. It houses over 13 million objects and specimens in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Marvel at the Dinosaurs in the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs
Why it’s a must: The ROM has one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur fossils in Canada. The James and Louise Temerty Galleries feature massive skeletons of Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and other prehistoric giants. The exhibits also explain the evolution, behavior, and extinction of these creatures.
Tip: Don’t miss the fossilized dinosaur eggs and the feathered dinosaurs exhibit, which shows the connection between dinosaurs and modern birds.
2. Explore the Dawn of Life Gallery
Why it’s a must: This immersive gallery takes you through the story of life on Earth, from the Precambrian era to the rise of multicellular organisms. With stunning fossils from over 3.5 billion years ago, the gallery showcases some of the oldest known life forms.
Tip: Look for the Burgess Shale fossils, which are some of the best-preserved early life fossils in the world, offering a glimpse into ancient marine ecosystems.
3. Step Back in Time in the Galleries of Africa: Egypt
Why it’s a must: The Galleries of Africa: Egypt feature one of the most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts in North America. Highlights include mummies, sarcophagi, and intricately carved statues of Egyptian gods and pharaohs. The gallery explores the religious, cultural, and daily life aspects of ancient Egypt.
Tip: Be sure to see the mummified animals, including cats and crocodiles, which were often included in ancient Egyptian tombs for religious purposes.
4. Admire Ancient Civilizations in the Samuel European Galleries
Why it’s a must: The Samuel European Galleries house a rich collection of European art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. You’ll find everything from medieval armor and Renaissance sculptures to Baroque paintings and Victorian furniture.
Tip: Don’t miss the Byzantine mosaics and the Gothic stained glass windows, which are beautifully lit and showcase the craftsmanship of the era.
5. Discover the Bat Cave
Why it’s a must: The Bat Cave is an immersive experience designed to simulate walking through a dark cave filled with bats. The exhibit features life-sized bat models and explains the importance of these creatures in various ecosystems. It’s a fun, educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Tip: While the bats aren’t real, the audio effects and lighting create a thrilling atmosphere perfect for kids and families.
6. Explore the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures
Why it’s a must: This gallery is a glittering showcase of some of the most beautiful and rare gems, minerals, and precious stones from around the world. The collection includes giant amethysts, gold nuggets, and the famous Light of the Desert, one of the largest cut gemstones in the world.
Tip: The meteorites section is particularly fascinating, featuring rocks that have traveled through space before landing on Earth. It’s a great way to learn about the wider universe.
7. Learn About Canada’s Indigenous Cultures
Why it’s a must: The ROM has extensive collections dedicated to the First Peoples of Canada, including the Gallery of First Peoples, which highlights the art, artifacts, and stories of Indigenous cultures from across the country. Objects range from traditional clothing and tools to modern Indigenous artworks.
Tip: Pay special attention to the Haida totem poles in the main atrium, which are some of the tallest and most intricate examples of Indigenous art in Canada.
8. Wander Through the Gallery of Chinese Architecture
Why it’s a must: This exhibit features a full-scale reconstruction of a Ming Dynasty tomb, complete with intricate carvings, statues, and replicas of grave goods. The gallery also includes beautiful examples of Chinese ceramics, jade carvings, and calligraphy.
Tip: The Tang dynasty tomb figures are particularly eye-catching, showcasing the artistic skill of ancient Chinese artisans.
9. Explore the Temporary Exhibits
Why it’s a must: The ROM regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on a wide range of topics, from contemporary art to historical artifacts. These rotating exhibits often feature rare and never-before-seen objects, as well as collaborations with other major museums around the world.
Tip: Be sure to check the ROM’s website before your visit to see which temporary exhibits are on display. The museum’s temporary exhibitions are often some of the most popular attractions.
10. Visit the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity
Why it’s a must: This gallery explores the diversity of life on Earth, with exhibits on everything from endangered species to ecosystem conservation. The gallery features animals, plants, and insects from all over the world, with interactive displays that make learning about biodiversity fun for all ages.
Tip: Don’t miss the Life in Crisis section, which focuses on species currently under threat of extinction and what can be done to protect them.
Official Website: Royal Ontario Museum (rom.on.ca)
Main Positive Reviews:
Visitors appreciate the wide range of exhibits, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.
Many reviews highlight the museum’s educational programs and informative displays.
The museum is praised for being suitable for all ages, with interactive exhibits for children.
The building itself, especially the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, is often mentioned as a highlight.
Visitors enjoy the rotating special exhibitions that offer something new each visit.
A magnificent place with a wealth of information. If you want to explore everything, you need to spend the whole day there.
There are many places worth seeing and learning about human history and the Earth. The Earth section of the museum has a lot of information about climate change.
A huge museum with interesting exhibits.
We bought tickets on-site, didn’t have to wait in long lines, and the staff were very friendly.
The museum is large and well-equipped. It has art and animals from almost all over the world.
Main Negative Reviews:
Some visitors feel the entrance fees are a bit steep.
The museum can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
A few reviews mention that the layout can be confusing and difficult to navigate.
Some visitors are not satisfied with the food options available within the museum.
The only good part is the animal section; the rest is boring. There is a wild cat section, but you have to pay extra.
Someone said: If you are a tourist like me, avoid spending money here because there is nothing you can’t see elsewhere.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Admission Fees: Approximately CAD 28-30 for adults, CAD 22.5 for seniors and students, and CAD 17 for children (ages 4-14). Children under 4 enter for free.
The Royal Ontario Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, and culture. Despite some minor drawbacks, the overall experience is highly rated by most visitors.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Yes, it is highly recommended for its diverse and extensive collections, engaging exhibits, and educational value.
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