Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto (must see)

The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders and cultural treasures, making it a must-visit destination. Whether your interests lie in dinosaurs, meteorology, historical artifacts, famous paintings, or hands-on exhibits, this museum has something for everyone. Delving into the past, whether it be through historical, archaeological, or scientific lenses, is a rewarding experience at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Drawing in over a million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum is a top priority for any tourist exploring Toronto. Its vast collection of over six million artifacts spans ancient history, art, meteorology, science, anthropology, archaeology, and paleontology, leaving no mystery behind its renowned reputation.

Notably, the museum proudly houses the world's most esteemed fossil field, the Burgess Shale, with the largest collection of fossils. Since its establishment in 1912, the museum has maintained a close affiliation with the University of Toronto. However, it was not until 1968 that the Royal Museum became an independent and separate institution.

The architecture of the museum also deserves special recognition. It showcases a harmonious blend of various architectural styles and designs, encompassing Neo-Romanesque, Byzantine, and strikingly modern and contemporary elements. The Royal Ontario Museum is not only a visual delight but also sparks imagination and satisfies curiosity, providing a feast for the senses.

Why You Should Visit:
Royal and relevant; not only are the exhibits great and diverse too – the architecture alone is also an attraction.
Has over 40 galleries, a fantastic kids' area on the 2nd floor, a nice souvenir shop & more.

Tip:
There are special events held often, and on certain Friday nights, the museum will become party central with an organized social, bar, and opportunity to mingle among the artifacts.
Plan on being at the museum for about one hour per exhibit/collection and note that some special exhibitions may have an additional charge.
The c5 Restaurant Lounge, located at the top of the Crystal, offers views of Liza's Garden, a sustainable garden installed on the museum rooftop, as well as the Toronto skyline, and there are also other fine dining/coffee spots inside or close by.