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Friar's Music Museum

4.5
·6 reviews·Toronto, Canada

Discover Toronto's musical past at the Friar's Music Museum, a free exhibit showcasing Yonge Street's vibrant history and local artists.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime during store hours

Always accessible, no crowds

CrowdLow
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Friar's Music Museum - Image 1

Friar's Music Museum

Best Time

Anytime during store hours

Always accessible, no crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Toronto's musical past at the Friar's Music Museum, a free exhibit showcasing Yonge Street's vibrant history and local artists.

4.5
(6 reviews)

"A nice record of music history that this Shoppers Drug Mart allocated on the Second Floor."

Vertical photo
TIP

📍 Find it on the 2nd Floor

Look for the exhibit behind the stairs on the second level of the Shoppers Drug Mart. :shopping_cart:

🔍 Free to Explore

No admission fee! Enjoy this historical exhibit at your leisure. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Friar's Tavern History

Friar's Tavern History

Second Floor, Shoppers Drug Mart

Explore artifacts from the iconic Friar's Tavern, a hub for Toronto's musical past.

Yonge Street's Musical Past

Yonge Street's Musical Past

Second Floor, Shoppers Drug Mart

A glimpse into the vibrant musical history of Yonge Street, from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Interactive Timeline

Interactive Timeline

Second Floor, Shoppers Drug Mart

Engage with a digital timeline highlighting Black musicians and local music halls.

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A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight

Discover a unique slice of Toronto's musical heritage tucked away on the second floor of a Shoppers Drug Mart. This isn't your typical museum; it's an accessible exhibit showcasing the vibrant past of the Friar's Tavern and Yonge Street's music scene. No tickets or entry fees required, making it a spontaneous and informative stop.

What to Expect: An Exhibit, Not a Museum

Understand that the Friar's Music Museum is an exhibit behind glass, not a traditional museum with staff. While small, it's packed with artifacts and an interactive timeline. It offers a fascinating glimpse into local music history, particularly the 1920s-1970s era, with a focus on Black musicians.

Best Times

When
Anytime during store hours
Why
Always accessible, no crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Museum recommendations🖼️

📍 Find it on the 2nd Floor

Look for the exhibit behind the stairs on the second level of the Shoppers Drug Mart. :shopping_cart:

🔍 Free to Explore

No admission fee! Enjoy this historical exhibit at your leisure. :moneywithwings:

📱 Interactive Screen

Don't miss the interactive screen detailing local music history and artists. :computer:

🕰️ A Quick Stop

It's a small exhibit, perfect for a brief, informative detour. :stopwatch:

Tips

from all over the internet

📍 Find it on the 2nd Floor

Look for the exhibit behind the stairs on the second level of the Shoppers Drug Mart. :shopping_cart:

🔍 Free to Explore

No admission fee! Enjoy this historical exhibit at your leisure. :moneywithwings:

📱 Interactive Screen

Don't miss the interactive screen detailing local music history and artists. :computer:

🕰️ A Quick Stop

It's a small exhibit, perfect for a brief, informative detour. :stopwatch:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Friar's Music Museum for being an informative and accessible exhibit showcasing Toronto's musical history, particularly the legacy of the Friar's Tavern and Yonge Street. Its free admission and unique location within a Shoppers Drug Mart are highlighted as major positives, offering a quick yet engaging glimpse into local culture.

"A nice record of music history that this Shoppers Drug Mart allocated on the Second Floor. The Shoppers Drug Mart's building used to house the Friar's Tavern and the Nickelodeon. This exhibit showcases a glimpse of Yonge Street's musical past! There's no one there to monitor this exhibit. It's all behind glass for the public to view and access. There's no requirements to enter and learn about the history! Very informative and well displayed!"

Carol F

"A little slice of music history, this is it's on separate entity inside Shoppers Drug Mart in the second level. There isn't a person that works in this 'museum' it's all behind glass."

B L

"In the corner behind the stairs on the second floor of the drugstore.
Very small exhibit but had a good amount of artifacts and information. There was an interactive screen which displayed a fairly extensive timeline of black musicians & local music halls, 1920 - 1970s."

Cara Smith

What People Like

Free admission
Informative exhibit
Unique location

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Friar's Music Museum is located on the second floor of a Shoppers Drug Mart. You can access it by taking the stairs within the store. It's a convenient stop if you're already in the area.

Since it's inside a Shoppers Drug Mart, parking availability will depend on the specific location of the store. Check for nearby public parking or street parking options.

The best public transit route will depend on the exact location of the Shoppers Drug Mart housing the exhibit. Consult Toronto's transit planner (TTC) for routes serving the specific address.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to visit the Friar's Music Museum. It's an open exhibit within the Shoppers Drug Mart.

The exhibit follows the operating hours of the Shoppers Drug Mart it's located within. It's generally accessible during regular store hours.

There isn't a separate entrance. You enter the Shoppers Drug Mart and then proceed to the second floor to find the exhibit.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a collection of artifacts related to the Friar's Tavern and Yonge Street's musical past, including a focus on Black musicians from the 1920s-1970s. There's also an interactive timeline.

Yes, there is an interactive screen that displays a timeline of Black musicians and local music halls, offering an engaging way to learn.

The exhibit is informative and visually displayed, making it potentially interesting for older children who are curious about music history. However, it's a small exhibit behind glass.

As it's a small exhibit, most visitors spend around 15-30 minutes exploring the displays and interactive screen.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use within the Shoppers Drug Mart, including the exhibit area. However, it's always good practice to be discreet and respectful.

While not explicitly stated, avoid using flash photography that might disrupt other shoppers or damage the displays. Focus on capturing the historical artifacts and information.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Friar's Music Museum can be a quick and educational stop for families. While it's an exhibit behind glass, the interactive timeline is a great way to engage children with music history. It's a good opportunity to discuss the evolution of music and the importance of local artists. Since it's free and located within a drugstore, it's an easy add-on to a shopping trip, offering a brief but informative cultural experience without requiring a dedicated outing.

🎶 Music Enthusiasts

For music lovers, the Friar's Music Museum is a treasure trove of local history. The focus on the Friar's Tavern and Yonge Street's musical past offers a deep dive into a specific era. The detailed timeline, especially its emphasis on Black musicians, provides valuable insights into a often-underrepresented aspect of Toronto's music scene. It's a chance to connect with the roots of the city's vibrant musical culture.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

This museum is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers as it's completely free to visit. Located within a Shoppers Drug Mart, it doesn't require a separate trip or admission fee. It offers a rich historical and cultural experience that costs nothing, making it an ideal way to explore Toronto's heritage without spending a dime.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Toronto's Musical Soul

The Friar's Music Museum offers a unique and accessible window into Toronto's rich musical heritage. Unlike traditional museums, this exhibit is thoughtfully integrated into a Shoppers Drug Mart, making it a serendipitous discovery for many. It focuses on the legacy of the Friar's Tavern and the broader musical landscape of Yonge Street, particularly from the 1920s through the 1970s. The collection is displayed behind glass, preserving the artifacts while allowing public viewing and learning.

The exhibit is particularly noteworthy for its spotlight on the contributions of Black musicians to Toronto's music scene during this pivotal era. Visitors can engage with an interactive screen that provides a comprehensive timeline, detailing key artists, venues, and moments. This digital element enhances the experience, transforming a static display into an engaging historical narrative. It’s a testament to the city's diverse cultural tapestry and the enduring impact of its music history.

Given its location and nature, the Friar's Music Museum is an excellent addition to any exploration of Toronto's cultural landmarks. It provides a free and informative experience, perfect for those interested in local history, music, and social movements. The accessibility and the depth of information presented, despite its compact size, make it a worthwhile stop for both locals and tourists seeking a deeper understanding of the city's artistic past.