Friar's Music Museum
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Always accessible, no crowds
Friar's Music Museum
Best Time
Always accessible, no crowds
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.
"A nice record of music history that this Shoppers Drug Mart allocated on the Second Floor."
📍 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:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 6 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Second Floor, Shoppers Drug Mart
A glimpse into the vibrant musical history of Yonge Street, from the 1920s to the 1970s.
Interactive Timeline
Second Floor, Shoppers Drug Mart
Engage with a digital timeline highlighting Black musicians and local music halls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight
What to Expect: An Exhibit, Not a Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Museum recommendations🖼️
Please give me your museum recs in Toronto! I know the big ones (ROM, AGO, etc). But what are your favourite smaller/less known ones? I’m open to anything but I’d love to visit ones focused on history, social/political/civil movements, art, culture, music, etc. Anything that you…
📍 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. 💻
🕰️ 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. 💻
🕰️ A Quick Stop
It's a small exhibit, perfect for a brief, informative detour. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit