Royal Ontario Museum Toronto
Explore natural history and world cultures at the iconic Royal Ontario Museum, featuring dinosaur fossils and striking modern architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
Royal Ontario Museum Toronto
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore natural history and world cultures at the iconic Royal Ontario Museum, featuring dinosaur fossils and striking modern architecture.
"A must-visit for its dinosaur skeletons and the stunning Crystal entrance!"
🎯 Free Tuesday Nights
Visit on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for free admission (5:30-8:30 PM). Arrive early!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and skip the line by booking tickets in advance online.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Skeletons
Currelly Gallery
Stand in awe of towering dinosaur fossil skeletons, a thrilling experience for all ages. A true highlight of natural history.

The Crystal Entrance
Main Entrance
Marvel at the striking architecture of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a modern masterpiece contrasting with the historic building.

Death: A Cultural Exploration
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Explore diverse cultural perspectives on death and the afterlife in this thought-provoking and interactive exhibit.
Ancient Egypt Galleries
Second Floor
Journey back in time with mummies, sarcophagi, and artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization. A captivating glimpse into the past.
Planning Your Visit
Free Tuesdays: A Budget Traveler's Dream
Navigating Crowds & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Tuesday Nights
Visit on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for free admission (5:30-8:30 PM). Arrive early!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and skip the line by booking tickets in advance online.
🤫 Hidden Gems
Don't miss the paperweights room and the rotunda's ceiling.
🚗 Transit is Key
Avoid downtown driving. Park at Kipling and take the subway to St. George.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Tuesday Nights
Visit on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for free admission (5:30-8:30 PM). Arrive early!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and skip the line by booking tickets in advance online.
🤫 Hidden Gems
Don't miss the paperweights room and the rotunda's ceiling.
🚗 Transit is Key
Avoid downtown driving. Park at Kipling and take the subway to St. George.
📸 Aesthetic Photo Ops
The ROM offers many visually stunning spots perfect for photos.
📚 Library Pass Perk
Toronto residents can get a free pass with a library card!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Royal Ontario Museum for its impressive dinosaur exhibits and the striking modern architecture of the Crystal entrance. The diverse collections offer a rich learning experience. However, some find the ticketing and entry process can be lengthy, especially during free admission periods or peak times.
"The Royal Ontario Museum is an absolutely necessary stop on any trip to Toronto. A strikingly beautiful building with a vast and fascinating collection. We were fortunate to be visiting on the day of their Block Party, when the museum is open late and they had a dance party/musicians and tons of food and drink options alongside the exhibits. Such an awesome time. The musicians and performances were great. And so were the drinks! Very pleasantly surprising that our admission ticket for the event came with a free drink. Highly recommend!"
Ethan
"Great museum with impressive architecture - the crystal addition is stunning! Loved the dinosaur gallery and diverse exhibits covering natural history and world cultures. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable.
Docking one star because it gets very crowded on weekends and some exhibits feel a bit dated plus admission fees is little high.
Still, there’s plenty to see and it’s a good option to kill some time before your dinner reservations. Would recommend booking tickets online in advance.
Solid museum experience - plan for 3-4 hours to see everything!"
Dee
"We completely lost track of time while enjoying the exhibitions in the different galleries. We spent three hours inside the museum and still couldn’t see it all. The variety is amazing, and every exhibition—whether nature, art, dinosaurs, or history—is truly spectacular. Definitely worth visiting—make sure to plan enough time to explore!"
Mariela Romero Mederos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ROM is easily accessible via public transit. Take the subway to St. George Station (Bloor-Yonge line) or Museum Station (University-Spadina line). If driving from further out, consider parking at a transit hub like Kipling Station and taking the subway downtown to avoid city traffic.
Yes, the ROM has underground parking available. However, it can be expensive, and driving into downtown Toronto is generally not recommended due to traffic.
From Mississauga, it's recommended to drive to a TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) station like Kipling and take the subway into the city. This avoids the stress of driving and parking in downtown Toronto.
Yes, you can use your Presto card to pay for your subway fare to reach the ROM. St. George and Museum stations are the closest stops.
While the closest subway stations are St. George and Museum, you can also reach the vicinity of the ROM via streetcar routes that run along Bloor Street or University Avenue, followed by a short walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but general admission for adults is typically around $26 CAD. Check the official ROM website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the admission desk upon arrival. However, booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular times or special exhibitions, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
The ROM offers free admission on the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Additionally, Toronto Public Library cardholders can access free passes. Check their website for other potential discounts.
The Royal Ontario Museum's hours typically vary by day and season. It's best to check the official ROM website for the most current opening and closing times before your visit.
When booking tickets online, you will often need to select a specific entry time. This helps manage visitor flow and reduce wait times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the impressive dinosaur fossil skeletons, the ancient Egypt galleries, and the striking architecture of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The 'Death: A Cultural Exploration' exhibit has also been a popular draw.
Absolutely! The ROM has many engaging exhibits for children, including the dinosaur galleries, interactive displays, and cultural artifacts that spark curiosity.
To fully appreciate the Royal Ontario Museum, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to explore in-depth, you could easily spend half a day or more.
Yes, visitors often overlook the paperweights room, located off the European gallery, and the intricate details of the rotunda's ceiling.
The ROM offers many visually stunning areas, especially the Crystal entrance and various exhibit halls, making it a great spot for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the ROM has dining options, including a cafe and a restaurant, offering various choices for visitors. Check their website for current offerings and hours.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, there may be designated areas for consumption. It's best to confirm their policy.
The ROM typically offers a range of options, from quick snacks and coffee at their cafe to more substantial meals at their restaurant, often featuring diverse culinary influences.
The area around the ROM, particularly along Bloor Street and in the Yorkville neighborhood, offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit various tastes and budgets.
Museum dining can sometimes be pricier than external options. It's advisable to check menus and prices online beforehand or consider dining outside the museum if on a tight budget.
📸 📸 Photography
Personal photography is generally allowed in most galleries, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage in each exhibit.
The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal entrance is iconic. Many exhibit halls, especially those with dramatic lighting or large artifacts like dinosaur skeletons, also make for great photo opportunities.
Professional photography, including engagement shoots or commercial photography, typically requires special permits and advance arrangements. Contact the ROM's media or events department for details.
Yes, some special exhibitions may have restrictions on photography to preserve the integrity of the displays or due to copyright. Look for signs indicating 'No Photography' zones.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as some galleries are dimly lit. A versatile lens that can capture both wide shots of architecture and details of artifacts would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds. The museum's layout is generally stroller-friendly, and there are often family-focused programs or activities available. Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient Egypt galleries, which often captivate children with their mummies and artifacts.
💰 Budget Travelers
Another great tip is to check if you're eligible for a free pass through the Toronto Public Library if you're a resident. This can save you the regular admission cost. When it comes to getting there, utilizing public transit and potentially parking at a suburban station like Kipling can be more economical than paying for downtown parking.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside the galleries, the dinosaur skeletons provide dramatic subjects, and the dimly lit ancient Egypt galleries offer a moody, atmospheric backdrop. Remember to check for any restrictions on flash photography, as it's often prohibited to protect the artifacts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the ROM's Architecture
Visitors often find themselves captivated by the Crystal's dramatic, deconstructed form, which seems to pierce the sky. Inside, the stairwells are also noted for their unique design, offering interesting perspectives and photo opportunities. The contrast between the historic galleries and the contemporary entrance creates a dynamic visitor experience.
Don't forget to look up! The rotunda's ceiling in the older section is a detail many miss but is worth marveling at. The ROM's architecture is as much a part of the attraction as its collections, offering a rich visual narrative for visitors.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from the Community
When exploring the galleries, keep an eye out for the lesser-known gems, such as the paperweights room, which is a favorite secret spot for many. Also, take time to appreciate the rotunda's ceiling and the unique design of the stairwells, elements that are often overlooked. For those interested in specific exhibits, like the popular 'Death: A Cultural Exploration,' be sure to check the ROM's website for current dates and details.
Finally, plan your transportation wisely. Driving into downtown Toronto can be challenging. Many recommend parking at a transit hub like Kipling Station and taking the subway to St. George Station, which is a convenient way to reach the museum without the hassle of downtown driving and parking.
The ROM's Diverse Collections
Beyond the well-known highlights, the museum houses extensive galleries dedicated to Canadian history, Indigenous cultures, East Asian art, and European history. Each section offers a unique window into different societies and eras, providing a comprehensive educational experience. The 'Death: A Cultural Exploration' exhibit, for instance, delves into how various cultures have approached mortality, offering a thought-provoking perspective.
Whether you're fascinated by the natural world, ancient civilizations, or contemporary global issues, the ROM's vast and varied collections ensure a rich and engaging visit for all.
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