BY: LAETITIA DANDAVINO-TARDIF
When we think of museums around Toronto, the first ones that come to mind are the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) or the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Yet, there are so many more. Here are just a few of my favorite cultural museums or art galleries in Toronto I bet you haven’t checked out yet. These institutions are all located in Toronto core and easily accessible by public transportation, so there is no reason for not visiting them in the upcoming months.
1. Gardiner Museum
111 Queen's Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7
The Gardiner Museum, the leading Canadian ceramics museum, is known worldwide as a great specialty museum. Although small looking compared to its neighbor, the ROM, the Gardiner holds a permanent collection of almost 3000 pieces. This collection includes ceramic and porcelain treasures from all around the world, and from Ancient to contemporary objects. Every year, the museum mounts three temporary exhibitions. Clay workshops are available, if you have a creative mindset or want to learn techniques. This past winter, it had a nationally acclaimed exhibition Yoko Ono: The Riverbed and, in 2019, it will hold the highly anticipated Ai Weiwei: Unbroken exhibition. Finally, the Gardiner Museum is at a 10-minute walking distance from campus. Admission is free using your OMA membership card.
2. Textile Museum of Canada
55 Centre Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2H5
In the heart of downtown Toronto, the Textile Museum is the only museum in Canada that dedicates its collection, research and exhibitions to the media of textiles. The TMC’s 13000 artifacts from around the world cover nearly two millennia. It is a fascinating way to explore, discover and understand various cultures. A past exhibition I personally enjoyed was Artistry in Silk: The Kimono of Itchiku Kubota, which made one discover Japanese culture and landscapes through Kubuta’s Kimono designs. Finally, entrance is also free with your OMA card.
3. Ryerson Image Centre
33 Gould Street, Toronto ON M5B 1W1
The Ryerson Image Centre is in Ryerson University’s School of Image Art’s building. It focuses its collection, exhibitions and research on photography and related media. I recommend going to see the Scotiabank Photography Award: Shelley Niro, 2017 winner, before it closes on August 5, 2018. In addition to the main galleries, the RIC has a Student Gallery that showcases the artworks and curatorial practices of Ryerson University’s students or recent alumni. The RIC is walking distance from the Eaton Centre and its admission is free to all.
4. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
The Power Plant is Canada’s leading non-collecting public gallery dedicated to contemporary visual art. It is located at the Harbourfront Centre in a mid-1920s powerhouse. The Power Plant is pro-active in showcasing diverse living artists and engaging with a variety of audiences, thus fostering a local-global dialogue related to contemporary art practice. The gallery holds three shows per year (fall, winter and summer). Many MMSt students attended its Summer Opening Party, last month, to see the exhibitions of Ellen Gallagher, Abbas Akhavan and Grada Kilomba. The Power Plant also offers a large programming of lectures, film screenings, and holds a Sunday Scene speaker series. This art gallery is free to all.
5. 401 Richmond
401 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
If you are in a different mindset, take time to discover an arts-and-culture hub: 401 Richmond Street West. Located in the heart of the Fashion District, this restored heritage industrial building is home to a mix of over 140 creative minds. It has twelve art galleries and thirty artists' studios, which hold many events throughout the year such as performances and exhibitions. Galleries I recommend checking out include Abbozzo Gallery, Open Studio and Gallery 44. As one can see, visiting 401 Richmond is a full day of great and diverse discoveries, and is free!
BONUS: Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto
158 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON M6R 2B2
You have probably not visited the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA) recently as it has moved to a new location in the Junction in the landmark heritage Tower Automotive Building. Save the date: opening day is September 22nd, 2018. The MOCA builds upon the experience of the former Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) having held 200+ exhibitions with works of over 1,100 Canadian and international artists. The moving from its previous location on Queen West to a larger space accommodates the museum’s ever-growing aspirations and significance. In its new 55,000 square foot home, the MOCA integrates artist residency studios and workshop space for educational programs. I had the chance to visit the new building, under construction, during the Doors Open Toronto and I am looking forward to its opening. Admission will be free to the permanent collection and student memberships are $20.
I hope you will take time to visit these museums and art galleries and make the most out of their great events and programming! As MMSt students, it is important to visit a variety of cultural institutions to broaden your knowledge of museum practices, as well as complement with and make the most of your graduate experience. Follow up on events organized by MUSSA to learn about other opportunities to visit these museums and more!
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