Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto: Hours, Address, Royal Ontario Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. One of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, Canada's largest museum is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new and original findings in biodiversity, palaeontology, earth sciences, the visual arts, material culture and archaeology, the ROM plays a vital role in advancing our global understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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from CA$23.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
At the heart of Toronto, Downtown is the destination for cheap eats and fast fashion. Cut through by hip and trendy Yonge Street, the vibe here is young, with a strong student influence from the Ryerson University Campus. As a result, the Downtown area is always in flux: undergoing the construction of new facilities, with fresh retail spaces and pop-up cafes. Home to Toronto's largest indoor shopping mall, a number of vintage cinemas, and a healthy nightlife centered on the area's Distillery District bar and clubs near the East End, it's both an easygoing daytime spot and a popular party place after sunset. It also features some of Toronto's best outdoor landmarks, including Yonge-Dundas Square and the Nathan Phillips Square: perfect for a concert, a skate, or a relaxing sit-down.
How to get there
- Museum • 2 min walk
- St. George • 6 min walk
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,350 reviews
Excellent
4,915
Very good
2,544
Average
711
Poor
125
Terrible
55
Chris Stephens
Ontario, Canada35 contributions
Whenever I visit Toronto, I make sure to come here. Such a magical place to be, especially with kids as they'll love it. So many different animals, dinosuars, plants, and cultural pieces showcased here, you could spend an entire day here to see everything. The original beautfully preserved building blends in with the striking and more recent addition at the front, a delight for architecture lovers like myself. Staff are very friendly and professional, and tickets are good value for money. Great restuarant in the basement with an extensive assortment of food, and fantastic transport connections to the subway just a short walk away.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian C
Elkton, MD48 contributions
We were looking for a half day event. Ended up spending about 2 hours here. The Dino’s and other animals weee great. Right in the heart of U Toronto.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea438
Milan, Italy400 contributions
Is described as one of the main natural science museum of the world and the reputation has been widely confirmed in the visit. Very well organized and well explained. Take your time for visiting.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mamacita
Brampton, Canada91 contributions
ROM is always a hit! So much to see! You start of by reading the plaques then an hour goes by and you havent put a dent in the first exhibit. Needless to say, its an all day event. Great exhibits. We went on a Sunday exactly at 10am and it was slow, but come to the 2nd floor...so busy! Popular exhibits for children. Worth the trip. However, the new Fantastic Beast Exhibit, in my opinion, and we are fans of the movies, was not worth the extra money. Maybe if you purchase your tickets with a coupon code then I would say, Go For It.
TIP 1: Buy your tickets with a coupon code if you want to add the Fantastic Beast Exhibit.
TIP 2: Buy your tickets ONLINE - to avoid the purchase line which seemed to be really long.
TIP 3: Establish your favorite exhibit, go to it so you can read and enjoy it.
TIP 1: Buy your tickets with a coupon code if you want to add the Fantastic Beast Exhibit.
TIP 2: Buy your tickets ONLINE - to avoid the purchase line which seemed to be really long.
TIP 3: Establish your favorite exhibit, go to it so you can read and enjoy it.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
trishjoe
St. Louis MO15 contributions
We really enjoyed all the exhibits and it was affordable. Adults and kids will find things to enjoy. Would highly recommend it
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JACIX22
Nelson House, Manitoba160 contributions
Great museum. One of the best in the nation and will consume a lot of time and leave your brain and feet tired. Parking and tickets a bit pricey and driving in downtown is never fun but a great place nonetheless. Fantastic beasts exhibition was fun but overpriced for what it was. The mummy was a family favorite.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul
3 contributions
The Exhibits were extensive and from different countries and cultures. However, most of the exhibits were displayed without context, explanations or detailed backgrounds. Most exhibits were also replicas and not actual fossils or authentic artifacts.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan S
Bodegraven, The Netherlands120 contributions
Very nice displays of various times in history. Large displays of dinosaurs. Interesting architecture.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stormflora
Toronto, Canada22 contributions
Incredible experience; simply one of the best attractions to go to in Toronto. It is absolutely massive, and there is just too much to see in one sitting. If you're someone who likes to take their time, set aside at least 7-9 hours to get through all of the exhibits.
Unfortunately, the ROM is only open for seven hours on most days, which means it is typically impossible to cram it all into one day. You're going to have to speed through some exhibits, which may disappoint you, especially considering that the admission is expensive.
Since the first floor is largely free, I strongly advise leaving it for the end or coming back to explore on another day, and focusing your first-day admission on Level 2 and above.
When I went (Jul. 14, 2022), Levels 4 and B2 were closed off and inaccessible. I imagine that as time goes by and they are reopened again, even 7-9 hours won't be enough to cover everything.
On a side note, the Fantastic Beasts exhibit is a bit of a tourist trap. It's expensive and doesn't really offer much. I wouldn't recommend paying the extra admission for it. Just watch someone go through it on YouTube or something.
I think my only complaint was when it was 5:20 PM (10 minutes before the actual closing time), and the staff were already forcing people to leave. I was not given what I had paid for. And when the staff were explaining why, they simply said that they just wanted to get off work quickly. Not the kind of treatment I was expecting.
Unfortunately, the ROM is only open for seven hours on most days, which means it is typically impossible to cram it all into one day. You're going to have to speed through some exhibits, which may disappoint you, especially considering that the admission is expensive.
Since the first floor is largely free, I strongly advise leaving it for the end or coming back to explore on another day, and focusing your first-day admission on Level 2 and above.
When I went (Jul. 14, 2022), Levels 4 and B2 were closed off and inaccessible. I imagine that as time goes by and they are reopened again, even 7-9 hours won't be enough to cover everything.
On a side note, the Fantastic Beasts exhibit is a bit of a tourist trap. It's expensive and doesn't really offer much. I wouldn't recommend paying the extra admission for it. Just watch someone go through it on YouTube or something.
I think my only complaint was when it was 5:20 PM (10 minutes before the actual closing time), and the staff were already forcing people to leave. I was not given what I had paid for. And when the staff were explaining why, they simply said that they just wanted to get off work quickly. Not the kind of treatment I was expecting.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BRITOPSPIN
Philadelphia, PA283 contributions
Since we were only in Toronto for 3 days we wanted to get to at least one museum. So happy that the Royal Ontario Museum was within walking distance from our waterfront hotel. There is something for all different tastes, including art, dinosaurs, and the Fantastic Beasts exhibit, and we spent nearly 3 hours exploring all the floors. Go early because it can get busier during the afternoon. Located right next to the University of Toronto.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sahar S
1 contribution
Can I check my suitcase in a locker during visiting the museum? I come directly from the airport and have several hours till I hotel check in time
Lisa A
Toronto, Canada13 contributions
There are no lockers but they have a coat room. I am not sure of checking a suitcase. I didn't use the coat check in.
jelomu
Niagara Falls, Canada318 contributions
We are planning on visiting at the end of May.
It looks like they want you to pre book time slots for the special exhibits and I’m trying to plan how
The wildlife photographer is on level 3 centreblock
The Great Whales exhibit is on level B2,Garfield Weston Hall
What would be the best plan for 2 adults and 3 teens?
Main Entrance and do the main level first?
Or should I book the time slots for our arrival time, then go back and look at everything else
Is anyone experienced with the layout and know how long the main level takes?
It adds so much more pressure to book two time slots when they are not close together and I don’t know how long each one will take
Please help, I’d really appreciate it!
ArturMargaryan
Yerevan, Armenia801 contributions
It all depends on your abilities.
Although I think you will be able to see everything. It is important for you to understand what is most interesting for you, plan your visit accordingly, and visit the other halls the rest of the time. Good luck.
GrandAdventure31
Newcastle, Canada36 contributions
How much time should I allow for visiting the ROM?
operalover939
Toronto, Canada2,651 contributions
Three hours should suffice. You probably wont be able to see everything, but you’ll manage to see quite a lot.
LM807
Thunder Bay, Canada37 contributions
What is a good age range for kids visiting the ROM? Are there exhibits of interest for older kids?
Ross H
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
I have seen kindergarten groups enjoying the ROM, so any age more than maybe 4 would enjoy some of the exhibits. There is something there for all ages and interests. All that is required is curiosity!
Arlene H
King City, Canada4 contributions
where to park
Ashim (my2centscanada)
Ottawa, Canada124 contributions
There no indoor parking but plenty of garages around the ROM.
Gabriel C
Jericoacoara, CE1 contribution
Can we leave our luggage at the coat check during our visit to the museum?
Paulo Mosciaro
Rio de Janeiro, RJ187 contributions
I am not sure...
They have Space for it in many other spots...look at the site of the museum....
Good luck !!!
Auriane
238 contributions
A quelle heure sont les visites guidées (en français) ? Merci
Alexander G
Cancun, Mexico15 contributions
A l'huere que tu voudrais. Quant vous arrivez, Vous devez le demander
Writer_Traveling
New Hamburg, Canada3 contributions
Are there lockers available where I can store our lunch and snacks, so I don't have to carry them with us (which I believe is against the ROM'S policies)? We went years ago, and I think they had lockers on the lower level... but things may have changed...
Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto, Canada
Hi there, thanks for your question. We do not have lockers though visitors can check their items with our Coat Check. Please see a member of staff and they would be happy to help you.
I hope this helps.
Thomas G.
do i need a reserved time slot to see photo exhibits?
Lisa M
10 contributions
No,I can't remember anytime I had to reserve.
do you need a reserved time slot for the photo exhibition
GEORGE K
Toronto, Canada17 contributions
No ,nothing of the sort
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Ontario Museum
- Royal Ontario Museum is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Royal Ontario Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost C$23.54, while a popular guided tour starts around C$15.87 per person. See all 14 Royal Ontario Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Royal Ontario Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 14 Royal Ontario Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
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- Hotels near Royal Ontario Museum:
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- (0.10 km) Gabby's Bar & Grill