Do you find yourself diving deep into historical facts? Then you’ll be glad to know that Toronto is home to a ton of museums that you can visit for free. Talk about a fun winter activity! We’ve compiled a list of Toronto museums and galleries that are absolutely free, some on select nights.
Just make sure to register ahead of time for select experiences.
Here’s our roundup of free museums in Toronto:
On the third Tuesday of each month, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)-goers can enjoy free admission between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can enjoy access to most galleries at this time. Special exhibitions are not included.
Advance tickets are required, and walk-in entry is not available. In order to reserve your spot, click the “Book Tickets” button at the top of the ROM page and select the third Tuesday of the month on the calendar. The option “3rd Tuesday Nights Free” will appear and can be selected – that is, if tickets are available. They are released two weeks before each event.
When: Every third Tuesday of the month
Time: From 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 100 Queens Park
On the first Wednesday of each month, between 6 and 9 p.m., you can enjoy free entry; just be sure to book your tickets online in advance to ensure you get a spot.
Please note that there is a limit of two tickets per booking.
When: Every first Wednesday of the month
Time: From 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: 317 Dundas St. W.
Head over to the Gardiner Museum on Wednesday nights after 4 p.m. for free admission. No advance registration is required.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: After 4 p.m.
Where: 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ont.
The Aga Khan Museum has a “permanent collection of over 1,200 masterpieces and innovative performing arts and educational programming,” and on Wednesdays, you don’t need to worry about paying for admission.
The free admission promotion runs on Wednesdays during extended hours from 4 to 8 p.m.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: From 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 77 Wynford Dr.
Free to attend on Sundays, the Bata Shoe Museum displays over a thousand shoes and related artifacts, sharing the fascinating history behind them.
Secure your tickets ahead of time or at the door.
When: Every Sunday
Time: From noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 327 Bloor St. W.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, a.k.a. MOCA, knows how to get your weekend started on the right foot.
Every first Friday of the month, from 5 to 9 p.m., admission is free. Book in advance to guarantee entry, or drop in at the door; just note that the last time slot for entry is 8:45 p.m.
When: Every first Friday of the month
Time: From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 158 Sterling Rd.
All 10 of the Toronto History Museums have free admission at all times.
According to the City of Toronto, this is “to provide everyone an opportunity to fully participate in cultural heritage and spaces.”
The museums include:
Enjoy these free museum experiences, Toronto.
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