If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is often considered a must-see. This renowned cultural hub offers an impressive collection showcasing everything from towering dinosaur skeletons to exquisite art pieces. We’ve looked into what makes this museum special, and here’s the scoop to help you decide if it’s right for your travel plans.
What we really like about the ROM is how it combines diverse exhibits under one roof, making it a perfect spot for a broad cultural experience. The stunning dinosaur displays, especially the Barosaurus, are a definite crowd favorite. Plus, with admission at just $19, it’s a pretty good deal for a full day of exploration.
On the flip side, some visitors mention that the size of the museum can be overwhelming and that it’s nearly impossible to see everything in one visit without rushing. If you’re a big museum lover or on a tight schedule, this is something to keep in mind. Still, if you enjoy wandering through different eras and cultures at your own pace, the ROM could be a highlight of your trip.
This experience works best for travelers who appreciate natural history, art, and world cultures. It’s also well-suited for those who want to make the most of their time in Toronto by combining education and entertainment in a single visit.
Key Points
- Vast Collections: Home to over 18 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens, offering plenty of options to explore.
- Major Highlights: Features renowned exhibits like the Ming Tomb of General Zu Dashou and the largest mounted dinosaur in Canada.
- Affordable Entry: Tickets are reasonably priced at $19, providing access to a full day’s worth of exhibits.
- Guided Tours: Free tours on the hour add a lot of value, helping visitors navigate and highlight key exhibits.
- Exhibit Variety: Ranges from natural history and dinosaurs to Egyptian artifacts and indigenous art.
- Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
As you step into the ROM, you’re greeted by a building that’s as impressive as its collections. The museum spans multiple floors, each dedicated to different themes like natural history, art, and world cultures. Based on reviews, many visitors recommend setting aside several hours — at least three, according to some — to do justice to the exhibits.
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The ROM is designed to be engaging and accessible, with bilingual multimedia kiosks that enhance the experience with detailed information. The layout is logical, with themed galleries that make it easier to follow your interests—whether that’s dinosaurs, Egyptian artifacts, or indigenous art.
One of the most commented-on aspects is the dinosaur exhibit. The Barosaurus skeleton—Canada’s largest dinosaur—draws crowds for its size and detail. Visitors often mention how the dinosaur displays are both educational and awe-inspiring, especially for children who love seeing the real bones up close.
Highlights and Must-See Treasures
- The Tomb of General Zu Dashou: A rare Ming Dynasty tomb offering insight into ancient Chinese history.
- Dinosaurs: The Gordo skeleton (a Barosaurus) is a highlight, with many reviews praising it as Canada’s largest mounted dinosaur.
- Fossils from Burgess Shale: Well-preserved specimens that showcase early life forms.
- Egyptian Artifacts: Including the Bust of Cleopatra VII and a Statue of Sekhmet, providing a peek into ancient Egyptian civilization.
- Indigenous Art: The Nisgaa and Haida totem poles are both visually striking and culturally significant.
- Mineral and Gem Exhibits: Such as the Light of the Desert (a 900-carat Cerussite gem).
Visitors love how the exhibits are well-curated and interactive, with some saying the guided tours, especially the free hourly ones, helped them identify highlights and appreciate the collections better.
Special Exhibits and Extra Costs
While the general admission grants access to most permanent displays, some reviewers noted that certain special exhibits, like Vikings or specific temporary shows, require an additional fee. One reviewer mentioned, “I didn’t know that ROM tickets didn’t include the Vikings exhibit, which cost an extra $12.” So, if there’s a particular exhibit you’re interested in, it’s worth checking ahead.
Most visitors find the experience very rewarding. The reviews highlight the immense variety of exhibits, with some suggesting you plan at least 3 hours—but many end up staying longer. The museum’s cleanliness and well-maintained spaces get positive remarks, as does the friendly staff.
One reviewer commented, “The free tour that runs on the hour really helped us understand the exhibits better and made the visit more meaningful.” These guided tours are a significant plus, especially if you’re short on time or want some expert insights.
The exhibits engage multiple senses, with some interactive features, sound effects, and detailed displays. For example, the dinosaur skeletons are displayed so realistically that you can almost hear the echoes from prehistoric times.
Toronto: Royal Ontario Museum Admission Ticket
Accessibility and Practical Tips
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes since there’s a lot of walking involved. Photography (without flash) is permitted, allowing you to capture memories without restrictions—though some reviews mentioned that additional info like QR codes or audio guides could boost the experience further.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries, but the museum’s cafeteria offers a decent selection of food, making it convenient for a quick lunch or snack. No large bags or luggage are permitted, so plan to leave unnecessary items at your hotel.
At $19, the ROM offers considerable value for the amount of content you get. The reviews show that many visitors feel they have received more than their money’s worth, especially when taking advantage of the free guided tours. Some mention that the exhibits are so extensive that even multiple visits wouldn’t cover everything, which is a good problem to have.
The free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) adds flexibility, making it easier to plan your day without stress. For those who like to customize their experience, the reserve now, pay later option is a smart feature.
If you’re a curious traveler eager to explore a wide array of artifacts, fossils, and cultural treasures, the ROM is definitely worth a visit. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy self-guided exploration, as the exhibits are vast and varied. The presence of guided tours means you won’t miss out on the highlights, which many visitors find valuable.
While the size can be daunting, it’s also part of what makes the ROM special. You could spend an entire day here and still find new things to discover. For families, the dinosaur skeletons and engaging displays make it a popular destination, but even adults will find plenty to marvel at.
If you’re visiting Toronto for a limited time, plan your visit carefully — prioritize the exhibits that interest you most, and consider a guided tour to maximize your experience. The museum’s thoughtfully curated collections and reasonable entry fee make it a practical choice for a full, enriching day.
Is the ticket price of $19 enough to access all exhibits?
The general admission ticket grants access to most permanent collections, but some special exhibits, like Vikings, require an additional fee of around $12. Check ahead if specific exhibits interest you.
How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
Most reviews recommend setting aside at least three hours, but many visitors stay longer, especially if they want to see everything or join guided tours.
Are guided tours free?
Yes, the museum offers free hourly guided tours which are highly recommended to help navigate the vast collections and highlights.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the ROM is wheelchair accessible, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking across large, multi-floor galleries.
Can I take photos during my visit?
Photography with flash and video recording is permitted in most galleries for personal use, making it easy to capture your favorite exhibits.
Are food and drinks allowed inside?
No, food and drinks are not permitted within the galleries. The cafeteria provides options for snacks and meals.
What should I bring for my visit?
Comfortable shoes are a must, considering the size of the museum. A small backpack is fine, but avoid large bags as they’re not allowed inside.
If you’re after a museum experience that packs in natural history, art, and cultural artifacts, the Royal Ontario Museum is a solid choice. It delivers value and variety, making it a good fit for curious travelers eager to soak up a wealth of knowledge in one place.
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