From the AGO to the ROM to hidden gems, discover Toronto's best museums and galleries, including free admission days and must-see exhibitions for 2025.
Written by
Famelee Toronto
Published: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Toronto is home to world-class museums and galleries that rival any major city on the planet. From ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art, the city's cultural institutions offer something for every interest. Here's your guide to the best museums and galleries in Toronto for 2025—including how to visit for free.
Major Museums
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Location: 100 Queens Park
TTC: Museum Station (Line 1)
Canada's largest museum, the ROM houses over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens across 40 gallery spaces.
Must-See Highlights:
Current Exhibition (2025):
"Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away." runs through September 1, 2025, featuring over 500 original artifacts from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.
How to Visit for Free/Cheap:
[Art Gallery of Ontario](https://ago.ca/) (AGO)
Location: 317 Dundas Street West
TTC: St. Patrick Station (Line 1)
One of the largest art museums in North America, housing over 120,000 works of art from around the world.
Must-See Highlights:
Current Exhibition (2025):
"The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century" explores Hip Hop's profound influence on art, running through April 6, 2025.
How to Visit for Free:
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Location: 158 Sterling Road (Tower Automotive Building)
TTC: Bloor GO/UP Express Station, then walk
MOCA showcases bold, thought-provoking contemporary art in a stunning industrial building in the Junction.
Why Visit:
Admission: Pay what you can on the first Sunday of each month
Aga Khan Museum
Location: 77 Wynford Drive
TTC: Eglinton Station, then bus
North America's first museum dedicated to Islamic art and culture, featuring stunning architecture.
Must-See Highlights:
Pro tip: Visit at sunset for magical lighting in the building.
Specialty Museums
Bata Shoe Museum
Location: 327 Bloor Street West
TTC: St. George Station (Line 1/2)
A quirky gem housing over 15,000 shoes spanning 4,500 years of history.
Highlights:
Free Admission: Every Sunday 12pm-5pm
Gardiner Museum
Location: 111 Queens Park
TTC: Museum Station (Line 1)
Canada's only museum dedicated to ceramic art—right across from the ROM.
Highlights:
Tip: Combined visit with the ROM makes a great museum day.
Textile Museum of Canada
Location: 55 Centre Avenue
TTC: St. Patrick Station (Line 1)
A hidden gem celebrating textile traditions from around the world.
Highlights:
Contemporary Art Galleries
The Power Plant
Location: 231 Queens Quay West
TTC: Union Station, then streetcar
Canada's leading public art gallery focused on contemporary art—and it's always free.
Why Visit:
MOCA Toronto
Location: 158 Sterling Road
TTC: Bloor GO/UP Station area
As mentioned above, this museum-gallery hybrid in a heritage building is essential for contemporary art lovers.
Galleries in the Distillery District
Multiple contemporary art galleries in one of Toronto's most picturesque areas:
West Queen West Galleries
The city's gallery district includes:
Free Museums and Cultural Spaces
CBC Museum
Location: 250 Front Street West
TTC: Union Station
Free museum celebrating Canadian broadcasting history with interactive exhibits.
Toronto Police Museum
Location: 40 College Street
TTC: College Station
Free admission to explore the history of policing in Toronto.
Craft Ontario
Location: 1106 Queen Street West
TTC: Queen streetcar
Free gallery showcasing Ontario craft artists.
Museum Tips
Best Days for Discounts:
Money-Saving Tips:
Planning Your Visit:
Must-See Exhibitions in 2025
| Museum | Exhibition | Dates |
|--------|------------|-------|
| ROM | Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. | Through Sept 1, 2025 |
| AGO | The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art | Through April 6, 2025 |
| Various | Rotating contemporary exhibitions | Year-round |
Final Thoughts
Toronto's museums and galleries offer world-class experiences that rival any major city. Whether you're into ancient history, contemporary art, or quirky collections, there's a cultural institution for you.
Take advantage of free admission days, grab your Toronto Public Library pass, and start exploring. Culture awaits!
More Toronto Culture & Activities
Interested in more cultural experiences? Check out our guides to Toronto entertainment and free things to do. Planning a day trip? See our best day trips from Toronto guide.
Share this story
Help others discover great content
