Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto · Canada · Founded 1914
Good for: Families · History Enthusiasts · First-timers
1914
Founded
13 million+
Collection Objects
2–4 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada — the Royal Ontario Museum opened in 1914 and now holds more than 13 million objects across 40 galleries. Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Admission: C$26 standard adult admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–4 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum opened in 1914 and now holds more than 13 million objects across 40 galleries. Its 2007 Michael Lee-Chin Crystal — five interlocking glass and aluminium prisms — has become a Toronto landmark.
Collections range from dinosaurs and mineralogy to Chinese architecture, Egyptian mummies, and a major First Peoples gallery covering Indigenous cultures across Canada.
The museum sits at the intersection of Bloor Street and Queen's Park, beside the University of Toronto. The Crystal addition by Daniel Libeskind dramatically transformed the museum's street presence.
A focused highlights visit takes 2–3 hours; the ROM rewards full-day exploration for families and natural history enthusiasts.
2–4 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Royal Ontario Museum without museum fatigue. · 2–4 hours
- 1
Gordo the Barosaurus
📍 James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs
A towering sauropod skeleton — one of the tallest dinosaur mounts in Canada — greeting visitors in the dramatic glass atrium of the Crystal entrance.
- 2
Ming Tomb
📍 Bishop White Gallery of Chinese Temple Art
A complete Ming dynasty tomb chamber with painted wooden architecture, reassembled inside the museum.
- 3
The Bat Cave
📍 Life in Crisis gallery
An immersive walk-through recreation of a bat habitat with live specimens and interactive displays — a favourite with children and one of the ROM's most popular permanent exhibits.
- 4
Totem Poles
📍 Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Canada
Monumental carved cedar totem poles from the Pacific Northwest, displayed in a gallery dedicated to First Peoples art and culture across Canada.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Royal Ontario Museum — and why they matter.
Gordo the Barosaurus
Natural history · Late Jurassic
📍 James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs
A towering sauropod skeleton — one of the tallest dinosaur mounts in Canada — greeting visitors in the dramatic glass atrium of the Crystal entrance.
Ming Tomb
Chinese craftsmen · c. 1650
📍 Bishop White Gallery of Chinese Temple Art
A complete Ming dynasty tomb chamber with painted wooden architecture, reassembled inside the museum. One of the largest Chinese architectural installations in North America.
The Bat Cave
Natural history exhibit
📍 Life in Crisis gallery
An immersive walk-through recreation of a bat habitat with live specimens and interactive displays — a favourite with children and one of the ROM's most popular permanent exhibits.
Totem Poles
Haida and Nuxalk carvers · 19th century
📍 Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Canada
Monumental carved cedar totem poles from the Pacific Northwest, displayed in a gallery dedicated to First Peoples art and culture across Canada.
Collections & highlights
- • Dinosaur and paleontology galleries
- • Chinese temple art and architecture
- • Egyptian mummies and Nubian collection
- • First Peoples of Canada gallery
- • Gems and minerals — including the Light of the Desert
- • Biodiversity and natural history
Frequently asked questions
Is the Crystal the main entrance?
Yes — the Bloor Street entrance through the Crystal is the museum's main public entrance.
Are there free admission times?
ROM offers free general admission on the third Monday evening of each month; advance tickets are required.
How long should I spend at Royal Ontario Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Royal Ontario Museum best known for?
The Royal Ontario Museum opened in 1914 and now holds more than 13 million objects across 40 galleries. Its 2007 Michael Lee-Chin Crystal — five interlocking aluminum and glass prisms — has become a Toronto landmark. Key highlights include James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs, Bishop White Gallery of Chinese Temple Art, Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Jamaican Taíno and Indigenous art.
How do I get tickets for Royal Ontario Museum?
C$26 standard adult admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.rom.on.ca/
Is the ROM good for children?
Excellent — the dinosaur gallery, bat cave, and hands-on discovery galleries are designed for families. Allow extra time for interactive exhibits.
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