Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum — via Wikimedia Commons
Royal Ontario Museum · Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Toronto, Ontario · Founded 1912
Royal Ontario Museum

Canada’s largest museum and fifth largest in North America, the ROM houses six million objects spanning world culture, natural sciences, and natural history across over 40 galleries.

At a glance

The Royal Ontario Museum is a major institution dedicated to world culture and natural sciences. Its collections encompass dinosaurs, Middle Eastern, African and East Asian arts, European history, and Canadian history. The museum occupies a prominent location at the corner of Bloor Street and Avenue Road, north of Queen’s Park and east of the University of Toronto’s grounds.

History

The Royal Ontario Museum was founded in 1912 by the provincial government. Originally assigned to the University of Toronto in 1968, it has since become an independent institution while maintaining close partnerships with the university, regularly sharing expertise and resources.

What you see

Over 40 galleries display the museum’s extensive holdings. The collection ranges from natural history specimens—notably a remarkable selection of dinosaurs—to decorative and fine arts from the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia. European and Canadian historical artifacts round out the permanent displays.

Cultural significance

The ROM serves as a leading repository of global cultural heritage and natural sciences in Canada. Its scale and diversity reflect the museum’s role in educating and inspiring visitors about human civilization and the natural world across continents and centuries.

Key facts

  • Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
  • Coordinates: 43.668464, -79.3953448
  • Phone: +1 416-586-8000
  • Official website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en
  • Hours: Open daily, 10:00–17:30

Practical information

The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 17:30. For inquiries, contact info@rom.on.ca or call the main line. Check the official website for admission fees and current exhibitions.

Getting there

The ROM is located on Bloor Street at Avenue Road, a short walk from Queen’s Park and the University of Toronto campus. Public transit and parking are available in the surrounding area.

See the place

Video from the Cultural Heritage Online archive

Sources & resources

Editorial text © Cultural Heritage Online. Based on the Cultural Heritage Online legacy archive.

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