Royal Ontario Museum Admission

Visiting the Royal Ontario Museum is a must-do activity for any Toronto tourist or local. With its diverse collection of artifacts and engaging exhibits, the museum offers an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Navigating the admission process, however, can be a challenge. From buying tickets to exploring the on-site dining options, there are several key details visitors should know before stepping foot in this iconic cultural institution. Understanding the museum’s ticketing policies, special exhibition offerings, and accessibility features can elevate one’s overall experience and ensure a smooth visit from start to finish.

Key Points

• Visitors can purchase mobile tickets to bypass long ticket lines at the Royal Ontario Museum.
• The museum offers ticket upgrades for special, temporary exhibitions.
• Infants aged 0-3 are admitted free of charge.
• The museum boutique sells a variety of gifts and souvenirs.
• The Druxys ROM Cafe on-site provides diverse meal options for visitors.

Museum Overview

The Royal Ontario Museum is a renowned institution dedicated to showcasing a diverse array of art, cultural artifacts, and natural history specimens, with its collections spanning over 13 million objects across 40 galleries and exhibition spaces.

Visitors can explore captivating exhibits on topics ranging from dinosaurs and mummies to Chinese architecture and Indigenous cultures.

As Canada’s largest museum, the Royal Ontario Museum offers an entertaining and educational experience for all ages, inspiring curiosity and wonder through its comprehensive displays.

Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, the natural world, or contemporary art, the museum’s extensive collections and engaging exhibitions are sure to delight and inform.

Admission and Tickets

Visitors can often bypass long ticket lines by purchasing mobile tickets, allowing for a more efficient and streamlined entry into the museum.

Ticket upgrades are available to include admission to special, temporary exhibitions.

Infants aged 0-3 are admitted free of charge and don’t require a ticket.

The museum also offers a boutique where guests can find a variety of gifts and souvenirs, and a cafe called Druxys ROM Cafe that provides diverse meal options.

Special Exhibitions

Along With its permanent galleries, the Royal Ontario Museum frequently hosts a variety of special temporary exhibitions that cover diverse topics and offer visitors a chance to delve deeper into specific areas of art, culture, and natural history.

These special exhibitions often showcase rare artifacts, immersive displays, and cutting-edge research. Recent examples include showcases of ancient Egyptian treasures, the history of Chinese architecture, and contemporary Indigenous art.

Dining Options

Alongside its world-class exhibitions, the Royal Ontario Museum offers diverse dining options to fuel visitors’ explorations.

At Druxys ROM Cafe, guests can indulge in a range of meal choices, from hearty entrees to freshly-baked pastries. The cafe’s cozy ambiance and panoramic city views provide the perfect setting for a midday break.

For those seeking a quick snack, the ROM Boutique features a selection of grab-and-go items, including:

• Locally-sourced sandwiches and salads
• Freshly-brewed coffee and tea
• Artisanal baked goods
• Refreshing beverages

Whether you’re craving a full meal or a light bite, the Royal Ontario Museum’s dining options cater to every appetite, ensuring visitors stay energized throughout their museum experience.

Dinosaur Exhibits

One of the museum’s most captivating exhibitions is its expansive dinosaur gallery, home to an impressive collection of fossil skeletons and life-size replicas that transport visitors back millions of years.

Patrons can marvel at Gordo, the largest real fossil dinosaur skeleton mounted in Canada, a massive Barosaurus that towers over the exhibit space.

Other highlights include a fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, allowing guests to come face-to-face with these prehistoric giants.

The dinosaur exhibits seamlessly blend scientific education with an engaging, immersive experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the ancient creatures that once roamed the earth.

Whether amateur paleontologists or casual visitors, the Royal Ontario Museum’s dinosaur displays offer a truly awe-inspiring encounter with the past.

Art and Culture Collections

The Royal Ontario Museum proudly showcases an esteemed collection of art and cultural artifacts, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the diverse legacies of human civilization.

Spanning centuries and continents, the museum’s extensive holdings encompass a wide range of mediums, from intricate tapestries and ornate sculptures to ancient manuscripts and ceremonial regalia.

Highlights of the art and culture collections include:

• Extraordinary examples of Chinese jade carvings, considered among the finest in the world
• Breathtaking Indigenous artwork and traditional objects that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Canada’s First Peoples
• Masterpieces of European painting and decorative arts that showcase the brilliance of Old World craftsmanship
• Rare and illuminating artifacts that chronicle the enduring stories of ancient civilizations across the globe.

Accessibility and Services

The Royal Ontario Museum prioritizes accessibility and offers a range of services to ensure all visitors can fully engage with its expansive collection and exhibits. The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals permitted on-site. Visitors can easily navigate the facility using the museum’s accessible transportation and surfaces. Plus, the ROM Boutique and Druxys ROM Cafe provide diverse shopping and dining options to enhance the overall museum experience.

Accessibility Features	Visitor Services	On-Site Amenities
Wheelchair accessibility	Guided tours	ROM Boutique
Stroller accessibility	Assistive listening devices	Druxys ROM Cafe
Service animal friendly	Braille and large print materials	Diverse meal options
Accessible transportation	Multilingual staff	Gift and souvenir shop

Visitor Reviews

Along With the museum’s commitment to accessibility, visitors have provided extensive feedback on their experiences at the Royal Ontario Museum, offering insights into the institution’s strengths and areas for improvement.

According to reviews, the museum’s diverse exhibits and educational value are consistently praised, with many guests describing the experience as ‘great’ and ‘entertaining.’

However, some visitors have noted organizational issues, such as crowding and accessibility concerns.

The Royal Ontario Museum has earned a ‘Badge of Excellence’ from reviewers, a testament to its ability to captivate and enlighten its audience.

Notable visitor highlights include:

• Canada’s largest museum of art, culture, and nature
• Over 13 million objects in the museum’s collections
• The largest real fossil dinosaur skeleton in Canada
• Diverse meal options at the Druxys ROM Cafe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos and Videos Inside the Museum?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos inside the museum for personal use, unless explicitly prohibited in certain galleries or exhibitions. However, flash photography may be restricted to preserve the artifacts.

Are Guided Tours Available, and How Do I Book Them?

Yes, the Royal Ontario Museum offers guided tours that can be booked in advance. These tours provide visitors with an in-depth exploration of the museum’s extensive collections and exhibits, led by knowledgeable guides.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Explore the Entire Museum?

Exploring the entire Royal Ontario Museum typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on visitors’ interests and pace. The museum’s expansive collections across 40 galleries make it possible to spend a full day discovering its diverse exhibits.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for Students or Seniors?

The Royal Ontario Museum offers discounted admission for students and seniors. Students can receive a reduced ticket price with valid ID, while seniors aged 65 and over enjoy a special senior rate. Some special exhibits may have additional fees.

Is There a Cloakroom or Storage Area for Bags and Coats?

The Royal Ontario Museum offers a convenient cloakroom where visitors can store bags, coats, and other personal items during their visit. This allows guests to explore the museum’s vast collections unencumbered.

Recap

The Royal Ontario Museum offers a diverse range of exhibits, ticketing options, and dining experiences for visitors.

Guests can explore its impressive collections of dinosaurs, art, and culture, while enjoying convenient amenities like mobile tickets and on-site cafes.

With free admission for infants and engaging special exhibitions, the museum provides an entertaining and educational experience for all ages.

Whether a first-time or returning visitor, there’s something for all at the Royal Ontario Museum.