Visit to the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto's ROM

The famous Royal Ontario Museum was inaugurated in Toronto in 1914. At the time, the museum's location was chosen for its proximity to the University of Toronto, to which it belonged. The museum buildings have been classified as Toronto's historic heritage since 1973. Various additions and modifications were made to the building, making it one of the most beautiful structures in Canada. Today, the Royal Ontario Museum is independent.

An exceptional building

The building is built in the Italian neo-Romanesque architectural style. This style was very popular in North America in the late 1800s. The structure is imposing and massive. The original walls are of stone, punctuated by very large arched windows. Over the years, the original structure has undergone a number of alterations, including several extensions.

Extensions and modifications over the years

In 1933, a large wing was added to the original building. The new section became the main entrance. Although the aesthetic of the extension was harmonised to match the original building, the Byzantine influence dominated over the Italian architecture of the previous structure.

A second extension was added to the building in 1984. It took the form of several terraces, creating an effect of superimposed volumes. This addition won the Governor General's Award for Architecture. This series of extensions was replaced by the work that began in 2004, which can be seen on the current structure.

From 2002 onwards, the building was completely renovated. In addition, a new multiform glass extension was built. The project was titanic, costing over 250 million Canadian dollars. Today, the result is impressive. The glass and aluminium construction contrasts magnificently with the original stone structure.

A passion for the natural world and its history

The ROM focuses on natural history, in other words, everything to do with the natural world: animals, plants and minerals. It's a particularly interesting museum for children, but not only!

The ROM's various exhibitions

Many exhibitions and galleries are open to everyone at the Royal Ontario Museum. Discover the exhibitions on display during your stay directly on the ROM website. Among the museum's permanent galleries, we strongly recommend that you visit the following.

CIBC des découvertes, a mini-museum for children

This small gallery is designed for children. It's a "mini-museum" that focuses on learning and fun. There are three interactive themed areas, filled with objects and even specimens that children can touch. The gallery focuses on the period from prehistory to the present day.

The bat cave, total immersion

Discover these mysterious nocturnal creatures, their role in nature and their way of life. These surprising animals deserve to be known! In this gallery, you can watch an audio-visual reconstruction of the St. Clair cave in Jamaica, a wonderful experience.

Gallery of Chinese architecture

This is the largest exhibition of Chinese architecture and artefacts outside China. Discover the link between the yang, architecture for the living, and the yin, architecture for the dead, in every Chinese building. Immerse yourself in this millennia-old civilisation.

James and Louise Temerty galleries from the age of the dinosaurs

This gallery is certainly a children's favourite. And with good reason: you can admire one of the most spectacular collections of dinosaurs in the world. Meet Barosaurus or Tyrannosaurus at the ROM. Discover fossils of prehistoric plants and insects.