The 12 Best Museums in Toronto

Toronto boasts a fascinating history that has given way to a unique mix of traditions and an innovative atmosphere. Home to the iconic CN Tower and located within an easy drive of Niagara Falls, this Canadian metropolis has a lot to offer. Toronto's museums offer a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to explore a wide range of perspectives.

Whether delving into the city’s rich history or discovering international art and natural history, these museums provide valuable insights that can broaden your understanding of the world. With so much to see, it may be difficult to visit them all, but deciding which of the12 best museums in Toronto are the right fit for you will ensure a rewarding and enriching experience.

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It's no secret that hockey is a big deal in Canada, but the Hockey Hall of Fame reveals just how integral this sport is to modern Canadian culture. Hockey enthusiasts will find this attraction most notable because it's home to the original Stanley Cup (dubbed "hockey's greatest historic chalice"), but that's only the beginning.

This popular museum is wonderfully interactive, offering many chances for visitors to bring their love of hockey to life. Opportunities include competing against animated goalies and getting fired up while calling play-by-play. Many important artifacts are also on display, including some of history's most iconic jerseys, gloves and pucks.

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Small but informative, the Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre is free to visit and chock full of memorabilia. The museum can be found within the Toronto Police Service Headquarters, where uniforms, badges and even police cars tell the story of law enforcement in Toronto and beyond. This is a great way to get to know how law enforcement works and how it has evolved over time.

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Paying homage to Islamic artistry while providing a powerful glimpse of Muslim culture through history, the Aga Khan Museum has a strong reputation in Toronto and beyond. Themes such as light and nature connect diverse artwork that spans centuries, with textiles and calligraphy heavily represented.

Rotating installations and exhibitions keep the museum feeling fresh, but contemporary architecture and in-depth insights can always be expected. This is one of Toronto's most well-curated museums and it's absolutely worth a visit if you want to broaden your horizons.

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If you desire a rich artistic experience that delves into fascinating cultural dynamics, plan a visit to the Textile Museum of Canada. Revealing the intricate beauty of textiles, this museum displays vibrant works from all around the world. These diverse textiles also span thousands of years, weaving relatable stories through an artistic medium that has often failed to garner the respect and admiration it deserves.

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Highlighting the fascinating history of television (and its connection to pop culture and 20th-century history in Toronto), the MZTZ Museum of Television is easily one of the city's most underrated museums. It may be small, but it's jam-packed with intriguing artifacts including a sizable collection of vintage TVs. The majority of these are still in working condition. Unique offerings include TVs owned by Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.

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Perfect for budget-conscious vacationers, the Spadina Museum is one of several historical sites that the city has made available to the public without requiring an admission fee. Despite this, the museum feels like an extravagant experience, with guided tours providing a thorough overview of what it was like to lead a life of luxury in Toronto during the early 20th century.

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Another cost-free historic site worth exploring, the Scarborough Museum consists of four heritage buildings, where history is brought to life. The experience largely centers around the Cornell House, which depicts rural life near Toronto in the year 1914. Meanwhile, the McCowan Log House brings visitors even further back in time — to the 1850s, when Scottish immigrants such as William P. McCowan formed vibrant communities in and around Toronto.

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Embrace a dynamic living history experience at Black Creek Pioneer Village, which brings the past to life through heritage buildings and costumed historians. Discovery stations make guests feel as if they've truly stepped back in time, making the stories of Canada's pioneers feel more meaningful.

From schools to blacksmith shops, stables and even Mennonite meeting houses, this village covers the broad spectrum of structures and experiences typically to pioneer life in the 1860s. Be prepared to dedicate several hours to wandering among dozens of buildings — and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy onsite.

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Situated in the heart of the city — and occupying the historic John Street Roundhouse — the Toronto Railway Museum aims to preserve the powerful legacy of Canadian rail transportation. As one of the Toronto top museums for children and families, this museum makes the most of interactive elements such as a train simulator and a mini train ride. Included in the price of admission, tours provide interesting insights into the museum's train cars.

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It may feel more like an Instagram destination than a real museum, but this trendy spot is sure to please when you simply want to relax and have a good time. It provides a nice breather in between visits to Toronto's more information-dense attractions. Each room offers a new perspective, revealing that nothing is quite like it seems. This experience will demonstrate how there is often a gap between what you think you see and what actually exists.

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Similar in many respects to the Museum of Illusions, the iArtS MUSEUM encourages you to take plenty of memorable photos as you explore mind-bending visuals within an incredibly immersive environment. The guides are personable and provide wonderful suggestions that take this already unique museum experience to a whole new level. Every visitor can discover something unique, but many are quick to highlight a vivid Houdini setup as the museum's most memorable space.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum, one of Toronto’s most iconic cultural landmarks, offers a captivating journey through art, culture and natural history. With its diverse exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art, this renowned museum is a must-visit for anyone eager to explore the wonders of the world.

This museum's diverse galleries highlight the wonders of Chinese architecture, the lost civilizations of Africa and the importance of biodiversity. Children will have a blast in the play-focused WonderWorks area, which explains why this is regarded as one of the top museums in Toronto for families.

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