There just isn't enough time to see everything in one day... But it's worth the effort! One could literally spend a half day or more just on the bottom free area... And we practically did. The Chinese, Korean, and Japanese displays were AMAZING! The amount of Buddhist history contained here is just wonderful to take in. Some of our other family favorites were the free kids crafts, dinosaurs, the bat cave, and the Egyptian collection. General admission is definitely worth it just for the ancient civilizations collections on the third floor. We also did the special exhibit (T-Rex) and didn't find it worth the extra cost. The exhibit was alright but didn't really engage any of us (though there were some cool sculptures of T-Rex at various stages of life and even a baby tyrannosaur to see at the beginning of the exhibit). Unless you are a die hard dinosaur enthusiast, it can probably be safely skipped. The gift shop was also a bit of a let down as, though it's an incredibly nice looking and well kept gift shop, it didn't really have anything that is of the museum besides a few black shirts and hats that say ROM and nothing else (was looking for, perhaps, local photographers pictures of exhibits for sale, local artist renditions of the building or exhibits, or anything really that we could take home instead of random stuffed animals that didn't have anything to do with anything in the museum, random books, and random jewelry). The Egyptian collection is very well curated and the amount of wooden sculptures is staggering. The sarcophagus area is awe inspiring and the displays are beautifully built and house the pieces without distracting from them. All in all, the ROM is a must see in Toronto!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

During a mid-week visit at approximately 1pm, my wife and I accompanied our three children, all under the age of 11, to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Upon entering the museum, we were greeted by its spacious and well-lit interior, which boasted an extensive array of exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies and period-specific English bedrooms to medieval armor. The sheer breadth of content on offer pleasantly surprised us. We embarked on our exploration by immersing ourselves in the section dedicated to smaller mammals, ranging from bats to bears and encompassing a diverse spectrum of creatures in between. One of the highlights of our visit was the compelling African exhibit, which shed light on distinct coffin styles, affording both my family and me a unique perspective on cultural variations. Our interest was further piqued by the diverse assortment of fossils and an impressive collection of dinosaur artifacts. Needless to say, our 11-year-old son was particularly enthralled by these displays, demonstrating an enthusiasm that was truly heartwarming. This inaugural visit to the ROM with our children served as a test run, and it is safe to say that it exceeded our expectations. The educational experience was so engaging that we eagerly look forward to a return visit. The ROM's abundant offerings, providing ample opportunities for both enjoyment and learning, have undoubtedly secured its place as a destination worthy of revisitation.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

We went there during the Tuesday open event. You can walk in anytime after 4:30pm. Good thing is they let you walk in and there is no queue buildup. We went up the floors from bottom up. But now when I think back, I would recommend going to the top most floor and working you way downward. That way you will encounter less crowd; unless you are into people watching - there was a ton of people who showed up on the free for all Tuesday. They have a restaurant with some pastries cake and coffee but it’s on the slightly expensive side. A small coffee costed 2.75$. Their pastries look good but they are not fresh. I would not recommend their cafe. Better cheaper food on the outside. The museum itself is amazing! It’s spacious. The artifacts are arranged and categorized properly. There is continent based artifacts like Egypt Rome, South Asia etc, one on bio diversity, extensive one on dinosaurs which was pretty cool. There was a bat cave that was one of the best experiences. Calling the museum huge is an understatement. I would suggest to take your time and take lots of rest. My eyes were tired by the time I completed floor 3 and exhausted. I skipped floor 4 and called it a day. ROM should do more of these free entry events like the AGO which does it weekly. If you can get off work on Tuesday, definitely would recommend visiting here. I parked on Wellesley street for 7$ from 4pm till 9pm. It’s a slight walk but parking is expensive near ROM.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Firstly... All museums are awesome. That being said; The ROM is absolutely amazing. My only complaint is that I didn't give myself enough time! Realistically to see everything properly, it's more than a single day event. This museum is very, very well curated. It's also huge! The galleries are all very well lit and displayed. And the evidence of actual research going on as indicated by the items that have been removed to be studied, leaving cards saying so in their place; gives the exhibits an important feeling. I learned so much in the 6 hours I was there. I didn't want to leave. The richness of the content and history is palpable. The air is thick with knowledge. I really could go on all day. I'll have to go back soon to complete the parts I missed. Even if you don't think you like museums, I promise, you'll find something that makes you stop and say 'wow'. Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. The staff are friendly, and where one doesn't know the area's subject matter, they're more than happy to direct you to a staff member with expertise in the area you're looking for. They're all incredibly helpful. And with the depth of content presented, you really can't expect any one staff member to be knowledgeable in EVERY subject there! I strongly recommend this museum.

I visited here yesterday, haven't been to this museum in a long while because I live out of town, but it was well worth the trip! I recommend buying tickets in advance. This museum has 4 floors, and offers something for everyone's taste in history, and culture. Beautiful exhibits, artifacts, and so much history preserved. My favorite galleries are Europe, ancient Greece, Rome, Evolution of Style, Earth's Treasures, Biodiversity Life in Crisis. I checked out the T-Rex Special Exhibition Gallery, and it was pretty cool learning about the Evolution of the T-Rex, and also its bloodlines. Great artifacts on display. I recommend you plan a whole day here if you want to see everything. They have a nice Cafe here, and a sitting area. The Cafe offers coffee, cakes, and other sweets. The staff were amazing, and knowledgeable when asked any questions. I highly recommend this establishment for a nice day out, to explore history, and culture's around the globe.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I’ve been twice now and have had no regrets. what you miss the first round you can catch the second. We used the Toronto city pass which was well worth it price wise. We didn’t worry about parking because we walked from our accommodations. This place is HUGE with something for everyone. I loved all the exhibits on display, lots of information and a lot to look at. The human era was my favourite, I loved seeing the animals and the way things progressed through time. A lot of the skeletons are real or contain real fossils which is absolutely mind blowing. We didn’t eat here though the food options looked nice at the cafe. You are able to leave and come back the same day as many times as you want with your tickets which is great. I recommend 4 hours minimum if you’re someone who likes to digest what you see. There is a LOT. Loads of cultural historical pieces. It’s honestly like art work at times. We didn’t interact with staff at all as there was digital scanners for entry. It’s VERY clean. Highly recommend.

I went to ROM on a Friday morning just as they opened. The museum staff was helpful and almost knew exactly when you were about to ask a question because their answers were knowledgeable and what I needed to know. The exhibits were beautifully arranged. I had no issue guiding myself through each floor. I especially loved the 2nd floor exhibits with the many hundreds of animals and how humans have impacted their environments. With all the sad aspects of that reality, they are a responsible and caring organization by showing that all is not lost. Lastly, the museum does get a bit bust with groups of folks, young and old. It didn't bother me a bit. This museum deserves each and every patron's entry ticket cost, and then some.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I recently visited the museum and was thoroughly impressed by the diverse range of historical collections from various countries. The museum's dedication to showcasing artifacts and exhibits from different cultures and time periods truly made it a unique and enriching experience. The attention to detail in the displays and the informative descriptions provided a comprehensive understanding of each collection. I particularly appreciated how the museum fostered cultural appreciation and understanding through its exhibits. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about different countries' histories all in one place. I highly recommend this museum to anyone interested in exploring Canadian history or Global heritage history.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

The kids are anxious to see the dinosaurs and they weren’t disappointed! Even the adults enjoyed the exhibit. There are 4 floors to explore with a variety of exhibits and themes. I would recommend reviewing the current exhibit list to ensure it’s what you are wanting to see. It is a little confusing when trying to navigate through the museum, as it doesn’t flow from one gallery to the next, so you may miss a few things if you aren’t lying attention. There are some local municipal parking lots that are within walking distance. This made ir easier to get to the museum, but you still struggle to get out of Toronto due to traffic and some current construction projects.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Must visit this beautiful museum. As one of the largest museums in Canada, it truly has a lot to show. We visited the day of the King's Coronation, and the exhibit was free for all guests. The line was definitely worth the wait. The architecture combined with the extensive biological and cultural displays made for a wonderful day trip. Was especially impressed with the crystal collection located on the second floor. Would recommend for families wanting to learn and explore as well as with friends and dates. If you enjoy history, art, and museums in general, this museum is the place to go.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

The Royal Ontario Museum, located in Toronto, is a captivating cultural institution that showcases an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits from various disciplines. It's a place where history, art, and science come together to offer visitors an enriching experience. The museum's diverse range of exhibits covers topics like natural history, world cultures, and Canadian heritage. With its striking architecture and a vast array of artifacts, the Royal Ontario Museum stands as a prominent destination for both locals and tourists seeking to explore the wonders of the past and present.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's one of my absolute favorite places in Toronto! It's a must-see Washrooms on most if not all floors, Cafe on ground floor with lovely cakes, pastries, drinks and coffee. There is a water fountain if you have your water bottle. The ground floor exhibition is free at this time. The other floors require a ticket for access. It's best to buy your ticket ahead online. There is so much to see and enjoy: a rich array of history, art, and architecture The subway station is mere steps away from the ROM entrance. Great place for the family, friends, or even some quiet alone time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I had an incredible time exploring this museum! The diversity of exhibits was truly impressive. The sections on Chinese, Roman, and Korean civilizations provided a fascinating journey through history, with well-curated artifacts and informative displays. The collection of bird and animal specimens was a treat for nature enthusiasts, and the replication of dinosaur skeletons were a real highlight, taking me back to the prehistoric world. The museum staff were knowledgeable and eager to share insights. A great place for both history buffs and nature lovers. Highly recommended!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I have been to my fair share of museums, but this one was special because it was the first time seeing other cultures from a North American perspective. I was particularly interested in the African and South Asian collections. I did buy tickets for the T.rex exhibition, and it was amazing. The services provided in the building itself were also wonderful. Most of the displays were well done. I would however say that the location of the Asian and African collections were hard to find and rather disappointing in their diversity and setup. Apart from that, it was an excellent visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I have to be fair since the last museum I went to was The Met in NYC - ROM just isn't close to that but it is still worth visiting. I went on a Friday and went straight to the second level, I pretty much had the place to myself which was great. The animal area is simply underwhelming and a waste of space in my opinion, just a bunch of stuffed animals in cases? The dinosaurs were really impressive along with the Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Cyprus exhibits. I thought some of the European furniture displaying what you may have found in different eras to be really well done too. Don't think I'd rush back but it's a great way to spend 2-3hrs.

The Royal Ontario Museum offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. Its diverse exhibits cater to a wide range of interests, providing an enriching experience for visitors. The attention to detail in displays and the interactive elements enhance the learning journey. However, the sheer size of the museum may be overwhelming for some, requiring careful planning to fully appreciate its extensive collections. Overall, a must-visit for those seeking a well-rounded exploration of Ontario's rich past and global diversity.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I had the most wonderful time visiting the Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM is an absolute treasure trove of history and culture. The exhibits are diverse and well-curated, providing a fascinating journey through art, natural history, and world cultures. The architecture of the museum itself is a sight to behold. I particularly enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit, which was both educational and awe-inspiring. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. A must-visit for anyone interested in history and art!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Best place in Toronto. They have lots of self-serve kiosks that can save your time getting your ticket. Usually they have some kind of discount based on your zip code. You can check that on the ROM website. They had the first nation exhibition which I liked a lot. Lots of native Indian artifacts and lots of information. They had a special dinosaur exhibition too for a limited time. Check what special exhibition they have before you go. They had other regular exhibitions like China, Egypt, Rome, Africa, India and Europe.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The Royal Ontario Museum experience was very educational and thrilling. The Trex exhibit is worth the trip for all ages. It was interesting to see the videos of ROM archaeologists at work digging and finding fossils of dinosaurs. My favourite sections were paleontology and mining. There is a small cafe on ground floor. Take a coffee break when you feel like it. A canteen in the basement offers lunch and snacks. Tickets can be bought at entrance. But if you are visiting on a busy day, it's better to buy in advance.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

LOVED the “Being and Belonging” exhibition which was my main reason for visiting. Accepted my ICOM card without any hassle. I spent some time exploring the history/culture level: curation was strange, half goes towards the EU, the other half to the world. Which is amazingly wealthy. and in the latter half, almost 50% of the sections were unavailable “due to the updates.” So, overall, they exhibition was 5, museum at the culture part was 2, and the gift shop was also pretty nice. A good place for souvenirs. If you’re a natural history person(or have a kid), you’ll love this place.

I went on a Saturday noon - Plenty of crowd but no queues for the ticket. Pre-book is not required but you can get a general ticket for 26$ at the museum. Lots to see and learn if you like history and geography and geology. Most of the interactive screens don't work. Set aside a good 2 hours 3 hours ideal to visit if you are history and geography nut. Otherwise 1.5 hours would suffice to skim through. Plenty of seating available through our the museum. There is small cafe and the ground floor. Cards accepted.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

ROM is one of the largest museums I have ever visited. It is spread over 5 levels, underground, ground, first, second and third. Pretty huge to cover in one single visit, the museum hosts a pretty vast collection of age old fossils (this will remind you of Jurasic Park movie), Egyptian coffins (The Mummy) and asian artifacts. Geology and minerals department. They've guided tours from 11 to 2 pm every hour so take it to get an idea where you need to spend time. The stones and gems are very beautiful.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great place to see and learn about cultures around the world. The gem collection is very interesting and educational. The dinosaur exhibition is amazing, kids and adults can enjoy it a lot. Very complete and a lot of information. Across all exhibitions there are textiles you can appreciate and study. Definitely recommend but if you like museums it might take a whole day for you to see everything with detail and enjoy.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

So much to see at the Royal Ontario Museum! The architecture is also unique-combination of ancient and modern. Best way to experience it is to plan beforehand the exhibits you are going to see. If not, can be quite overwhelming. If going with children do not miss the bat cave! Take note there is free entry for the ground level floor for many months of the year. The Chinese and Asian art here is enough for a museum visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great place to take kids, or a date or even to explore for the heck of it. The curators do a great job of displaying great exhibits. Loads of information and items on display. Fossils, coins, pottery. They change the museum often so it's always a fresh experience. We go several times a year and it never gets boring. The food cafeteria is overpriced and they have a limited selection however it is much improved.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great experience, but the African section leaves so much to be desired. The area is very dark and disorganized, unlike the other sections that were brightly lit and well arranged. Everything is set up in such a chaotic matter, looking like something that was hastily set up in a daze, like an afterthought. An entire continent of 50+ countries squeezed into a handful of shelves. We can do better.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

You can easily spend hours here. Four floors to discover and uncover the depths of millions of years. Interactive displays and informative plaques navigate you through the years of history. They have available to touch, the prehistoric bacteria rock that was formed before oxygen was present in the atmosphere. Excellent way to spend the whole day it was nothing short of incredible.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Had wonderfully experience visiting ROM It has lot of artifacts so would recommend time. I think I need to do two more visits to look at everything. This was my first visit, was mostly taking Quick Look. They have large cafeteria too if you are bringing your own food or can buy available items there. Audio guide is limited but does give context in places where it is available .
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I always have such a wonderful time at the ROM. They have lovely regular exhibits and special exhibits running at all times. It’s very clean and organized. It’s very family friend and also a good adult spot. The gift shop is expensive. I recommend bringing lunch and snacks to eat while you’re here - the museum is very large and can take a long time to get through!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

ROM was a huge success. If you have the time then please relax and enjoy what the museum has to offer. If you truly enjoy what ROM has to show then you could be in there for at least three hours. There was so much to see and read that I really found myself fascinated in. I’d recommend to anyone of any age to tour the museum!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Ground floor is free to visit, then you'll need a ticket to go up and start the amazing trip through a huge variety of dinosaurs fossils and skeletons, animals, world sculptures divided by thematic areas, wonderful gems, armors and much more. There's also a combined ticket for the temporary exhibitions. Enjoy the visit!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The museum fully preserves a Chinese tomb and artifacts from different dynasties, including remarkably rare intact murals. The second floor provides a detailed and comprehensive presentation of biodiversity and introduces the diverse animals in the natural world. It's well worth spending an entire day exploring.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Love the experience every time I come here! As a broke artist the tickets are a little pricey but love when I found out the third Tuesday of each month is free! All the exhibits they have are very cool and love how they have new ones! Definitely can’t wait to see what they’ll have on next time I’m there!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

ROM is one of the must visit place in Toronto, Canada. Great infrastructure and design. It consists of tradition and heritage of all countries & continents over world. Kids can enjoy the T-Rex Dinosaurs shows, gallery of birds & animals and aquariums and many insect galleries. There is also activity area with many games for your kids to play. There is restaurant inside and toilets.

Easily one of the most amazing museums I’ve ever gone. Has 4 floors that more look like mazes, because the museum guides you through it and even walking there for more than 4 hours it wasn’t enough to see everything with complete focus. Definitely a must go when in Toronto.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It's been a great experience visiting this place. Jackets inside is not required that much in winters so you might consider keeping at entrance for CAD3 or carry around. Every section is very well explained. Cover floor wise. Buying tickets was easy at the counter.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The museum exceeded my expectations. While I initially wished it were a bit larger, I was thoroughly impressed by the vast collection of artifacts they have on display. Personally, I found the Dinosaurs, Egypt, and Greece sections particularly captivating.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This place is amazing if you like history. Tons of historical items on display from different countries. I would recommend coming here on the city pass if you like the history it does get crowded but definitely have tons of information.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

A visit to the museum is definitely worth it! Everyone can discover and learn a lot here. There is a huge range of topics and exhibits. Everything is well signposted with explanations. We were here on a weekday and didn't have to wait.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Loved the richness and all the details exhibited in the museum! If you are with smaller kids, I would recommend bringing a cart and toys so they can sleep or rest in while you read through all the texts! It’s a sea of knowledge and fascinating discoveries! Kids loved the nature and animals section!