Gardiner Museum

The Gardiner Museum is a hidden gem for families on Toronto's Museum Row. Canada's only museum dedicated to ceramics, it takes a subject that might sound niche and transforms it into an engaging, tactile, and creative experience for visitors of all ages — especially children.

The museum's collection spans thousands of years and multiple continents, from ancient Pre-Columbian figures and Italian Renaissance maiolica to Japanese tea ceremony ware and cutting-edge contemporary ceramic art. The displays are curated to tell stories and show the extraordinary range of what clay can become when shaped by human hands. Kids are often surprised by the variety — fierce-looking Mesoamerican warrior figures, delicate porcelain animals, playful contemporary sculptures, and functional pottery from cultures around the world.

The real draw for families is the hands-on programming. Every Sunday, the museum runs family activities where children work with real clay, guided by professional ceramists and museum educators. Activities are inspired by current exhibitions and rotate regularly, keeping the experience fresh for repeat visitors.

These sessions go beyond basic arts and crafts — kids learn actual ceramic techniques, work with different types of clay, and create pieces they are genuinely proud of. The museum also offers clay camp programs during school breaks and drop-in activities during special events.

The admission structure is remarkably family-friendly. All visitors 18 and under enter free, always. Adult admission is $15. This makes the Gardiner one of the most affordable museum experiences in Toronto for families. The museum also participates in the Toronto Public Library's Museum + Arts Pass program, offering free admission with a library card.

The museum is located at 111 Queens Park, directly across from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The proximity makes it natural to pair both museums in a single visit — spend the morning at the ROM's dinosaurs and mummies, then cross the street for a more intimate, hands-on experience at the Gardiner in the afternoon. The Bata Shoe Museum is also within a 5-minute walk, creating a potential triple-museum day.

The museum underwent a significant renovation in 2026, refreshing the ground floor and creating new visitor spaces. The Clay Restaurant on the ground floor serves seasonally inspired food. The gift shop carries unique ceramic pieces, craft supplies, and design objects that make distinctive souvenirs.

Plan for 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on whether you participate in a workshop. The museum is fully stroller-accessible. Museum Row is well-served by the Museum subway station (Line 1) and multiple bus routes.