We can all agree that Toronto is an expensive city! Every year life is getting more and more expensive. So I put together a list of free museums in Toronto for you! When preparing my Youtube video about what to do in a day as a tourist in Toronto and I thought I could make a dedicated post with each museum and their free access. I discovered this when I visited New York in 2017: museums often (always?) have a slot where they open their doors for free. I had talked about this in my “What to do in Toronto?” article. But here’s a shorter, simpler, more straightforward and up-to-date article, since many museums have apparently changed the free offerings with the reopening.
AGO
Art Gallery of Ontario is the second most visited museum in the city, more than 90 000 pieces of art are waiting for you with very different styles. Everyone should find something to please them. Head to the basement to find the Thomson collection which has more than 900 pieces including beautiful reproductions of boats (I looked like a child the last time I was there!).
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto.
Fees: $19.50
Free admission:
- Every Wednesday night from 6pm to 9pm.
- Every day if you are under 25 years old
More information in their website.
GARDINER MUSEUM
Another museum to add to your list of free museums in Toronto. This museum is entirely focused on ceramics, facing the ROM, with 2 beautiful statues at the entrance.
Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto.
Fees:15$. Free for everyone for the summer of 2021.
Free admission:
- Before Covid: Wednesdays from 4 to 9 pm.
- For the summer of 2021 and the reopening the museum is free for everyone!
More information in their website.
SPADINA MUSEUM
The museum takes you back to the beginning of the 20th century and brings to life the changes of that era through the Austin family.
Address: 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto.
Fees: Tickets are purchased on a “pay what you can” basis with a suggested $10.
Free admission: the entrance is not completely free but you pay what you can, so it’s up to you according to your budget.
More information in their website.
MACKENZIE HOUSE
This building is the last home of Toronto’s first mayor. The museum immerses you in life in 1860 through the eyes of Mackenzie.
Address: 82 Bond St, Toronto
Fees: Tickets are purchased on a “pay what you can” basis with a suggested $10.
Free admission: the entrance is not completely free but you pay what you can, so it’s up to you according to your budget.
More information in their website.
TORONTO FIRST POST OFFICE
As its name suggests, it is Toronto’s first post office, a building preserved by architecture lovers and dating from 1834.
Address: 260 Adelaide St E, Toronto.
Free admission but donations are appreciated
More information in their website.
MARKET GALLERY
The last free museum in Toronto I wanted to add to the list reopened not long ago. This gallery is located on the second floor of the St Lawrence Market, the exhibitions change regularly and represent the art, culture and history of Toronto.
Address: 2nd floor, St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front Street East, Toronto.
Fees: Free
More information in their website.
