Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Overview

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's largest natural history and world culture museum, famous for Daniel Libeskind's dramatic crystalline glass entrance (the 'Michael Lee-Chin Crystal') that juts from the original building.

Highlights

• Dinosaur Gallery: Impressive dinosaur skeletons including a massive T. rex and a stegosaurus.
• The Crystal: Libeskind's angular glass-and-aluminum extension is an architectural landmark.
• Asian Galleries: An outstanding collection of Chinese temple art and Japanese samurai armor.

History

Founded in 1914 and operated by the University of Toronto until 1968, the ROM is one of the world's great encyclopedic museums. The controversial Crystal addition opened in 2007.

Visitor Tips

• Friday Night: ROM Friday Night Live (free third Friday monthly) features DJ sets, cocktails, and galleries.
• Bloor-Yorkville Area: Located in Toronto's upscale shopping district.
• Duration: 2.5 hours.