Region: Greater Toronto & Hamilton

From towering dinosaur skeletons to awe-inspiring contemporary paintings, ROM is home to more than 13.5 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens from around the world and across the ages. So, it should be no surprise ROM is also the most visited museum in Canada.

Don’t miss our FREE* 45-minute English and French tours. Tours start at the hour from 11am to 2pm daily.

*FREE with General Admission

Tour Descriptions

Museum Highlights
Explore the wonders of ROM. In a 45-minute tour that brings iconic objects to life, you’ll enjoy highlights of arts, culture and nature… throughout the world and throughout time.

Descriptions des visites

Les trésors du musée
Explorez les merveilles du ROM. La visite donne vie à des objets emblématiques à la croisée de l’art, de la culture et de la nature et ce à travers le monde et à travers le temps. Elle vous donnera aussi une bonne idée de l’ampleur des collections du musée.

As part of our annual zodiac installation, January 29, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake (蛇), the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born under this sign are believed to be wise and charismatic.

The snake rarely appears as a decorative motif in Chinese art and design, however, when depicted with a tortoise, the pair have come to symbolize the mythical creature Xuanwu (玄武, the Dark Warrior), later evolving into the god Zhenwu (真武, the Perfected Warrior). The snake and tortoise symbolize the interplay of power, wisdom, and harmony of nature.

Experience an exquisite array of snake and tortoise-themed objects and cultural belongings in this specially curated zodiac case. Marvel at impressive ceramics, including a mythical double-headed serpent from the early 500s. This and much more are now on view in this unique display celebrating the powerful snake.

Everyday Superheroes celebrates the incredible individuals who make a difference in our communities every day. From firefighters and healthcare workers to educators and volunteers, this interactive exhibition honors the real-life heroes who keep our world running.

Developed through extensive research and a public nomination campaign launched in February 2024, the exhibition highlights the inspiring stories of individuals and organizations that shape our city.

Discover their impact through hands-on activities and engaging displays that showcase the power of kindness, courage, and resilience. Join us in celebrating these everyday superheroes!

Visit MarkhamMuseum.ca to plan your visit!

Site-Specific Installation
This spring: Using drawing and photo-based gel transfer techniques, Toronto based Sandra Brewster’s installation will depict the Essequibo River in Guyana and its distinctive fish species, evoking the fluidity and dynamism of water as a metaphor for migration and transformation.

Sandra Brewster is a Canadian artist whose work explores the nuanced interplay between identity and environment. Her multidisciplinary practice—spanning drawing, photography, and sculpture—examines the lived experiences of movement and migration, often using gel transfer techniques to create textured, layered surfaces that reflect the unfixed, dynamic nature of diasporic identity.

Brewster’s installation offers a transformative, relational perspective on land, water, and history—one rooted in the diasporic experience.

The McMichael proudly presents Morrice in Venice, an exhibition celebrating James Wilson Morrice’s evocative depictions of one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Inspired by the pioneering research of Sandra Paikowsky, this exhibition showcases a stunning selection of Morrice’s canvases, pochades, and sketches, revealing his unique vision of Venice.

James Wilson Morrice (1865–1924) was the first Canadian artist to make regular visits to Venice, traveling there frequently from the mid-1890s to around 1908. In an era when Venice was the premier destination for artists across Europe, Morrice distinguished himself as one of the few foreign painters who returned repeatedly to its storied canals and piazzas. His Venetian works earned widespread acclaim, appearing in exhibitions throughout Europe, including Paris and London, as well as in Toronto and Montreal, his hometown.

The Southern Netherlands — better known today as Flanders — was home to revolutionary artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, Hans Memling, and others. These extraordinary painters found new ways to depict reality, portray humanity, and tell stories that created parallels to their world then – and to our world today.

This large-scale exhibition, featuring over 80 stunning art works and objects — medieval, Renaissance, and baroque paintings, sculptures and more — offers a doorway into the Southern Netherlands of 1400 to 1700, a dynamic environment where new artistic genres and styles were created and flourished. The exhibition’s unique presentation introduces the visitor, through these rare, extraordinary artworks, to stories of enterprising townspeople, prosperous cities, and an ever-developing society.

In June 2025, Toronto-based conceptual artist Iris Häussler undertook an artist residency in the historic Tom Thomson Shack at the McMichael. Häussler is known for her immersive installations, often created in non‑traditional museum spaces, that revolve around fictitious personae and their artistic legacies.

Häussler’s installation at the McMichael, Divided Heavens, invites visitors into the fictitious world of German-born twin brothers, Kurt and Carl Pfister. Separated as young children shortly after the Second World War, the twins grew up unaware of each other’s existence, while sharing a deep interest in and empathy for the fragile lives of migratory birds. Visitors are invited to explore both sides of the shack where these interconnected stories are told through glass and mirrors engraved with bird silhouettes and the imprints of bird collisions. Also displayed are a mobile of paper birds cut out from Kurt’s collection of ornithology books, two illuminated globes with handmade strings tracing major global bird migration routes, and other belongings.

The Tree Planters is a striking photographic series by award-winning Canadian photographer Rita Leistner. Through large-scale, painterly portraits captured in real-time, Leistner documents the gruelling and heroic labour of professional tree planters in British Columbia. Her work explores themes of human endurance, environmental stewardship, and Canada’s evolving relationship with its forests.

Between 2016 and 2019, Leistner embedded herself off-grid with planting crews, living for months at a time in remote camps. Immersed in the physically demanding world of seasonal tree planting, she documented workers as they planted thousands of saplings each day across the rugged, clear-cut terrain. Her photographs reveal both the intensity of the labour and the resilience of the planters, transforming them into luminous, almost mythic figures.

Using dramatic lighting and dynamic compositions, Leistner elevates scenes of physical toil into compelling visual tributes—portraits that highlight the planters’ deep, often spiritual connection to the land. Having planted more than half a million trees herself, Leistner brings a rare, firsthand understanding and deep reverence to her subject.

The Tree Planters stands as a tribute to the generations of Canadians who have reshaped the nation’s geography and contributed to its cultural identity—one tree at a time.

After a landmark international tour, Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael returns to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. First presented in 2020-2021, this critically acclaimed exhibition has become a defining exploration of the depth, diversity, and vitality of Indigenous art in Canada. This re-presented version is expanded including new and never before exhibited works.

Organized in close collaboration with Indigenous artists, scholars, and knowledge keepers, Early Days presents more than 100 works from the McMichael’s permanent collection. Works on view span over two centuries- from 18th-century ceremonial regalia and trade items to the groundbreaking work of artists from the 1960s through the 1980s, and powerful contemporary pieces by leading voices today. The exhibition showcases work by Norval Morrisseau, Robert Houle, Carl Beam, Alex Janvier, Shelly Niro, Faye HeavyShield, Rebecca Belmore, Kent Monkman, Meryl McMaster, and many others. Their works—including painting, sculpture, printmaking, textile, and video— reveal the cultural continuity, resilience, and innovation of Indigenous artistic practices across generations.

As the only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to Canadian art, the McMichael collection offers a unique platform to explore the evolving story of Indigenous art in Canada today. Early Days invites reflection on our relationships to land, to ancestors, and to one another, while confronting the complex tensions between past and present.

The exhibition is accompanied by an award-winning catalogue edited by Anishinaabe artist and scholar Bonnie Devine. Gathering insights from myriad Indigenous cultural stakeholders, informing us on everything from goose hunting techniques to the history of Northwest Coast mask making to the emergence of the Woodland style of painting and printmaking to the challenges of art making in the Arctic, the publication offers a wide-ranging lens into Indigenous artistic practices. Collectively, these voices illuminate the enduring vibrancy of Indigenous art across Turtle Island, past and present.

Get ready for a spectacular celebration at AppleFest presented by Don Valley North Toyota!
Join us for our 40th celebration on Saturday September 27th from 10 AM to 5 PM as we transform the Museum’s 25-acre site into a vibrant festival filled with fresh apple cider, family-friendly activities, local businesses, talented artisans, and all things apples.

AppleFest presented by Don Valley North Toyota is your destination for an unforgettable experience featuring:

🎪 Interactive Exhibitions & Live Demonstrations: Experience history in action and step into the past with live demos and hands-on activities like apple schnitzing.

🍔 Delicious Eats: Enjoy a diverse array of mouth-watering food and beverage favourites in our Brews ’n Bites section.

🎤 Live Entertainment: Experience a vibrant lineup of live entertainment throughout the duration of the event.

🚂 Family Fun: Hop on our scenic Don Valley North Trolley trackless train, presented by Don Valley North Toyota. Bounce around in the Inflatable and Games Area, and play mini-golf. More experiences will be announced as we get closer to the event date. Stay tuned to our socials (@markhammuseum) and website for more announcements.

📸 Memory Makers: Stroll through various destinations on our grounds and capture your memories with us.

🏛️ Immersive Historical Experiences: Witness the blacksmith shop, and print shop come to life as historical artisans demonstrate their skills.

🍏 Cider Making: Learn the art and science of cider making with live demonstrations.

🖼️ Hands-On Exhibition Spaces: Explore engaging exhibitions like “A Picture of Markham – The Art of Pat Wheeler,” the reimagined “Markham Community Makers”, and our brand new “Everyday Superheroes” exhibition.

🌿Explore 25 Acres of Fun: With immersive programming, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us for a journey through history, food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family!

Learn more at MarkhamMuseum.ca!

From towering dinosaur skeletons to awe-inspiring contemporary paintings, ROM is home to more than 13.5 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens from around the world and across the ages. So, it should be no surprise ROM is also the most visited museum in Canada.

Don’t miss our FREE* 45-minute English and French tours. Tours start at the hour from 11am to 2pm daily.

*FREE with General Admission

Tour Descriptions

Museum Highlights
Explore the wonders of ROM. In a 45-minute tour that brings iconic objects to life, you’ll enjoy highlights of arts, culture and nature… throughout the world and throughout time.

Descriptions des visites

Les trésors du musée
Explorez les merveilles du ROM. La visite donne vie à des objets emblématiques à la croisée de l’art, de la culture et de la nature et ce à travers le monde et à travers le temps. Elle vous donnera aussi une bonne idée de l’ampleur des collections du musée.

As part of our annual zodiac installation, January 29, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake (蛇), the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born under this sign are believed to be wise and charismatic.

The snake rarely appears as a decorative motif in Chinese art and design, however, when depicted with a tortoise, the pair have come to symbolize the mythical creature Xuanwu (玄武, the Dark Warrior), later evolving into the god Zhenwu (真武, the Perfected Warrior). The snake and tortoise symbolize the interplay of power, wisdom, and harmony of nature.

Experience an exquisite array of snake and tortoise-themed objects and cultural belongings in this specially curated zodiac case. Marvel at impressive ceramics, including a mythical double-headed serpent from the early 500s. This and much more are now on view in this unique display celebrating the powerful snake.

Everyday Superheroes celebrates the incredible individuals who make a difference in our communities every day. From firefighters and healthcare workers to educators and volunteers, this interactive exhibition honors the real-life heroes who keep our world running.

Developed through extensive research and a public nomination campaign launched in February 2024, the exhibition highlights the inspiring stories of individuals and organizations that shape our city.

Discover their impact through hands-on activities and engaging displays that showcase the power of kindness, courage, and resilience. Join us in celebrating these everyday superheroes!

Visit MarkhamMuseum.ca to plan your visit!

Site-Specific Installation
This spring: Using drawing and photo-based gel transfer techniques, Toronto based Sandra Brewster’s installation will depict the Essequibo River in Guyana and its distinctive fish species, evoking the fluidity and dynamism of water as a metaphor for migration and transformation.

Sandra Brewster is a Canadian artist whose work explores the nuanced interplay between identity and environment. Her multidisciplinary practice—spanning drawing, photography, and sculpture—examines the lived experiences of movement and migration, often using gel transfer techniques to create textured, layered surfaces that reflect the unfixed, dynamic nature of diasporic identity.

Brewster’s installation offers a transformative, relational perspective on land, water, and history—one rooted in the diasporic experience.

The McMichael proudly presents Morrice in Venice, an exhibition celebrating James Wilson Morrice’s evocative depictions of one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Inspired by the pioneering research of Sandra Paikowsky, this exhibition showcases a stunning selection of Morrice’s canvases, pochades, and sketches, revealing his unique vision of Venice.

James Wilson Morrice (1865–1924) was the first Canadian artist to make regular visits to Venice, traveling there frequently from the mid-1890s to around 1908. In an era when Venice was the premier destination for artists across Europe, Morrice distinguished himself as one of the few foreign painters who returned repeatedly to its storied canals and piazzas. His Venetian works earned widespread acclaim, appearing in exhibitions throughout Europe, including Paris and London, as well as in Toronto and Montreal, his hometown.

The Southern Netherlands — better known today as Flanders — was home to revolutionary artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, Hans Memling, and others. These extraordinary painters found new ways to depict reality, portray humanity, and tell stories that created parallels to their world then – and to our world today.

This large-scale exhibition, featuring over 80 stunning art works and objects — medieval, Renaissance, and baroque paintings, sculptures and more — offers a doorway into the Southern Netherlands of 1400 to 1700, a dynamic environment where new artistic genres and styles were created and flourished. The exhibition’s unique presentation introduces the visitor, through these rare, extraordinary artworks, to stories of enterprising townspeople, prosperous cities, and an ever-developing society.

In June 2025, Toronto-based conceptual artist Iris Häussler undertook an artist residency in the historic Tom Thomson Shack at the McMichael. Häussler is known for her immersive installations, often created in non‑traditional museum spaces, that revolve around fictitious personae and their artistic legacies.

Häussler’s installation at the McMichael, Divided Heavens, invites visitors into the fictitious world of German-born twin brothers, Kurt and Carl Pfister. Separated as young children shortly after the Second World War, the twins grew up unaware of each other’s existence, while sharing a deep interest in and empathy for the fragile lives of migratory birds. Visitors are invited to explore both sides of the shack where these interconnected stories are told through glass and mirrors engraved with bird silhouettes and the imprints of bird collisions. Also displayed are a mobile of paper birds cut out from Kurt’s collection of ornithology books, two illuminated globes with handmade strings tracing major global bird migration routes, and other belongings.

The Tree Planters is a striking photographic series by award-winning Canadian photographer Rita Leistner. Through large-scale, painterly portraits captured in real-time, Leistner documents the gruelling and heroic labour of professional tree planters in British Columbia. Her work explores themes of human endurance, environmental stewardship, and Canada’s evolving relationship with its forests.

Between 2016 and 2019, Leistner embedded herself off-grid with planting crews, living for months at a time in remote camps. Immersed in the physically demanding world of seasonal tree planting, she documented workers as they planted thousands of saplings each day across the rugged, clear-cut terrain. Her photographs reveal both the intensity of the labour and the resilience of the planters, transforming them into luminous, almost mythic figures.

Using dramatic lighting and dynamic compositions, Leistner elevates scenes of physical toil into compelling visual tributes—portraits that highlight the planters’ deep, often spiritual connection to the land. Having planted more than half a million trees herself, Leistner brings a rare, firsthand understanding and deep reverence to her subject.

The Tree Planters stands as a tribute to the generations of Canadians who have reshaped the nation’s geography and contributed to its cultural identity—one tree at a time.

After a landmark international tour, Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael returns to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. First presented in 2020-2021, this critically acclaimed exhibition has become a defining exploration of the depth, diversity, and vitality of Indigenous art in Canada. This re-presented version is expanded including new and never before exhibited works.

Organized in close collaboration with Indigenous artists, scholars, and knowledge keepers, Early Days presents more than 100 works from the McMichael’s permanent collection. Works on view span over two centuries- from 18th-century ceremonial regalia and trade items to the groundbreaking work of artists from the 1960s through the 1980s, and powerful contemporary pieces by leading voices today. The exhibition showcases work by Norval Morrisseau, Robert Houle, Carl Beam, Alex Janvier, Shelly Niro, Faye HeavyShield, Rebecca Belmore, Kent Monkman, Meryl McMaster, and many others. Their works—including painting, sculpture, printmaking, textile, and video— reveal the cultural continuity, resilience, and innovation of Indigenous artistic practices across generations.

As the only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to Canadian art, the McMichael collection offers a unique platform to explore the evolving story of Indigenous art in Canada today. Early Days invites reflection on our relationships to land, to ancestors, and to one another, while confronting the complex tensions between past and present.

The exhibition is accompanied by an award-winning catalogue edited by Anishinaabe artist and scholar Bonnie Devine. Gathering insights from myriad Indigenous cultural stakeholders, informing us on everything from goose hunting techniques to the history of Northwest Coast mask making to the emergence of the Woodland style of painting and printmaking to the challenges of art making in the Arctic, the publication offers a wide-ranging lens into Indigenous artistic practices. Collectively, these voices illuminate the enduring vibrancy of Indigenous art across Turtle Island, past and present.

Women have made significant contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) but their stories are often untold. This special exhibition shares some of these stories and provides recognition for the crucial role of women in STEM. Through text and images, the display tells the stories of historical and contemporary Women in STEM, their scientific contributions as well as their challenges in the face of persistent systemic barriers. Iron Willed: Women in STEM is a travelling an exhibition developed by Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation on view at Joseph Brant Museum from October 4 – March 29, 2026.

Sharks have intrigued humans for as long as we have explored the oceans. The terrifying monster from the movie Jaws is what many might imagine when they think of these animals, but they are far more fascinating and complex than their depiction in popular culture. Did you know, for example, that there is a shark that eats seagrass? Or that some sharks can sense Earth’s magnetic field?

This family-friendly exhibition invites you to uncover fresh perspectives, groundbreaking research, and the astounding diversity of this ancient group of fishes.

Visitors will delve into the anatomy, behaviour, and history of sharks, from familiar favourites like tiger sharks and great whites to lesser-known species like the dwarf lanternshark—a tiny, light-producing marvel small enough to hold in your hand.

Through dozens of interactives and life-sized models, including a life-size head of the huge extinct Megalodon, join us for a unique look at these magnificent creatures, their habitats, hunting techniques, and the conservation threats that they face.

From towering dinosaur skeletons to awe-inspiring contemporary paintings, ROM is home to more than 13.5 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens from around the world and across the ages. So, it should be no surprise ROM is also the most visited museum in Canada.

Don’t miss our FREE* 45-minute English and French tours. Tours start at the hour from 11am to 2pm daily.

*FREE with General Admission

Tour Descriptions

Museum Highlights
Explore the wonders of ROM. In a 45-minute tour that brings iconic objects to life, you’ll enjoy highlights of arts, culture and nature… throughout the world and throughout time.

Descriptions des visites

Les trésors du musée
Explorez les merveilles du ROM. La visite donne vie à des objets emblématiques à la croisée de l’art, de la culture et de la nature et ce à travers le monde et à travers le temps. Elle vous donnera aussi une bonne idée de l’ampleur des collections du musée.

As part of our annual zodiac installation, January 29, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake (蛇), the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born under this sign are believed to be wise and charismatic.

The snake rarely appears as a decorative motif in Chinese art and design, however, when depicted with a tortoise, the pair have come to symbolize the mythical creature Xuanwu (玄武, the Dark Warrior), later evolving into the god Zhenwu (真武, the Perfected Warrior). The snake and tortoise symbolize the interplay of power, wisdom, and harmony of nature.

Experience an exquisite array of snake and tortoise-themed objects and cultural belongings in this specially curated zodiac case. Marvel at impressive ceramics, including a mythical double-headed serpent from the early 500s. This and much more are now on view in this unique display celebrating the powerful snake.

Everyday Superheroes celebrates the incredible individuals who make a difference in our communities every day. From firefighters and healthcare workers to educators and volunteers, this interactive exhibition honors the real-life heroes who keep our world running.

Developed through extensive research and a public nomination campaign launched in February 2024, the exhibition highlights the inspiring stories of individuals and organizations that shape our city.

Discover their impact through hands-on activities and engaging displays that showcase the power of kindness, courage, and resilience. Join us in celebrating these everyday superheroes!

Visit MarkhamMuseum.ca to plan your visit!

Site-Specific Installation
This spring: Using drawing and photo-based gel transfer techniques, Toronto based Sandra Brewster’s installation will depict the Essequibo River in Guyana and its distinctive fish species, evoking the fluidity and dynamism of water as a metaphor for migration and transformation.

Sandra Brewster is a Canadian artist whose work explores the nuanced interplay between identity and environment. Her multidisciplinary practice—spanning drawing, photography, and sculpture—examines the lived experiences of movement and migration, often using gel transfer techniques to create textured, layered surfaces that reflect the unfixed, dynamic nature of diasporic identity.

Brewster’s installation offers a transformative, relational perspective on land, water, and history—one rooted in the diasporic experience.

The McMichael proudly presents Morrice in Venice, an exhibition celebrating James Wilson Morrice’s evocative depictions of one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Inspired by the pioneering research of Sandra Paikowsky, this exhibition showcases a stunning selection of Morrice’s canvases, pochades, and sketches, revealing his unique vision of Venice.

James Wilson Morrice (1865–1924) was the first Canadian artist to make regular visits to Venice, traveling there frequently from the mid-1890s to around 1908. In an era when Venice was the premier destination for artists across Europe, Morrice distinguished himself as one of the few foreign painters who returned repeatedly to its storied canals and piazzas. His Venetian works earned widespread acclaim, appearing in exhibitions throughout Europe, including Paris and London, as well as in Toronto and Montreal, his hometown.

The Southern Netherlands — better known today as Flanders — was home to revolutionary artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, Hans Memling, and others. These extraordinary painters found new ways to depict reality, portray humanity, and tell stories that created parallels to their world then – and to our world today.

This large-scale exhibition, featuring over 80 stunning art works and objects — medieval, Renaissance, and baroque paintings, sculptures and more — offers a doorway into the Southern Netherlands of 1400 to 1700, a dynamic environment where new artistic genres and styles were created and flourished. The exhibition’s unique presentation introduces the visitor, through these rare, extraordinary artworks, to stories of enterprising townspeople, prosperous cities, and an ever-developing society.

The Tree Planters is a striking photographic series by award-winning Canadian photographer Rita Leistner. Through large-scale, painterly portraits captured in real-time, Leistner documents the gruelling and heroic labour of professional tree planters in British Columbia. Her work explores themes of human endurance, environmental stewardship, and Canada’s evolving relationship with its forests.

Between 2016 and 2019, Leistner embedded herself off-grid with planting crews, living for months at a time in remote camps. Immersed in the physically demanding world of seasonal tree planting, she documented workers as they planted thousands of saplings each day across the rugged, clear-cut terrain. Her photographs reveal both the intensity of the labour and the resilience of the planters, transforming them into luminous, almost mythic figures.

Using dramatic lighting and dynamic compositions, Leistner elevates scenes of physical toil into compelling visual tributes—portraits that highlight the planters’ deep, often spiritual connection to the land. Having planted more than half a million trees herself, Leistner brings a rare, firsthand understanding and deep reverence to her subject.

The Tree Planters stands as a tribute to the generations of Canadians who have reshaped the nation’s geography and contributed to its cultural identity—one tree at a time.

After a landmark international tour, Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael returns to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. First presented in 2020-2021, this critically acclaimed exhibition has become a defining exploration of the depth, diversity, and vitality of Indigenous art in Canada. This re-presented version is expanded including new and never before exhibited works.

Organized in close collaboration with Indigenous artists, scholars, and knowledge keepers, Early Days presents more than 100 works from the McMichael’s permanent collection. Works on view span over two centuries- from 18th-century ceremonial regalia and trade items to the groundbreaking work of artists from the 1960s through the 1980s, and powerful contemporary pieces by leading voices today. The exhibition showcases work by Norval Morrisseau, Robert Houle, Carl Beam, Alex Janvier, Shelly Niro, Faye HeavyShield, Rebecca Belmore, Kent Monkman, Meryl McMaster, and many others. Their works—including painting, sculpture, printmaking, textile, and video— reveal the cultural continuity, resilience, and innovation of Indigenous artistic practices across generations.

As the only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to Canadian art, the McMichael collection offers a unique platform to explore the evolving story of Indigenous art in Canada today. Early Days invites reflection on our relationships to land, to ancestors, and to one another, while confronting the complex tensions between past and present.

The exhibition is accompanied by an award-winning catalogue edited by Anishinaabe artist and scholar Bonnie Devine. Gathering insights from myriad Indigenous cultural stakeholders, informing us on everything from goose hunting techniques to the history of Northwest Coast mask making to the emergence of the Woodland style of painting and printmaking to the challenges of art making in the Arctic, the publication offers a wide-ranging lens into Indigenous artistic practices. Collectively, these voices illuminate the enduring vibrancy of Indigenous art across Turtle Island, past and present.

Women have made significant contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) but their stories are often untold. This special exhibition shares some of these stories and provides recognition for the crucial role of women in STEM. Through text and images, the display tells the stories of historical and contemporary Women in STEM, their scientific contributions as well as their challenges in the face of persistent systemic barriers. Iron Willed: Women in STEM is a travelling an exhibition developed by Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation on view at Joseph Brant Museum from October 4 – March 29, 2026.

Sharks have intrigued humans for as long as we have explored the oceans. The terrifying monster from the movie Jaws is what many might imagine when they think of these animals, but they are far more fascinating and complex than their depiction in popular culture. Did you know, for example, that there is a shark that eats seagrass? Or that some sharks can sense Earth’s magnetic field?

This family-friendly exhibition invites you to uncover fresh perspectives, groundbreaking research, and the astounding diversity of this ancient group of fishes.

Visitors will delve into the anatomy, behaviour, and history of sharks, from familiar favourites like tiger sharks and great whites to lesser-known species like the dwarf lanternshark—a tiny, light-producing marvel small enough to hold in your hand.

Through dozens of interactives and life-sized models, including a life-size head of the huge extinct Megalodon, join us for a unique look at these magnificent creatures, their habitats, hunting techniques, and the conservation threats that they face.

In a world filled with challenges, this Family Sunday invites visitors of all ages to explore their inner strengths, talents, and the courage to stand up for themselves and others. Through art-making, storytelling, and performance, the day celebrates resilience and the transformative power of creativity—culminating in The Schoolyard Carmen, a lively and inspiring production by Shoestring Opera.

– Drop-in Art Making Workshop: The Art of Self-Portraiture
– Storytelling Circle: Images of Hope, Images of Strength
– Performance by Shoestring Opera: The Schoolyard Carmen

From towering dinosaur skeletons to awe-inspiring contemporary paintings, ROM is home to more than 13.5 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens from around the world and across the ages. So, it should be no surprise ROM is also the most visited museum in Canada.

Don’t miss our FREE* 45-minute English and French tours. Tours start at the hour from 11am to 2pm daily.

*FREE with General Admission

Tour Descriptions

Museum Highlights
Explore the wonders of ROM. In a 45-minute tour that brings iconic objects to life, you’ll enjoy highlights of arts, culture and nature… throughout the world and throughout time.

Descriptions des visites

Les trésors du musée
Explorez les merveilles du ROM. La visite donne vie à des objets emblématiques à la croisée de l’art, de la culture et de la nature et ce à travers le monde et à travers le temps. Elle vous donnera aussi une bonne idée de l’ampleur des collections du musée.

As part of our annual zodiac installation, January 29, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake (蛇), the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born under this sign are believed to be wise and charismatic.

The snake rarely appears as a decorative motif in Chinese art and design, however, when depicted with a tortoise, the pair have come to symbolize the mythical creature Xuanwu (玄武, the Dark Warrior), later evolving into the god Zhenwu (真武, the Perfected Warrior). The snake and tortoise symbolize the interplay of power, wisdom, and harmony of nature.

Experience an exquisite array of snake and tortoise-themed objects and cultural belongings in this specially curated zodiac case. Marvel at impressive ceramics, including a mythical double-headed serpent from the early 500s. This and much more are now on view in this unique display celebrating the powerful snake.

Everyday Superheroes celebrates the incredible individuals who make a difference in our communities every day. From firefighters and healthcare workers to educators and volunteers, this interactive exhibition honors the real-life heroes who keep our world running.

Developed through extensive research and a public nomination campaign launched in February 2024, the exhibition highlights the inspiring stories of individuals and organizations that shape our city.

Discover their impact through hands-on activities and engaging displays that showcase the power of kindness, courage, and resilience. Join us in celebrating these everyday superheroes!

Visit MarkhamMuseum.ca to plan your visit!

Site-Specific Installation
This spring: Using drawing and photo-based gel transfer techniques, Toronto based Sandra Brewster’s installation will depict the Essequibo River in Guyana and its distinctive fish species, evoking the fluidity and dynamism of water as a metaphor for migration and transformation.

Sandra Brewster is a Canadian artist whose work explores the nuanced interplay between identity and environment. Her multidisciplinary practice—spanning drawing, photography, and sculpture—examines the lived experiences of movement and migration, often using gel transfer techniques to create textured, layered surfaces that reflect the unfixed, dynamic nature of diasporic identity.

Brewster’s installation offers a transformative, relational perspective on land, water, and history—one rooted in the diasporic experience.

The Southern Netherlands — better known today as Flanders — was home to revolutionary artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, Hans Memling, and others. These extraordinary painters found new ways to depict reality, portray humanity, and tell stories that created parallels to their world then – and to our world today.

This large-scale exhibition, featuring over 80 stunning art works and objects — medieval, Renaissance, and baroque paintings, sculptures and more — offers a doorway into the Southern Netherlands of 1400 to 1700, a dynamic environment where new artistic genres and styles were created and flourished. The exhibition’s unique presentation introduces the visitor, through these rare, extraordinary artworks, to stories of enterprising townspeople, prosperous cities, and an ever-developing society.

The Tree Planters is a striking photographic series by award-winning Canadian photographer Rita Leistner. Through large-scale, painterly portraits captured in real-time, Leistner documents the gruelling and heroic labour of professional tree planters in British Columbia. Her work explores themes of human endurance, environmental stewardship, and Canada’s evolving relationship with its forests.

Between 2016 and 2019, Leistner embedded herself off-grid with planting crews, living for months at a time in remote camps. Immersed in the physically demanding world of seasonal tree planting, she documented workers as they planted thousands of saplings each day across the rugged, clear-cut terrain. Her photographs reveal both the intensity of the labour and the resilience of the planters, transforming them into luminous, almost mythic figures.

Using dramatic lighting and dynamic compositions, Leistner elevates scenes of physical toil into compelling visual tributes—portraits that highlight the planters’ deep, often spiritual connection to the land. Having planted more than half a million trees herself, Leistner brings a rare, firsthand understanding and deep reverence to her subject.

The Tree Planters stands as a tribute to the generations of Canadians who have reshaped the nation’s geography and contributed to its cultural identity—one tree at a time.

After a landmark international tour, Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael returns to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. First presented in 2020-2021, this critically acclaimed exhibition has become a defining exploration of the depth, diversity, and vitality of Indigenous art in Canada. This re-presented version is expanded including new and never before exhibited works.

Organized in close collaboration with Indigenous artists, scholars, and knowledge keepers, Early Days presents more than 100 works from the McMichael’s permanent collection. Works on view span over two centuries- from 18th-century ceremonial regalia and trade items to the groundbreaking work of artists from the 1960s through the 1980s, and powerful contemporary pieces by leading voices today. The exhibition showcases work by Norval Morrisseau, Robert Houle, Carl Beam, Alex Janvier, Shelly Niro, Faye HeavyShield, Rebecca Belmore, Kent Monkman, Meryl McMaster, and many others. Their works—including painting, sculpture, printmaking, textile, and video— reveal the cultural continuity, resilience, and innovation of Indigenous artistic practices across generations.

As the only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to Canadian art, the McMichael collection offers a unique platform to explore the evolving story of Indigenous art in Canada today. Early Days invites reflection on our relationships to land, to ancestors, and to one another, while confronting the complex tensions between past and present.

The exhibition is accompanied by an award-winning catalogue edited by Anishinaabe artist and scholar Bonnie Devine. Gathering insights from myriad Indigenous cultural stakeholders, informing us on everything from goose hunting techniques to the history of Northwest Coast mask making to the emergence of the Woodland style of painting and printmaking to the challenges of art making in the Arctic, the publication offers a wide-ranging lens into Indigenous artistic practices. Collectively, these voices illuminate the enduring vibrancy of Indigenous art across Turtle Island, past and present.

Women have made significant contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) but their stories are often untold. This special exhibition shares some of these stories and provides recognition for the crucial role of women in STEM. Through text and images, the display tells the stories of historical and contemporary Women in STEM, their scientific contributions as well as their challenges in the face of persistent systemic barriers. Iron Willed: Women in STEM is a travelling an exhibition developed by Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation on view at Joseph Brant Museum from October 4 – March 29, 2026.

Sharks have intrigued humans for as long as we have explored the oceans. The terrifying monster from the movie Jaws is what many might imagine when they think of these animals, but they are far more fascinating and complex than their depiction in popular culture. Did you know, for example, that there is a shark that eats seagrass? Or that some sharks can sense Earth’s magnetic field?

This family-friendly exhibition invites you to uncover fresh perspectives, groundbreaking research, and the astounding diversity of this ancient group of fishes.

Visitors will delve into the anatomy, behaviour, and history of sharks, from familiar favourites like tiger sharks and great whites to lesser-known species like the dwarf lanternshark—a tiny, light-producing marvel small enough to hold in your hand.

Through dozens of interactives and life-sized models, including a life-size head of the huge extinct Megalodon, join us for a unique look at these magnificent creatures, their habitats, hunting techniques, and the conservation threats that they face.

This winter, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is proud to present Stan Douglas: Tales of Empire, a focused survey of the acclaimed Vancouver-based artist’s career. For over four decades, Douglas has been recognized as one of Canada’s most important contemporary artists, with a significant international reputation across Europe, the United States, and beyond.

Tales of Empire presents bodies of work by Douglas that examine various colonization efforts globally, over time—an enduring theme that shapes much of his work. Curated by McMichael Executive Director and Chief Curator Sarah Milroy, the exhibition brings together five major photographic series that reflect Douglas’s incisive investigations into history, memory, and the impress of empire on both landscapes and lives.