Gardiner Museum
Gardiner Museum
4.3
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover one of the world's most universal and dynamic art forms. Explore the Gardiner Museum's internationally-renowned collections of pottery from the Ancient Americas, Europe, China, and Japan, as well as contemporary ceramics. Visit the Museum's special exhibitions, sign up for a clay class, take part in weekly family art activities, dine at Clay Restaurant, and find the perfect gift at the Gardiner Shop.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
At the heart of Toronto, Downtown is the destination for cheap eats and fast fashion. Cut through by hip and trendy Yonge Street, the vibe here is young, with a strong student influence from the Ryerson University Campus. As a result, the Downtown area is always in flux: undergoing the construction of new facilities, with fresh retail spaces and pop-up cafes. Home to Toronto's largest indoor shopping mall, a number of vintage cinemas, and a healthy nightlife centered on the area's Distillery District bar and clubs near the East End, it's both an easygoing daytime spot and a popular party place after sunset. It also features some of Toronto's best outdoor landmarks, including Yonge-Dundas Square and the Nathan Phillips Square: perfect for a concert, a skate, or a relaxing sit-down.
How to get there
- Museum • 2 min walk
- Bay • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,991 within 5 kms
Attractions
794 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
293 reviews
Excellent
147
Very good
100
Average
30
Poor
5
Terrible
11
emfeAthens_Georgia
Athens, GA231 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed this small museum whose focus is ceramics. There are over 5000 items from around the world on display from a variety of time periods. If you like clay, ceramics, pottery or porcelain, you will enjoy this small museum. Their cafe, CLAY, is lovey.
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
operalover939
Toronto, Canada2,930 contributions
Feb 2023
Having lunched in Clay, with some time to go before our concert in Koerner Hall, we visited the Housewarming exhibition, which consists of a number of constructions by Karine Giboulo. She found her immediate inspiration in Canada's experience during Covid, and she has done an excellent job marking the event and its consequences. Well worth a visit, which can be augmented by going through the permanent collection.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andre T
Toronto, Canada337 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
I went to visit the museum on a Monday afternoon to see Karine Giboulo’s Housewarming. I was intrigued by all those miniatures. Was welcoming at reception by friendly Alejandra who gave me an extra discount for having the Presto card as well as the seniors rate.
Was asked for my receipt upon entering the exhibition hall as told at reception. Madeline and Sarah were the attendants and let me know about the do and don’t in a very professional manner. I was very impressed by the exhibition and spent 90 minutes taking photos and videos. It’s also free entry on Wednesday evenings. More details on the Housewarming exhibition on their website. Across the street is the Kent Monkman exhibition which is next on my list.
Was asked for my receipt upon entering the exhibition hall as told at reception. Madeline and Sarah were the attendants and let me know about the do and don’t in a very professional manner. I was very impressed by the exhibition and spent 90 minutes taking photos and videos. It’s also free entry on Wednesday evenings. More details on the Housewarming exhibition on their website. Across the street is the Kent Monkman exhibition which is next on my list.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1francophile
Kitchener, Canada1,990 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Had a brief, but edifying experience at this wonderful museum because of its unusual and focused exhibits, not found elsewhere. There is porcelain, ceramics and clay from ancient to modern times from many parts of the world, including, Europe, Asia and South American. In addition the special exhibit focal point was dining in earlier century with a replication of a table setting. Their collection best typifies how form and function works perfectly through the shapes, designs, facade and their usefulness in every day life. My short visit provided me with a overview of what this fine Museum has to offer, so I will return soon to be part of a guided tour to further enrich my appreciation and understanding. The staff are personable and professional and the tariff is quite reasonable for all the Gardiner Museum provides to the discerning visitor. Also, don’t forget to patronize their fine quality restaurant- Clay! Very Highly Recommended!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to offer such a thoughtful review! It's been shared with our full staff team. This is exactly the kind of experience we strive to provide and it's really wonderful and encouraging to know that you enjoyed everything from the collection and special exhibition to the customer service and Clay Restaurant. We sincerely hope you'll come back soon for a tour and look forward to welcoming you.
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
arewetherenow
Prince Albert, Canada86 contributions
Nov 2021
This is a museum devoted to ceramics though the ages. This is not a specific interest of mine, but the collection is presented so well, I couldn't help but engage. I learned many interesting things and won't look at dishes the same way going forward. The museum does an excellent job of showing you artifacts, pointing out that artifact in a painting where it is being used, and explaining how it fit into the history of that period. Ceramics and pottery aren't everyone's thing, but if you like art and museums this is definitely worth the time.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
natalakiv
Paphos, Cyprus46 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
First time visiting this museum, I totally was impressed. I loved the Porcelain area, amazingly beautiful!!! It is remarkable how a couple out of their love for certain things, and giving to their community, have created such a beautiful place to explore and learn. Moreover,
the staff is friendly, polite and attentive. If you love the clay, ceramics, pottery in general, you will find a lot of exhibits in the museum! At the lower level young artists creating their pieces of art, as well. A day of knowledge and fun at the same time!! Must visit again!!!
the staff is friendly, polite and attentive. If you love the clay, ceramics, pottery in general, you will find a lot of exhibits in the museum! At the lower level young artists creating their pieces of art, as well. A day of knowledge and fun at the same time!! Must visit again!!!
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSQRD1
Kent, OH897 contributions
Feb 2020
I happened to be nearby and decided to pay a short visit. There is a small cloak room with a few lockers for backpacks. The museum was pleasantly uncrowded making for a fine, slightly less than one hour visit. The pieces are diverse and interesting and the small shop had some lovely pieces to purchase. I bought some small cups and a saucer and the shop keeper did a great job packing them up in bubble wrap for my flight home.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the lovely feedback. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit and that you found something special to take back home with you. Safe travels!
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MomRocco
Chicago, IL540 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I had no idea that the arcana for making porcelain was so valuable that spies were involved in getting the formulas. I also had no idea that people sunk money in porcelain as a way to show off their wealth. I learned a great deal at this lovely small museum.
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jde1953
San Jose, CA163 contributions
Aug 2022
A world-class museum of ceramic arts. Everything is gorgeous and amazing. The collection is curated with great love and care. The large posters that describe the main sections of each gallery are very well written. They give you lots of interesting information without going into irrelevant details.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stormflora
Toronto, Canada30 contributions
Jul 2023
Easily one of the top three museums in Toronto. Don't let its size delude you. It's packed with tons of amazing artifacts. Would definitely recommend everyone to visit, especially with a free pass on Wednesday or via TPL Maps.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In the True Nordic exhibition .... A friend on face book pointed out to me my parents lamps and shades.
Would like to see the photos ... more if possible ...thks ??
Written December 27, 2016
I'm sorry I don't have these - maybe you could contact the museum itself. It was very well-curated
Written January 9, 2017
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing