Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is world renowned for its collection of artifacts representing world cultures and natural history

The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art was first opened in 1984 by founders George and Helen Gardiner to showcase their growing collection of of pottery and porcelain and ceramic artifacts from Europe, China and Ancient America. The collection now consists of over 3,000 historical as well as contemporary pieces from around the world. Temporary exhibitions showcase new works of art, so there is always something new to see here as well.
You can visit the Gardiner Museum between 4 and 9pm on the third Friday of every month for free. You can also visit during the same time period for half-price on any other Friday.
The museum is located directly across from the Royal Ontario Museum and is housed in a building featuring modernist architecture. The museum also has a retail shop, a restaurant and 'clay classes' (additional charge).
If you have and interest in ceramic collectables and art you will definitely enjoy the Gardiner Museum. For additional information about the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art see their official website above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - Special Rates available on Fridays (see article)Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- 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
Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7, Canada
Phone: (416) 586-8080
Official Website: Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art Reviews
Rated
It is a beautifully curated space dedicated to ceramic art, showcasing both historical and contemporary collections. The intimate setting allows visitors to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of pieces from around the world. With engaging exhibitions, workshops, and lectures, the museum offers an enriching experience. Its serene architecture creates a peaceful atmosphere, making it a must-visit for art lovers and ceramic enthusiasts.
JINS LUKOSE - a month ago
My 2nd time visiting Gardiner Museum and I enjoyed very much! So much to see and learn about porcelain art from around the world 🗺️ Fantastic exhibition of an amazing art. New art work or display is coming in November’25
Restaurant is on 3 floor with amazing view and pleasant seating area.
Also kids can learn and do some clay work.
Tati Tad - 4 weeks ago
I enjoyed my visit here very much. Good range of works, clearly presented.
The Tree of Life (basement) could have a short (18"-high) mirror put behind it so we can see the back of it.
The third floor has a curious, neutral-to-positive take on a megalomaniac. It doesn't suitably confront the issues of kidnapping (saying someone was just 'seized'?) and other injustices that were, at best, glossed over, and at worst glorified. Even if they weren't explicitly condoned it seems they were laid vulnerable to misinterpretation by young audiences. I get that it's a fine line not to be too presentist. But there could be a more balanced representation of Augustus: e.g. detailing further the political turmoil. Perhaps put more emphasis on how his pursuits destabilised Poland (a historical fact), how his legacy is marked as much by overreach as artistic brilliance, how he saw leadership less as a duty than a spectacle. And so on. If this seems out of place in a ceramics museum, fine, but then much of the existing text in veiled reverence of Augustus should also be omitted.
Highly recommend this engaging and diverse museum.
Mark Ebden - 3 weeks ago
Such a nice place to check out. I learned a lot about ceramics and seeing how organize it was inside allowed myself to immerse in each era. I wish I would have known about the pottery workshop. I would have loved to participate but for those that are visiting soon or live in Toronto. The next one will be in Sept. You have to sign in advance.
Jayleen Chapero - a month ago
Front desk staff is very kind and helpful. Most of the ground floor is under renovation right now, so it’s a pay as you please entry fee of minimum $1. I still thoroughly enjoyed the second and third floors. Loads of fun whimsical pieces dispersed in between all the more serious art.
Jennifer L - 2 months ago
Directions
TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Yonge-University-Spadina | Museum Station | 2 Minutes |
How to get to Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art by TTC Subway
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Photo Gallery
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Modernist Architecture of the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art cc licensed photo by Aviad2001 -
Ceramic Animal Bowls in the Gardiner Museum Gift Shop cc licensed photo by monado -
Photo Credit: rick ligthelm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: rick ligthelm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: seligmanwaite - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr