Local Guides World
Top Museums in North York, Canada
Top Rated Museums in North York
Top Reviewed Museums in North York
Ontario Science Centre
Aga Khan Museum
Ontario Science Centre
Canadian Language Museum
Aga Khan Museum
North York Zion Schoolhouse
Reviews
Visiting the Zion Schoolhouse, an establishment rooted in history since around 1900, offered a unique glimpse into Toronto's educational past. This meticulously preserved one-room schoolhouse provides a tangible connection to the early 20th-century learning environment, offering an immersive experience unlike any other. The attention to detail in the restoration and the informative displays breathe life into the stories of those who once studied and taught here. It's a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and a poignant reminder of the evolution of education over the years. A visit here is not just educational but also a step back in time, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Toronto's history.
Very beautiful museum, architecturally, with informative displays about the history of Islamic art. However, I was really disappointed to find out there is no prayer room available within the premises. I hope the management will consider implementing an Islamic prayer room, within an Islamic art museum - it’s only right.
**Aga Khan Museum Review:**
Nestled in a serene setting, the Aga Khan Museum offers a captivating journey through the arts and cultural heritage. From the moment you step onto the grounds, the architecture itself is a masterpiece, seamlessly blending contemporary design with traditional Islamic influences.
**Exhibits and Collections: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The museum's diverse collection spans centuries and continents, showcasing the rich tapestry of Islamic civilizations. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing an immersive experience that educates and inspires. From stunning artifacts to contemporary art, each piece tells a compelling story.
**Architecture and Gardens: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The architectural brilliance of the museum is awe-inspiring. The geometric patterns, intricate details, and expansive spaces create a harmonious environment. The surrounding gardens are a tranquil retreat, offering a perfect place for reflection and relaxation.
**Educational Programs: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The museum goes beyond being a repository of art; it's a hub for learning. The educational programs cater to all ages, providing insightful perspectives on Islamic culture, history, and art. The engaging workshops and lectures enhance the overall visit.
**Café and Amenities: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The on-site café offers a delightful culinary journey, featuring dishes inspired by the diverse cuisines of the Muslim world. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, and the ambiance provides a pleasant break during the visit.
**Visitor Experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The staff's warmth and knowledge contribute to a positive visitor experience. The museum's layout is user-friendly, and interactive displays add an extra layer of engagement. The attention to detail in every aspect ensures a memorable visit.
In conclusion, the Aga Khan Museum stands as a cultural gem, offering a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and education. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this museum is a must-visit.
Nestled in a serene setting, the Aga Khan Museum offers a captivating journey through the arts and cultural heritage. From the moment you step onto the grounds, the architecture itself is a masterpiece, seamlessly blending contemporary design with traditional Islamic influences.
**Exhibits and Collections: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The museum's diverse collection spans centuries and continents, showcasing the rich tapestry of Islamic civilizations. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing an immersive experience that educates and inspires. From stunning artifacts to contemporary art, each piece tells a compelling story.
**Architecture and Gardens: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The architectural brilliance of the museum is awe-inspiring. The geometric patterns, intricate details, and expansive spaces create a harmonious environment. The surrounding gardens are a tranquil retreat, offering a perfect place for reflection and relaxation.
**Educational Programs: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The museum goes beyond being a repository of art; it's a hub for learning. The educational programs cater to all ages, providing insightful perspectives on Islamic culture, history, and art. The engaging workshops and lectures enhance the overall visit.
**Café and Amenities: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The on-site café offers a delightful culinary journey, featuring dishes inspired by the diverse cuisines of the Muslim world. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, and the ambiance provides a pleasant break during the visit.
**Visitor Experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️**
The staff's warmth and knowledge contribute to a positive visitor experience. The museum's layout is user-friendly, and interactive displays add an extra layer of engagement. The attention to detail in every aspect ensures a memorable visit.
In conclusion, the Aga Khan Museum stands as a cultural gem, offering a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and education. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this museum is a must-visit.
The Aga Khan Museum is a beautiful place showcasing the Islamic history through a captivating collection. The permanent collections on the ground floor contains well-organized exhibits, featuring artifacts from diverse corners of the globe, including historic manuscripts of the Holy Quran reflecting the richness of Islamic heritage. It is a testament to the diverse legacy of the Islamic civilization, making it a must-visit place for anyone passonate about history and learning about this remarkable cultural heritage.
A mixed bag.
I’ll start off by explaining that I haven’t been to the Science Center in well over a decade. But when I was a kid I would come all the time and would attend summer camps and would have some amazing experiences. But SO much has changed.
Start off by the bridge being closed for no posted reason which is really a shame because that entrance really immerses you in nature and starts your journey off right at the Science Center. Instead, you wait in line for a shuttle to take you down the hill to the rear entrance. (Is walkable, but we went in Mid November with a 4 year old and a 7 week old).
Walked in the rear entrance and the place seems empty. Lots of empty spaces and missing exhibits. The areas seemed unorganized except for the original Space and Living Earth exhibits. The way the exhibits were laid out really had so rhyme or reason and it was a really odd layout.
The food in the cafeteria is WAY overpriced. Bring your own food!
Now for the positives.
The exhibits themselves are great! Amazing information for all ages and lots to explore and get your hands on. My 4 year old loved the rainforest and the interactive Dino exhibit. And loves playing with other kids at the interactive floor in the lower level main hall.
I’ll start off by explaining that I haven’t been to the Science Center in well over a decade. But when I was a kid I would come all the time and would attend summer camps and would have some amazing experiences. But SO much has changed.
Start off by the bridge being closed for no posted reason which is really a shame because that entrance really immerses you in nature and starts your journey off right at the Science Center. Instead, you wait in line for a shuttle to take you down the hill to the rear entrance. (Is walkable, but we went in Mid November with a 4 year old and a 7 week old).
Walked in the rear entrance and the place seems empty. Lots of empty spaces and missing exhibits. The areas seemed unorganized except for the original Space and Living Earth exhibits. The way the exhibits were laid out really had so rhyme or reason and it was a really odd layout.
The food in the cafeteria is WAY overpriced. Bring your own food!
Now for the positives.
The exhibits themselves are great! Amazing information for all ages and lots to explore and get your hands on. My 4 year old loved the rainforest and the interactive Dino exhibit. And loves playing with other kids at the interactive floor in the lower level main hall.
Great space showing the multitude of Canadian Language art
I will say the content of this centre is very extensive and can really be enjoyable and informative to folks of all ages. However, having parts of the centre closed was not what I was expecting such as the outdoor area which was odd to me since a lot of people didn’t have issues walking outside to get to the rear entrance instead of taking the shuttle due to long lines, and having the space planetarium closed without an explanation posted was very disappointing since I was looking forward to it. The OMNIMAX movie experience is very neat and a cool experience for seeing a movie on such a big screen. There are also a lot of interactive exhibits which help you appreciate the science behind it. One last thing, I understand that this is place is mainly for kids, but parents please look after your kids, I have seen so many without supervision and causing a disturbance which made it hard to enjoy certain attractions and can really make the time there enjoyable with so much screaming. Overall, not a bad place to go for the first time.
Fun place, especially if you have a young child who needs stimulation- as a dad I had fun too engaging with my son. There were alot of things and they can find 1 thing they enjoy and stick with it for hours. Although the weekends can get busy with all kids running around, will feel like a daycare with no parental supervision. Other than that it is advisable to go on a weekday if possible.
Past the cafeteria and the rainforest area there's a physics rich exhibit that was quieter than the other areas, and I found that really enjoyable. The crochet coral area was gorgeous, and the moving dinos were really neat!
I went on a really busy weekday, when there were a lot of large groups visiting. The shuttle service took a while, and I quickly passed through the extra crowded areas.
I went on a really busy weekday, when there were a lot of large groups visiting. The shuttle service took a while, and I quickly passed through the extra crowded areas.
Beautiful architecture which makes it a great spot for photos outside. The museum itself had interesting pieces to look at it. Only downside it’s a bit smaller than other Toronto museums that I wouldn’t dedicate a whole day for this and suggest doing other activities in the nearby area in addition to this.
This museum is a gem: the architecture, the permanent collection, the gardens. It was our first visit and we truly enjoyed our time there.
We were welcome by a very friendly staff member who was generous in explaining the museum to us. It was thus easy to roam around and appreciate our time. There was even live musicians in the main hall! We were visiting between temporary exhibitions so only had the collections to visit. It was not a problem for us because that’s what we wanted to see. Plus, the price was adjusted accordingly.
The visit was very informative and interesting. The objects shown are quite impressive. The gardens and the architectural elements are just a masterpiece. You feel at peace visiting.
Really, a must see!
We were welcome by a very friendly staff member who was generous in explaining the museum to us. It was thus easy to roam around and appreciate our time. There was even live musicians in the main hall! We were visiting between temporary exhibitions so only had the collections to visit. It was not a problem for us because that’s what we wanted to see. Plus, the price was adjusted accordingly.
The visit was very informative and interesting. The objects shown are quite impressive. The gardens and the architectural elements are just a masterpiece. You feel at peace visiting.
Really, a must see!
This is great place to spend a day, specially if you have kids. They, for sure will have an amazing experience. There are many interactive exhibits that will allow them, as well as you, to learn many things.
I recommend including one of the IMAX movies presented along the day.
Ensure to get there early to be able to go through all the exhibits.
There is a bus the will take you from the main building to one closeby. The waiting time might be an issue.
I recommend including one of the IMAX movies presented along the day.
Ensure to get there early to be able to go through all the exhibits.
There is a bus the will take you from the main building to one closeby. The waiting time might be an issue.
Definitely a great spot to spend a Saturday or a Sunday afternoon. The museum has a cafe and a restaurant attached to it. I found the tickets to be a bit pricey considering the exhibition it had going wasn’t that expansive- but this is a personal opinion. Definitely worth a weekend or a few weekends in a year with your friends and your family.
The Aga Khan Museum is undeniably one of the best places to immerse yourself in art, design, and serenity within the heart of Toronto. I find myself addicted to exploring their ever-evolving and profoundly meaningful galleries every time I visit. The warmth that envelopes you here is truly special, and the staff is exceptional – offering a complimentary coat-check service, which is such a thoughtful touch.
My recent visit coincided with Nuit Blanche, and I was delighted to discover that the permanent gallery was open to the public for free, along with a myriad of other captivating programs and shows. This museum is a must-visit gem in Toronto, and I highly recommend indulging in the culinary delights at their restaurant, Diwan. An all-encompassing experience for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a touch of tranquility in the city. 🎨🏛️🍽️
My recent visit coincided with Nuit Blanche, and I was delighted to discover that the permanent gallery was open to the public for free, along with a myriad of other captivating programs and shows. This museum is a must-visit gem in Toronto, and I highly recommend indulging in the culinary delights at their restaurant, Diwan. An all-encompassing experience for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a touch of tranquility in the city. 🎨🏛️🍽️
The Aga Khan Museum is a truly stunning institution that is absolutely worth a visit. Its architecture is both impressive and beautiful. The museum's mission is to showcase and curate art from historically significant Muslim civilizations, as well as contemporary Muslim communities worldwide. This diverse collection spans across a vast geographic area, encompassing regions from Spain and North Africa in the west to the Middle East, South Asia, and even China in the east.
The museum has good architecture. Good number of religious artifacts however not great amount of collections. This is one time go and watchable place. But, it is must go place who are interested to learn civilization and to know about Islamic traditions. Religion means the way of life. So, anyone can go and explore the different cultures. Good time to visit this place is in Summer. As the garden has lavender farm and other nice flowers.
There are a lot of activities for small kids. My 5 year old and 4 year old kids loved the experience. We needed more than 3 hours to truly experience the whole place, which unfortunately we didn't have.
The exhibit halls have to be accessed from the rear entrance, and there are frequent shuttle busses that run between the main and the rear entrances.
The family center was really fun and engaging for us. It's a great learning experience.
The exhibit halls have to be accessed from the rear entrance, and there are frequent shuttle busses that run between the main and the rear entrances.
The family center was really fun and engaging for us. It's a great learning experience.
Since my family and I have a membership, we decided to come and visit the museum today. The bus ride was about 20 minutes. We walked instead of taking the shuttle bus because the line was too long. Previously, we have had experiences of food poisoning from the cafe, so we packed our own lunch and were able to get seating. This museum is amazing. There are exhibits for all- from deep water exploration to bat caves to the reproductive system. Came with kids and explored the play area on the second floor. Had a blast. Overall a great experience and would come back again.
Aga Khan is an absolute treasure trove of culture and history. This immersive experience left me in awe of the rich heritage and contributions of the Islamic world. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing a deep insight into art, science, and spirituality.
From intricate calligraphy to awe-inspiring architecture, Aga Khan showcases the remarkable achievements of Islamic civilization. The interactive displays and informative guides make the visit both engaging and educational.
What truly sets this museum apart is its ability to foster understanding and bridge cultural gaps. It's a place where people from all walks of life can come to appreciate the beauty of Islamic art and gain a broader perspective on a diverse and vibrant culture.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about different cultures, the Aga Khan is a must-visit. It offers a profound journey through time, leaving visitors with a renewed appreciation for the contributions of the Islamic world to human civilization.
From intricate calligraphy to awe-inspiring architecture, Aga Khan showcases the remarkable achievements of Islamic civilization. The interactive displays and informative guides make the visit both engaging and educational.
What truly sets this museum apart is its ability to foster understanding and bridge cultural gaps. It's a place where people from all walks of life can come to appreciate the beauty of Islamic art and gain a broader perspective on a diverse and vibrant culture.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about different cultures, the Aga Khan is a must-visit. It offers a profound journey through time, leaving visitors with a renewed appreciation for the contributions of the Islamic world to human civilization.
Was very excited to come here, we arrived later in the day due to other plans having been priority.
The main entrance- we realized we needed to take a shuttle to the exhibits as the bridge is closed? We didn’t have to wait long for a ride thankfully (each way).
The exhibits don’t seem to have an order to follow and sometimes we found ourselves a little turned around.
There’s some on different floors as well. Probably should’ve done research on areas to see prior to going but usually museums
and things like this have a better flow.
we used a city pass to get tickets which was well worth it since this experience wasn’t our favourite.
It’s aimed more so at children and families. It has a lot of fun experiments but it seems very dated in some ways and a lot of things were out of service which was sad.
I enjoyed the Moderna exhibit- maybe because I’m in health care. I didn’t learn too much- but what I did was fun little tidbits and I really liked seeing the models and human body in action.
We didn’t try food court.
Parking was 12$ on entry.
It’s a lot of walking as well but they have a lot of accessibility options.
A little underwhelmed and disappointed, it seems if you plan your day to do the live experiments and events with the staff it would be better. Also staff was super involved and fun.
The main entrance- we realized we needed to take a shuttle to the exhibits as the bridge is closed? We didn’t have to wait long for a ride thankfully (each way).
The exhibits don’t seem to have an order to follow and sometimes we found ourselves a little turned around.
There’s some on different floors as well. Probably should’ve done research on areas to see prior to going but usually museums
and things like this have a better flow.
we used a city pass to get tickets which was well worth it since this experience wasn’t our favourite.
It’s aimed more so at children and families. It has a lot of fun experiments but it seems very dated in some ways and a lot of things were out of service which was sad.
I enjoyed the Moderna exhibit- maybe because I’m in health care. I didn’t learn too much- but what I did was fun little tidbits and I really liked seeing the models and human body in action.
We didn’t try food court.
Parking was 12$ on entry.
It’s a lot of walking as well but they have a lot of accessibility options.
A little underwhelmed and disappointed, it seems if you plan your day to do the live experiments and events with the staff it would be better. Also staff was super involved and fun.
Loved my first visit to the science centre! We could not even complete the ground floor in three hours and aim to go again! Highly interactive with the kids experiencing sound by playing on drums or just going into a silent zone! Excellent exhibition on the developing embryo inside a mothers womb! Fascinating actually !
The small rainforest with its colourful frogs etc etc
kids can have their run recorded and test their rowing skills as well !
Enough said.. go experience
The small rainforest with its colourful frogs etc etc
kids can have their run recorded and test their rowing skills as well !
Enough said.. go experience
I haven't been back here for a while (a decade +) and forgot how fun and educational this place is! It's definitely a great place to spend the day with kids. There are plenty of interesting things for the adults as well. Did you know there's a big plant called Tulip Tree? I didn't. I like it that the entire place is spacious with high ceilings. There are so many interactive & interesting things strategically placed not too far from each other so visitors don't crowd into one place. Can you spot the dragon lizard?
I took my 6 year old boy, but I am trying to assess from the lens of all kids from 6 to 66. I can agree with the opinion I hear a lot, which is that the place could use some revitalization. The exhibits are good - they really are. But I don't think they have the initial appeal to hook in the youth who have so many distractions and other things competing for their attention. Same for the adult who will readily assume they know what the exhibit is about on a surface level, not realizing there may be more there, just a little deeper. The fact that it has stayed mostly the same for so long plays well to the nostalgia of the 30+ crowd; that makes us better tour guides for the next generation. Hoping to see things evolve with the times, regardless of the address of the Ontario Science Centre.
Had an incredible time here, the staff there James was very friendly and had a lot of knowledge. Cannot commend enough how nice the staff were. However, the exhibit is rather small and only opens a few days per year. Nonetheless, it is clear THM is doing great work and I can't wait to see their other locations!
Small but fun place to visit during Doors Open Toronto 2023! You could have your photo taken while sitting at a desk, or even at the teacher's chair at the front of the classroom. There was also a working piano. In particular, there was one male Toronto History Museums staff/volunteer when we visited Saturday morning, who was really fun and enthusiastic, knew a lot about the schoolhouse and allowed us to pick and see textbooks from the small bookshelf near the door. Nice to see the historic site being taken care of!
The museum itself was set in a beautiful green area, with modern buildings and sculptures. The collections on display were truly amazing, offering a wealth of opportunities to learn. However, I must admit that the staff at the Esmaili Center were not very polite, which left me wondering about their behavior. While they tried to create a visually appealing environment, I believe more effort should be directed towards fostering a friendlier and more courteous team.
We visited on a door open day, and I'm not sure if it would be worth paying for a ticket on a regular day, unless you have a deep appreciation for Islamic art and culture.
We visited on a door open day, and I'm not sure if it would be worth paying for a ticket on a regular day, unless you have a deep appreciation for Islamic art and culture.
If you're interested in some small but unique museums, I highly recommend Canadian Language Museum. Staffs are nice, and you definitely can learn sth from Dr. Gold. They have beginner-friendly panels, videos and books, including all sorts of linguistic knowledge. I have lots of good time staying there, reading in awesome afternoons, especially for the time discussing indigenous languages with Dr. Gold. The exhibition changes every season, the one for now is Laurentian & Acadian French. Things about the sound system, morphology, and sentence structures among dialects and language families are fascinating. The museum shows me sth I never think of in the past, it's a place you gotta visit in ur lifetime.
Teachers were very strict, I had to wear a dunce hat in the corner atleast two times a week. As well, the desks were unstable and shook a lot.
Went here on a school trip a long time ago (on the 90s or so). Still remember the trip relatively well
There's no other museum like it. Awesome exhibits and friendly staff. Only thing is that this museum is really tiny and doesn't have a lot of exhibits yet. I hope to see it grow in the future.
Fantastic place to spend time with kids. Very well maintained and nice staff. It is very interesting to know how schools looked like back in 1991.
Excellent experience, the person we spoke with was very friendly and helpful. I recommend to anyone with an interest in language!
What a great place, and website, to discover the languages of Canada!
Fun place to visit and they have preserved the school house really well! Went for Doors Open Toronto in May and I plan to go back in June during the next festival!
Historical building that has been here for a long time but rebuilt many times from the original log school house. It's open during the Doors Open exhibits.