Amelie CameronEnjoy Fabulous Collection of Pottery and Porcelain from Around the World
The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is one of North America’s outstanding centres dedicated to ceramic art, and the only museum of its kind in Canada.
Housed in an ultra-modern building, the museum boasts an amazing collection of rare ceramic artifacts from around the world.
With over 3,000 pieces in permanent collection, ranging from the fine Ancient American works, the remarkable porcelains of China, the fantastic Italian Renaissance majolica to contemporary workmanships, the Gardiner Museum is a premium speciality gallery.
On top the permanent collection, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art also features several temporary exhibits, well stocked retail shop, clay studios and the famous Jamie Kennedy restaurant.
If you are into ceramic art and collectible, you will absolutely adore the stunning collection at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.
History of Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
The museum was founded in 1984 by George Gardiner and his wife Helen Gardiner to house their ever growing collection of ancient American artifacts and European pottery.
The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art was closed from 2004 to 2006 for a major expansion. After a $20 million renovation, the museum reopened in 2006 to rave reviews. The expansion resulted in more space for permanent exhibitions, a celebrity restaurant, a large retail shop and special events space.
Today the Gardiner Museum is one of the most internationally renowned museums of ceramic art and attracts many enthusiastic visitors every year.
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art – Exhibit Highlights
Spread over three floors, the breathtaking collection spans over several thousand years. From historical and classic to sophisticated and contemporary, there is plenty to see at the museum.
As you explore the exhibits, read the interesting and informative footnotes.
The Ancient Americas gallery features fantastic collection from pre-Columbian period dates to 3500 B.C. The collection includes objects from the Mayan, Zapotec, Olmec, Incan and Aztec civilizations.
You can enjoy an amazing assortment of highly decorated Italian earthenware covered with an opaque glaze at the Italian Renaissance Majolica gallery. The English Delftware collection of 17th century pieces of glazed pottery is equally awesome.
There are two galleries devoted to Asian ceramic art. One of them houses blue-and-while Chinese porcelain and the other contains objects representing Japanese pottery.
The European porcelain gallery includes spectacular work from Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Russia and Switzerland.
The museum also contains magnificent works from contemporary artists from Canada, US, Europe and other parts of the world. The Special Exhibition Gallery on the third level offers changing exhibitions.
The museum conducts clay classes at the studios on the lower level where professional ceramic artists guide students of various skill levels and offer advice.
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art – Tourist Information
Location: 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, M5S 2C7
Phone: 416-586-8080
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00pm – 5:00pm
The museum is open 363 days a year, except Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Time to spend: 2-3 hours
Price:
Child (Under 12 years): Free
Adult: $12
Seniors: $8
Students: $6
Please note that no additional taxes apply to above price.
Take advantage of half-price admission on every Friday evening between 4 and 9 pm.
Tickets are available at the admission’s desk.
Payment Method: Cash, Debit Card, Credit Card (Visa, American Express, Master Card)
Transit and Driving Directions:
TTC:
The closest subway stop is Museum Subway Station, located at the southeast corner of Queen’s Park and Charles Street. This subway stop is reachable by Yonge-University-Spadina subway line.
Driving Directions:
From the West – Take Highway 401 E into Toronto and exit at Avenue Road (Exit 367). Continue south on Avenue Road until you reach Bloor Street West. You will find the museum right on the southeast corner of Bloor Street W. and Queen’s Park.
From the East – Take Highway 401 W into Toronto and exit at Don Valley Parkway. Then take Bloor Street exit and continue on Bloor Street West until you reach Avenue Road/Queen’s Park. The Museum is on the southeast corner of Bloor Street W. and Queen’s Park.
From the South – Take QEW/Gardiner Expressway E into Toronto. Take the Spadina Avenue exit. Continue on Spadina Avenue until you reach the Bloor Street West. Proceed east on Bloor until you reach Avenue Road/Queen’s Park. The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is on the southeast corner of Bloor Street W. and Queen’s Park.
From the North – Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 East. On Highway 401 E, exit at Avenue Road (Exit 367). Continue south on Avenue Road until you reach Bloor Street West.
Parking: There is no parking lot for museum visitors. However, there are several paid lots in the vicinity.
For more information visit www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
