7 must-dos at Toronto’s newly transformed Gardiner Museum
The Gardiner Museum recently underwent a major $15.5 million glow-up and is officially (re)open for business.
The transformation completely renovated the ground floor, creating space for bold new exhibitions that have visitors seeing clay in a whole new way. From a show-stopping gallery of Indigenous ceramics to a mind-blowing immersive installation on the third floor, there’s no shortage of beauty to uncover.
Wondering where to begin? Here are seven must-do activities at Canada’s home for ceramics.
See a sculpture made of clay pipes
Before you even get to the galleries, you’ll be welcomed by artist Nadia Myre’s beautiful installation.
A member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Myre drew inspiration from the clay pipe stems she found along the River Thames — placing them alongside ceramic pieces to make a beaded clay tapestry in the colours of the Canadian Shield.
Travel across time and through cultures
The Gardiner Museum’s bright new Collection Galleries bring together a variety of incredible ceramics that explore ancient histories and tell new stories, spanning from Renaissance Italy to present-day Canada.
From a giant 16th-century pharmacy jar to a ceramic suitcase that looks like real leather, you’re sure to be blown away by the depth and breadth of the human experience on display.
And be sure to keep an eye out for the work of favourite local artists like Kent Monkman, Shary Boyle and Sami Tsang.
Explore the new Indigenous gallery
At the heart of the new Collection Galleries is “Indigenous Immemorial: Ceramics of the Great Lakes Region”. Designed by Onieda architect Chris Cornelius, the impressive wood and copper mesh structure invites visitors to discover ancestral belongings and contemporary works for the territory on which the museum stands.
This is the Gardiner’s first-ever gallery of Indigenous ceramics, and it holds a prominent position in the centre of the new ground floor as a symbol of the museum’s commitment to supporting Indigenous self-determination and cultural expression.
Experience the glamour of Jeannot Blackburn
A small but punchy exhibition by Quebecois artist Jeannot Blackburn features a host of heroes and heroines, embellished with glitter, reflective paint, and the occasional blade.
Blackburn’s life and career were cut tragically short by AIDS, and the exhibition reclaims his place as an important Canadian talent.
Get lost in an immersive world
The third-floor exhibition, “Linda Rotua Sormin: Uncertain Ground”, brings together clay, sculpture, video, hand-cut watercolour painting, and digital fabrication in a multi-sensory environment where roosters, tigers, dragons, and sacred texts serve as portals into ancient knowledge.
With explosive colour and massive clay structures, it’s definitely an exhibition worth experiencing in person.
Try your hand at clay
If you’re inspired by what you see, the Gardiner holds multi-week clay classes and two-hour workshops where you can make your own pottery!
Due to popular demand, more sessions and a new ticketing system have been introduced, which means you’ve got a good shot at snagging a spot.
As for the kiddos, you can drop in with the little ones on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for family-friendly clay activities in the new Makerspace, included with admission.
Take home a handmade souvenir
Who doesn’t love a good gift shop? The Gardiner Shop has all sorts of ceramic mugs, bowls, and more, handmade by local artists, perfect for gifting or keeping.
And that’s just a glimpse into what you can expect from the Gardiner Museum. Since you may find yourself wanting to return again and again, consider checking out the $30 annual pass. It pays for itself after less than two visits!
Plan your visit to the Gardiner Museum today and check out everything it has to offer.
Branded Content