During this year’s spring break, my family and I skipped the idea of going to the Ontario Science Centre and decided to hit the Royal Ontario Museum instead. It was a cold and dark morning, raining to no end, and we thought it great if we could be in among history. Besides, I wanted to include the trip for my Freedom Friday series.
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is located in the heart of Toronto (100 Queens Park). Since I’ve been there numerous times with my wife, the kids needed a refresher of our good ol’ fashioned Canadiana history. Besides, I wanted to see the dinosaurs.
We live in a small town, an hour’s drive north of Toronto. We opted to take the car halfway then take public transit the remainder. Public transit in Toronto goes by the name of the TTC (a.k.a. Toronto Transit Commission). Some studious young folk affectionately know it as “Take the Car” or “The Red Rocket”, on account the buses and street cars are red. I’ve always loved the TTC and there might be issues, as with any public transit system, I still trust the system to carry my family from point A to point B.
When we arrived at the ROM, the first thing we did was hit the dinosaur exhibit. I mentioned I like dinosaurs, didn’t I? The kids get a kick out of it as well. It was a special exhibit only open for spring break, and we wanted to take advantage of it. It was an extra cost to admission, but the entire exhibit was worth seeing.
Something new the organizers did this time around was introduce colored lighting to its exhibits. I don’t remember seeing that with any of the exhibits of the past. Nevertheless, it made the displays pop. Also included were creative backdrops set in the correct period. I especially had fun viewing the volcanic settings for the dinosaurs; they made the tour all the more enjoyable.
Next up, we ventured from the dinosaur exhibit to the food court in the building. Surprise overtook me when I realized they had gluten-free items available for my wife to eat. It made me a happy man. Happy wife, happy life. I went for a large salad while the kids had burgers and fries.
Once we finished our meals, we headed over to the Gallery of Chinese Architecture. We stayed for a bit, examining the beautiful clay pottery and ornaments. It was great seeing how history has been kind to these wonderful pieces.
Our last stop was upstairs in the Canadian section. This has always been one of my favorite sections of the museum. I guess I’ve never been afraid to admit I’m Canadian, and am proud to know our history is rich with culture. But this time, we skipped the cultural section of the exhibit and browsed through Canadian wildlife instead.
Did you know Canada has about 200 species of mammals, 630 species of birds and that Canada’s beaver is the second largest rodent in the world weighing up to 60 pounds (South America’s capybara’s up to 100 pounds)? Fascinating, really.
With all that information in our heads, we decided to call it a night and head back. It was still raining, dark and gray, but I like those days and it made the evening all the more enjoyable when we got back to our nice, cozy home.
Have you ever been to the museum? What is the most fascinating thing you’ve seen?
Looking to God 
Nice pictures, love the dinosaurs. Seems like a great place to visit.
very wise decision. our society is so fixated on science as the only legitimate way of truth, but artwork, even of ancient times are also modes of inquiry into the truth of our existence. and who doesn’t love looking at the skeletal remains of what used to be mythological creatures?
Couldn’t have said it better myself. The Science Center’s a staple for our family during Spring Break, but we wanted to change it up this year. History, Art and Culture won over science.
“Happy wife, happy life”. True, true oh so true. I can’t remember the last time I have been to a museum. Thank you for the tour. Mud
I’m from Toronto and I go about once every two years. Great post!!
My first visit to the Tate Modern in London, 7 hrs jetlagged on a redeye from Vancouver, was amazing and even more so because of an exhibit by Canadian artist Brian Jungen that I hadn’t seen. Nothing quite like seeing a taste of home abroad and being appreciated.
I love museums…and planetariums. I’m pretty sure I’ve taken the same exact picture of the T-Rex at the Chicago Museum of Natural History. Purple/Pink light and all.
What a gorgeous architectural structure! I’ve not had the pleasure, but if I find myself in the area, I’ll be sure to visit.
Haven’t been to this one as I’m in Australia and really haven’t travelled. But the photos and information in this are great – thank you so much for posting…loved the pictures, particularly the dinosaurs!! 🙂
What a great museum!! I worked at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia until I retired. It was the best job ever.
As for Museums, my kids love the Canadian Museum of Nature here in Ottawa. The ROM is probably better, though…
I too love the coloured lights! Great dino paw pic! ALways wanted to go to the ROM and haven’t made it there yet. Maybe this year… Thanks for writing about it. I loved the “Happy wife, happy life” line! 🙂
That looks like a great museum. We’ll have to go next time we are up that way. The Henry Ford museum in Detroit is also really good.
I’m planning a short trip to the States in a little while and might actually pop into the Henry Ford museum. Thanks for the recommendation!
I’m practically en-route (Kingsville) call in :0)
Sounds like a plan! Will let you know 🙂
the last time i stepped foot into the ROM i was just a little chap with a big cut on my head.
used to love the museum. Don’t have much of them here in hotdish hell. but we do have the pioneer museum, and i’m proud to say i’m in an exhibit there. well, the band is. for the history of rock n roll in our little county.
Very cool your band’s in an exhibit. What’s the name? And also cool to know you visited the ROM! Toronto’s a fabulous place with rich activities for the family. However, the ROM has a special place in my heart.
we were called “Down Tyme”. Our drummer was part of a famous southern mn band called “the epicureans” who were hailed as “southern mn’s beatles”. they are in the MN Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Great pictures 😀
-mydogblog09