It was an honour to be chosen from my tour group to throw the tea over the side of the good ship Eleanor. Actually, I was closest to the “chest.” It was still a very fun and memorable living history experience to dump “tea” into the sea, in the same spot as the Sons of …
When you visit the City of Toronto Archives, you’ll see special exhibits of historical material from the collections installed in the atrium. Today I enjoyed perusing the dozens of photographs which make up Wide Open World: A Celebration of the Suburbs in Toronto, curated by Manda Vranic and open until August 30, 2019. I tend …
I’d almost given up on the chance to visit the Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre this year, as (like Old City Hall) it’s only open during the working week. I’m glad I made the effort this afternoon, because it was quite rewarding. Especially as someone who enjoys Murdoch Mysteries, whose creators I’m absolutely sure …
An unexpected early afternoon off gave me a chance to visit the inside of a building I’ve passed many many times in my life and never entered: Toronto’s Old City Hall (1899). While not strictly a museum, I’m allowing it in my 100 Museums Challenge as it’s a heritage building containing some exhibits, artwork, and …
Seeking to maximize my museums-per-day on a recent visit to Kleinburg (see also McMichael Canadian Art Collection), I was delighted to discover that a new facility has appeared on the main street: the Pierre Berton Heritage Centre. The centre is in a newly restored historic site, the City of Vaughan-owned Gothic Revival style former Kleinburg …
The City of Toronto’s Market Gallery, located on the second floor of St. Lawrence Market, always has something worth climbing the stairs (or taking the elevator) for on show. On my recent visit, I toured the current exhibit Toronto Brews: Two Centuries of Beer Culture, just opened and running through December 28, 2019. Be sure …
Visiting The Cleveland Museum of Art for the first time, I was impressed by the breadth of the collection. What a fabulous resource for the local community, students in particular, to see works from all over the world, from earliest times to the present. One object I spent some time examining was the above ceramic …
I was hoping to revisit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg before the end of the summer, and today was the day. The greatest thing about the McMichael gallery, other than its stunning collection, is its unique location in woodlands north of Toronto. As you tour the gallery, there are regular opportunities to sit …
After a five-month hiatus, I’m back in harness for my attempt to visit 100 museums in 2019. (That’s a ridiculously ambitious goal now, but hey, you never know.) Last weekend I visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. I spent about three hours there, enjoyed every minute, and could easily have …
I love a niche museum. It’s marvellous how one seemingly narrow subject (like brands or fans or clocks) can lead to insights on a greater whole. Bata Shoe Museum is a perfect example. As the museum’s “About Us” page says: The current exhibit, Want: Desire, Design, and Depression Era Footwear, is a feast for the …
