Despite perfectly adequate signage, finding the Scadding Cabin on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) was a little extra challenging this year because of, er, Godzilla. Nevertheless, once found, it was great to see Toronto’s Oldest House, built in 1794, looking so well and attracting so much interest. This Heritage Toronto plaque outside …
The 12-year-old white rhinoceros Tom at the Toronto Zoo got me thinking Albrecht Dürer’s image, created sight unseen, from 1515. This video explains. What a privilege to see such a wonderful creature in person in Toronto. Toronto Zoo is museum no. 31 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).
What’s not to love about Far Enough Farm, next to Centreville Amusement Park on Toronto Island. You can hop on the ferry (or more sorta wait and shuffle, in the busy summer season) and meet 40+ farmyard animals and birds. For free (excluding the ferry ride)! I’ve loved visiting the farm since I was a …
I can thank a hail storm for my private tour of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on Saturday afternoon. More due to luck than calculation, I reached Queen’s Park just minutes after the sun had come out, and in time to be the only one to join the regularly scheduled free 30-minute drop-in tour. One …
Short story: Edwards Gardens and the adjacent Toronto Botanical Gardens are free and beautiful. You can wander, picnic, learn about bee hotels and kitchen gardens, photograph the flora, watch wedding parties come and go, and remind yourself that Toronto has an extensive ravine system, filled with burgeoning nature. The site’s recent Master Plan and Management …
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 …
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 …
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 …
