About Royal Ontario Museum
Canada's largest museum combines world cultures and natural history, fronted by Libeskind's dramatic 'Crystal' addition to the original Beaux-Arts building.
Founded in 1914, Royal Ontario Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 112 years. Today it draws approximately 1,300,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited natural history museums in the world. Located in Toronto, Canada, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 16,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Royal Ontario Museum ranks #66
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #66 in our composite ranking, Royal Ontario Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–4 hours, planning your route through Royal Ontario Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Dinosaur galleries
- ◆Bat Cave walk-through
- ◆China collection
- ◆Egyptian gallery
- ◆Libeskind Crystal architecture
Recognition & awards
Royal Ontario Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:30.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Royal Ontario Museum is located in Toronto, Canada at coordinates 43.6677°N, -79.3948°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum was established in 1914, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Toronto. With 1,300,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Canada's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important natural history museums in the Americas region.
Other top natural history museums
If you enjoy natural history museums like Royal Ontario Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #15Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryWashington, United States
- #16American Museum of Natural HistoryNew York, United States
- #17Natural History MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #44Field Museum of Natural HistoryChicago, United States
- #58Smithsonian National Zoo (& Conservation)Washington, United States
More museums in Toronto
Toronto is home to 2 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Royal Ontario Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #181Art Gallery of Ontario🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Royal Ontario Museum?
Daily 10:00–17:30. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Royal Ontario Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Royal Ontario Museum located?
Royal Ontario Museum is located in Toronto, Canada. The exact coordinates are 43.6677°, -79.3948°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Royal Ontario Museum known for?
Daniel Libeskind's crystalline expansion in Toronto. Key highlights include Dinosaur galleries, Bat Cave walk-through, China collection. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 16,000 reviews.
How many people visit Royal Ontario Museum each year?
Royal Ontario Museum receives approximately 1,300,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Canada.
When was Royal Ontario Museum founded?
Royal Ontario Museum was founded in 1914, making it 112 years old. It is categorised as a natural history museum in our directory.
