Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum
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Name	Royal Ontario Museum
Established	16 April 1914
Location	100 Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type	Museum of natural history, art museum, world cultures
Visitors	Over 1.3 million annually
Director	Josh Basseches
President	Salvatore Badali
Owner	Government of Ontario
Network	Canadian Heritage Information Network

Royal Ontario Museum. It is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada. Located at 100 Queen's Park in Toronto, it is a major institution for natural history, world cultures, and art. The museum attracts over 1.3 million visitors annually and is a cornerstone of Canadian cultural heritage.

History

The institution was founded by an act of the Government of Ontario on April 16, 1914, opening its doors to the public in 1914. Its original building, the west wing facing Queen's Park, was designed by the architects Frank Darling and John A. Pearson. Early growth was significantly shaped by the first director, Charles Trick Currelly, who amassed extensive collections from Egypt, China, and the Near East. Major expansions occurred throughout the 20th century, including the addition of the Terrace Gallery and the Queen Elizabeth II Terrace Galleries. A transformative redevelopment, known as the Renaissance ROM project, culminated in 2007 with the opening of the iconic Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.

Architecture

The campus is an architectural mosaic spanning a century. The original 1914 structure is a fine example of Italianate and Neo-Romanesque design. The 1933 expansion, including the east wing and the iconic rotunda, exhibits Art Deco influences. The most dramatic element is the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a deconstructivist addition of interlocking prismatic forms clad in aluminum and glass. This controversial structure, named for donor Michael Lee-Chin, connects to the historic building via the Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall. Other notable spaces include the Samuel Hall Currelly Court and the H.H. Levy Gallery.

Collections and galleries

Holding over 13 million artifacts and specimens, its collections are globally significant. The Department of Natural History features renowned dinosaur skeletons like a Gorgosaurus and a Parasaurolophus, alongside extensive mineralogy holdings including the Light of the Desert gem. The Gallery of Birds and the Bat Cave are visitor favorites. World culture collections are exceptional, with the Chinese architectural sculptures from the Tomb of General Zu Dashou and the Ming Altar to Heaven being highlights. The Galleries of Africa display artifacts from Nubia and Egypt, including the Dakhla Oasis mummies. The Institute for Contemporary Culture presents modern works, while the Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles & Costume showcases historical fashion.

Research and conservation

It is a leading research institution, with scientists and curators conducting fieldwork worldwide. The Department of Vertebrate Palaeontology has participated in major expeditions to sites like the Burgess Shale in British Columbia. The Centre for Forensic Anthropology and Osteology assists agencies like the Ontario Provincial Police. Conservation labs, such as the H.H. Levy Textile Conservation Lab, preserve delicate artifacts using advanced techniques. Research partnerships with universities, including the University of Toronto and McMaster University, are fundamental. Significant publications arise from its work, contributing to fields like archaeology and biodiversity.

Governance and operations

It is an agency of the Government of Ontario and operates under a board of trustees. Day-to-day leadership is provided by the director and CEO, a role held by Josh Basseches since 2016, and the board president, Salvatore Badali. Funding is derived from the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, private donations from organizations like the Louise Hawley Stone Charitable Trust, membership through the ROM Governors, and commercial revenue. Key operational partners include the ROM Friends of the Museum and the ROM Contemporary Culture Council. The institution also manages an extensive publishing program and a large museum retail operation.

In popular culture

The distinctive architecture of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal has made it a frequent filming location and cultural icon. It has appeared in television series such as *The Handmaid's Tale* and *Suits*, and in films like Resident Evil: Apocalypse and *The Incredible Hulk*. The museum's iconic dinosaur galleries were featured in the IMAX film *T. Rex: Back to the Cretaceous*. It is also a common subject for photographers and artists, and its exhibitions often inspire segments on programs like *CBC News* and Breakfast Television.

Category:Museums in Toronto Category:Natural history museums in Canada Category:Art museums in Ontario