We believe that art is for everyone. Join us this summer from Wednesday - Sunday for FREE Museum admission, hands-on activities, outdoor art displays, studio classes, dining, shopping, and more. Whether you want to explore the indoor galleries or engage with art outdoors, we're here for you. We can't wait to welcome you back to the Gardiner!
We've reopened our doors with a series of new artworks and exhibitions on display, including HEAVY SHINE, part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival; Sheridan Graduate Show: Audax 8, a showcase of work by the next generation of ceramic artists; and Garniture Remix, an installation of vases and vessels from all areas of the collection. There's so much to discover!
We've officially launched hands-on art activities on the plaza - all summer, all outdoors, all free! Join us every Wednesday - Sunday for kids colouring activities, clay bird making workshops, and family days, part of Gardiner Goes Outside. Plan a visit with family or friends and reconnect over clay.
Every object in our permanent collection can be accessed through our eMuseum portal. Learn about individual collecting areas, like Italian Maiolica or Modern and Contemporary Ceramics, or search the full collection by keyword. You'll be amazed by what you discover!
With the Museum closed temporarily, we need your support to continue to offer innovative and engaging exhibitions, programs, and community projects online, as well as plan for the future. Please consider making a donation to help us build community with clay.
Please note: There will be no 12 Trees exhibition in 2018. Click here to learn about New + Now, the Gardiner’s celebration of national and international ceramics.
Presented by Nordstrom
A much-loved holiday tradition since 1990, the Gardiner Museum’s annual 12 Trees exhibition continues bring family and friends together to celebrate the holiday season.
Included with general admission.
Let There Be Light
This year’s 12 Trees exhibition focuses on light as a potent symbol of hope that many cultures share. Curated by author and visual artist Douglas Coupland and Vice President of Public Art Management Ben Mills, this year’s exhibition brings a contemporary, light-filled perspective to the 12 Trees tradition.
Among other delights, this year’s light-inspired art installations include a disco-ball Christmas tree, a manually-powered holiday tree light show, an animated winter dreamscape, a “tree” comprised of illuminated blocks, and more.
In addition to the twelve artist installations, visit the neon-lit 42-foot white spruce on the Museum’s front plaza designed by Presenting Sponsor, Nordstrom, and donated by Ontario Wood and Forests Ontario.
Please note: Visitors will be unable to access one of the installations in the Terrace Room after 4 pm on selected days due private event bookings.
The Artists
Read our behind-the-scenes blog interview with the artists
Evan Biddell Julia Callon Connor Crawford Christine Dewancker and Katherine Strang Amit Kehar and Kanika Gupta Alex McLeod Polymétis Jon Sasaki Jordan Söderberg Mills David Trautrimas Julia White Vivian Wong
The 12 Trees Gala
On November 16, join Gardiner Friends and supporters for a luminous evening benefiting the Museum’s education and outreach programs. Be immersed in a feast for the senses designed to uplift and inspire as we celebrate the important role that light plays in many cultures during the holiday season. Learn more
Presenting Sponsor
Exhibition Sponsor
Exhibition & Gala Partners
Rosemary Phelan, Langar Foundation
The Citrine Foundation of Canada
Tree Sponsors
In Kind Sponsors