We've reopened exclusively to Gardiner Friends & Get Acquainted cardholders, and we'll reopen to the public with two days of free admission on July 11 and 12. Regular admission rates resume on July 13. We can't wait to welcome you back! Please read our new health and safety policies before you visit.
From sticky to crusty, pliable to powdery, and shaped to shapeless, clay’s ability to transform in real time is prompting a new generation of artists to explore the possibilities of this ancient material. RAW features new work by four artists who are pushing boundaries with unfired clay: Cassils, Magdolene Dykstra, Azza El Siddique, and Linda Swanson. It reopens to the public on July 11!
We're posting family-friendly art activities inspired by our collection and the endless possibilities of clay. Visit our Family Day page for weekly crafts, colouring pages, and more fun art projects that you can enjoy at home.
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!
As we begin to welcome visitors back to the Gardiner, we need your support to continue offering innovative and engaging exhibitions, programs, and community projects on site and online. Make a donation and 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