The Gardiner is now open from Thursday - Sunday, including free weekend admission! There's plenty of space to reconnect and amazing art to discover in all corners of the Museum. Clay Restaurant is still open Tuesday - Sunday. Reservations fill up fast, so book your table early. 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. See it now!
We're firing up the kilns again! Join us on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 3 pm for drop in clay classes in our pottery studios. We've reduced our class sizes to allow for safe physical distancing, and instituted new health and safety protocols. Registration opens online at 10 am on the morning of the class. We can't wait to see you back in the studios!
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.
Registration is now closed
Make a donation of $75, $100, or $125 to participate in this unique art fundraiser. Free for Young Patron Circle members.
With the cancellation of this year’s SMASH art party, we’re excited to introduce Clay Date, a new online art fundraiser in support of the Gardiner Museum and inspired by the special exhibition RAW.
Presented by the Young Patron Circle, Clay Date will virtually unite a community of art enthusiasts and cultural philanthropists for an evening with artist Habiba El-Sayed. Participants will explore how raw clay can be used in experimental, performative, and durational ways, and delve into the inherent qualities that make it the perfect medium for illustrating complex ideas and emotions. This hour-long livestream will take place on Tuesday August 25 at 7 pm.
1. Make a donation of $75, $100, or $125 toward the fundraiser by August 20*
2. Pick up your clay kit from the Gardiner. Curbside pickup will be available on August 19 from 11 am – 8 pm, and August 20 – 23 from 11 am – 5 pm)**
3. Join the virtual event via Zoom Tuesday August 25 at 7 pm on for an exclusive clay experience with artist Habiba El-Sayed. The link will be sent to you by email prior to event.
*A tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount. **For those unable to travel to the Gardiner, limited delivery options are available at checkout for an additional fee. Delivery areas include City of Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, and Markham. Please email jackien@gardinermuseum.com if special accommodation is required.
Plus more surprises!
Inspired by Islamic architecture and human vulnerability, Toronto-based artist Habiba El-Sayed uses a variety of materials, performance, and temporal techniques to illustrate her concepts. Her work focuses on connecting to, exploring, and interpreting aspects of her identity, particularly as a Muslim woman living in a post-9/11 world.
El-Sayed holds an Advanced Diploma from Sheridan College in Ceramics (2014) and a BFA in Ceramics from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (2016). She recently completed a three year residency at the Harbourfront Centre (2019) and her work has been shown in galleries and museums across North America. Alongside her art practice, she is a pottery instructor and will return to the position of Pottery Technician and Instructor at Markham Museum post-pandemic.
Odessa Paloma Parker (Co-Chair) / Michael Liebrock (Co-Chair) / Naomi Brearley / Isha Damania / Netila Demneri / Garrick Frittelli / Madeleine Gillmeister / Justin Harris / Azadeh Houshmand / Marina Krtinic / Sophia Lal / Kulin Matchhar / Anjli Patel / Rahul Patel / Jigen Shah / David Wade / Connie Xi
Hosted by
In-Kind Sponsors