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.
As we continue to refine our health and safety protocols for staff and visitors, and adjust to reduced weekday admissions, the Gardiner will be adopting new hours to coincide with the periods of highest demand.
New Hours
Starting after Labour Day, the Gardiner Museum and Gardiner Shop will be open from Thursday – Sunday, and closed from Monday – Wednesday. You can still shop every day of the week on our online store for one-of-a-kind ceramics, jewellery, glass, and textiles by local artists.
Clay Restaurant on the Museum’s third floor will remain open from Tuesday – Sunday. Reserve your table with views overlooking Queen’s Park. It books up fast!
Gardiner Museum & Gardiner Shop: Monday – Wednesday: Closed Thursday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Clay Restaurant: Monday: Closed Tuesday – Friday: 11 am – 4 pm Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Free Community Building Weekends
We will continue to offer free weekend admission into the fall. These Community Building Weekends will ensure that anyone who wants to come through our doors to have an inspiring and engaging art experience will have full access to our collections and special exhibitions. Free outdoor family clay activities will also continue on weekends, weather permitting. The Gardiner’s Community Building Weekends are made possible through funding from The Citrine Foundation of Canada, and additional support from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and the Gardiner Volunteer Committee.
Clay Classes
Clay classes, including drop in workshops, will resume in the fall with a reduced schedule and smaller class sizes to allow for proper physical distancing in our studios. We are also exploring the potential for an online version of our popular clay mindfulness classes with art therapist Suzanne Thomson.
New Gardiner Friend Benefits
As a thank you for your ongoing support, we’re excited to announce that Gardiner Friends* will now get front-of-the-line access to sessional classes. Not a Gardiner Friend yet? Join now to enjoy priority enrollment and secure one of our limited studio spots. We will also be offering special Gardiner Friends events on site and online. Stay tuned for more details!
As we continue to adapt to our changing landscape and the challenges facing cultural institutions, we look forward to seeing you at the Gardiner this fall and exploring new possibilities together. Plan your visit today!
* Does not include Get Acquainted cardholders. Click here to upgrade to Gardiner Friend.