Welcome Back!

The health and safety of our staff and visitors remains our top priority. We have implemented new practices and policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• The number of people in the Museum and individual gallery spaces is limited to allow for social distancing.
• We have increased our cleaning schedule and disinfecting protocols, with particular attention to high touch and high traffic areas.
• Doors are propped open wherever possible to reduce the amount of surface contact.
•  A Plexiglas barrier has been installed at the Front Desk. We encourage visitors to purchase tickets with your debit or credit card, but cash will be accepted.
•  The coat check area is closed.
•  The basement is closed.
•  All visitors are asked to use our third-floor washrooms, which are individual stalls with doors. This allows for better social distancing and sanitation.
•  Please do not visit the Gardiner if you’re feeling unwell. Our staff have also be instructed to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
•  Gardiner staff are wearing masks and gloves. Visitors are also asked to wear masks inside the building. Disposable masks will be available at the Front Desk for those who don’t come equipped with their own.
•  Use the hand sanitizing stations located throughout the building.
•  Remain at least two (2) metres apart from other visitors at all times.
•  Please follow the health and safety guidelines posted throughout the Museum.

FAQ

Will your hours change when you reopen?

Yes. Starting after Labour Day, we will be closed from Monday – Wednesday (excluding holiday Mondays) and free on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays for the rest of the year.

Monday – Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm (Free admission)
Holiday Mondays: 10 am – 5 pm (Free admission)

The Gardiner’s free 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.

Are there timed entry tickets?

No. The Gardiner will continue to offer general admission tickets online and on site without specific timed entry. However, the number of people allowed in the Museum and individual galleries is limited to allow for social distancing. We will make every effort to reduce line ups and communicate any delays through social media.

Are there any changes to the galleries and public spaces?

Yes. You will notice increased signage outlining health and safety instructions, as well as hand sanitizing stations throughout the Museum. The number of people in the galleries is limited. Capacities are clearly posted and our staff will help direct the flow of traffic.

Our basement and second-floor washrooms are closed. Visitors are asked to use our third-floor washrooms, which are individual stalls with doors. This allows for better social distancing and sanitation.

The Gardiner Shop is accessible without an appointment during Museum hours, and by special appointment on Wednesdays. To make a Wednesday appointment, email Shop Manager Adeline La at adeline@gardinermuseum.com. Capacity will be limited to two (2) visitors at all times to maintain social distancing.

Shop staff are sanitizing high touch objects, such as jewellery and PIN pads, after each use. Disposable gloves and masks are available to all shoppers.

The basement is closed.

Is Clay Restaurant open?

Clay Restaurant is currently closed in accordance with new restrictions on indoor dining.

Are clay classes and Family Days running?

Sessional clay classes have resumed with reduced schedule and smaller class sizes (maximum 10 people) to allow for proper physical distancing in our studios.

As of Sunday November 15, Drop In Classes and Family Days are on hold. This is in response to the rising number of COVID cases in Toronto. While all of our classes and clay activities operate within government guidelines, we have made the decision to suspend Drop In Classes and Family Days for now in the interest of our communities. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Are you offering tours?

No. Our daily docent tours and group tours are currently on hold to avoid crowding in the galleries.

Are the elevators be operating?

Yes. Occupancy will be limited to one person or household at a time.

How will the Gardiner maintain proper health and safety measures?

Only necessary visitor service staff will be inside the galleries. They are following all health and safety procedures, including wearing masks and gloves, and staying two (2) metres apart. Any staff feeling ill are asked to stay home.

We have increased our cleaning schedule and disinfecting protocols, with particular attention to high touch and high traffic areas including elevators, doors, handrails, and bathrooms.

Hand sanitizing stations have been installed on every floor of the Museum.

Will the expiry date of my Gardiner Friendship change as a result of the closure?

To ensure that you’re able to enjoy a full year of admission, your Gardiner Friendship has been extended. Please note that we will not be distributing membership cards with the new expiry date, but this change has been made in our database and will be honoured by our staff. If you have any questions about your expiry date, please contact our Development Department at friends@gardinermuseum.com or call at 416.408.5076.

Will the Gardiner continue to post online content?

Yes. We encourage you to follow us on social media and to check gardinermuseum.com regularly for artist videos, digital programs, at-home art activities, and more.

Header image: One of a Pair of Pug Dogs from the Royal Palace at Warsaw, Germany, Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, 1741-1745, Hard-paste porcelain with overglaze enamels, gilding, Gift of George and Helen Gardiner, G83.1.668.1-2; Figure of dancer with ‘pastillaje’ headdress, Mexico, Veracruz, 600-900, Earthenware with red on cream slip, asphalt paint, Gift of George and Helen Gardiner, G83.1.69