Welcome Back!

The Gardiner Museum will reopen exclusively to Gardiner Friends and Get Acquainted cardholders from Tuesday July 7 to Friday July 10. This will be followed by two days of FREE ADMISSION for all members of the public on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12. As of July 13, we’ll return to our normal hours and admission prices.

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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 will be 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 will be 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 will be closed.
•  The basement will be closed.
•  All visitors will be asked to use our third-floor washrooms, which are individual stalls with doors. This will allow 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 will be wearing masks and gloves. We’re asking visitors to wear masks as well. 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?

No. We are returning to our normal hours of operation with the goal of ensuring that attendance is spread out throughout the week rather than concentrated.

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 will be 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 will be limited. Capacities will be clearly posted and our staff will help direct the flow of traffic.

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

The Gardiner Shop will be accessible from 10 am – 5 pm by appointment only Monday – Thursday, and without an appointment Friday – Sunday. Capacity will be limited to two (2) visitors at all times to maintain social distancing.

To make an appointment, please call 416.408.5066 or email giftshop@gardinermuseum.com. Please provide 24 hours’ notice.

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

The basement will be closed.

Will CLAY Restaurant be open?

CLAY Restaurant is open for patio service. Please note their new hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm

Make a reservation

Will there be clay classes or camps?

No. Our clay classes and camps have been cancelled through August. All refunds have been automatically issued. We’re working on ways to safely open our studios, and will communicate updates when they become available.

Are you still offering tours?

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

Will the elevators be operating?

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

Has the special exhibition been extended?

Yes. The special exhibition RAW opened a week before we closed our doors temporarily. It has been extended until at least October 2020.

How will the Gardiner maintain proper health and safety measures?

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