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.
The Gardiner is now open to the public with free admission until Labour Day. As we welcome you 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:
FAQ
What is the cost of admission?
From July 21, 2021 until Labour Day, admission will be free to the public. We believe that art experiences are key to reconnecting and finding joy as we emerge from isolation and, most importantly, that everyone should have access to these opportunities.
What are the Museum hours?
When we reopen, we will be closed from Monday – Tuesday (excluding Holiday Mondays), and open from Wednesday – Sunday, and on Holiday Mondays.
Monday – Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10 am – 9 pm Thursday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm Holiday Mondays: 10 am – 5 pm
Is there timed entry?
No. Free admission to the Museum and the outdoor plaza is on a first-come, first-served basis. 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?
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 second-floor washrooms are closed to the public. Visitors are asked to use our basement and third-floor washrooms.
Capacity in the Gardiner Shop 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.
Is Clay Restaurant open?
Yes. Clay Restaurant’s terraces are currently open for brunch and lunch. Indoor dining will resume on July 16, with a distance of two (2) metres between tables and other health and safety measures in effect.
Monday – Tuesday: Closed Wednesday – Friday: 11 am – 4 pm Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Are hands-on activities running?
Yes. We’re running free hands-on workshops for adults and children on our outdoor plaza from Wednesday – Sunday, weather permitting. In the event of rain, the workshops will take place indoors with reduced capacity. Physical distancing, a COVID screening questionnaire, and other health and safety measures are in effect.
Play Date Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 12 pm Join us for a kid-friendly colouring activity inspired by our collaboration with No.9 Contemporary Art + Environment.
Clay Bird Making Wednesday – Friday, 1 – 3:30 pm Experiment with clay as part of David Constantino Salazar’s public art project Forever (Bird-Botanicals).
Family Days Sundays, 11 am – 3 pm Get the family together for new activities each week, inspired by the Museum’s permanent collection.
See the full schedule of events
Are drop in and sessional classes running?
Yes. Drop In Clay Classes are being held on the outdoor plaza on Saturdays from 1 – 3 pm. We are currently offering hand building only, and plan to expand into wheel throwing and glazing when our indoor studios reopen. Tickets go on sale online at 10 am on the morning of the class. Capacity is limited to 10 people, and health and safety protocols, including a COVID screening questionnaire, are in effect. Please note that there will be no Drop In Clay Class on Saturday July 31. Find Drop In Clay Classes
A series of four-week studio classes for adults and children will go on sale to Gardiner Friends on July 13 at 10 am and to the general public on July 15 at 10 am. Capacity is limited to 10 people, and masking and other health and safety protocols, including a COVID screening questionnaire, are in effect. Find Adult Clay Classes Find Kids Clay Classes
Are the elevators be operating?
Yes. We recommend a maximum of two people or one family unit at a time. We also encourage visitors to use the stairs when possible.
Do you have wheelchairs available for public use?
Yes, we have one (1) complimentary standard wheelchair and two (2) complimentary transport wheelchairs, which can be requested when you arrive or prior to your visit. They are sanitized after every use. To ensure that there is a wheelchair available for you, please call ahead to reserve one at 416.408.5070.
Are you offering tours?
No. Our daily docent tours and group tours are currently on hold to avoid crowding in the galleries.
How will the Gardiner maintain proper health and safety measures?
Gardiner staff are following all health and safety procedures, including wearing masks in accordance with City of Toronto By-law 541-2020 and staying two (2) metres apart. Any staff who are 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 washrooms. Cleaning policies and schedules will be posted in all public washrooms.
Hand sanitizing stations have been installed on every floor of the Museum.
What kind of air filtration system does the Gardiner use?
ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommends that air filtration systems achieve MERV 13 or better levels of performance in order to reduce airborne infectious aerosol exposure. Hospital filtration systems are rated between MERV 13 and 16. The Gardiner’s HVAC system uses two types of filters: a MERV 10 pleated pre-filter to effectively capture dust particles, mold spores, and vehicle emissions. This is typically used in residential settings. These pre-filters are then followed by a MERV 14 cartridge filter which is effective at removing smoke, sneeze particles, and fine aerosols between 0.3 – 1.0 microns. These measures are in place both for the health and safety of our visitors as well as the preservation of our collection.
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.