Welcome Back!

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:

• Please do not visit the Gardiner if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Our staff have also be instructed to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness
• Please follow the health and safety guidelines posted throughout the Museum
• Masks must be worn inside the Museum in accordance with City of Toronto By-law 541-2020. Disposable masks will be available at the Front Desk for those who don’t come equipped with their own
• Masks may be removed outdoors when participating in hands-on workshops and seated at your table
• Please use the hand sanitizing and hand washing stations located throughout the building and on the plaza
• Remain at least two (2) metres apart from other visitors at all times
• The number of people in the Museum is limited to 50% capacity indoors and 75% on the Linda Frum and Howard Sokolowski Plaza
• The number of people in 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 make purchases with your debit or credit card, but cash will be accepted
• The coat check area is closed
• All visitors are asked to use the washrooms in the basement and on the third floor. The second-floor washrooms are closed to the public

FAQ

What is the cost of admission?

Gardiner Friends: Free
Adults: $15
Seniors: $11
Students with ID: Free
Youth 18 and under: Free
Admission is free on Wednesdays from 4 – 9 pm

What are the Museum hours?

The Gardiner is currently 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. If purchasing tickets online, simply select the date that you want to visit. Admission can also be purchased at the Front Desk.

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 four (4) 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. The dining room and patios are open for brunch and lunch, with limited capacity to allow for safe physical distancing. We recommend making a reservation at clay.restaurant to avoid disappointment.

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

Please note: Clay Restaurant is currently open on Mondays and Tuesdays, however the galleries remain closed on those days until further notice.

Are Family Days running?

Yes. Family Days are running on Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm, included with admission. Physical distancing, a COVID screening questionnaire, and other health and safety measures are in effect.

Are drop in and sessional classes running?

Yes. Drop In Clay Classes are being held in the studios on Wednesdays from 6 – 8 pm and Saturdays from 1 – 3 pm. 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.
Find Drop In Clay Classes

Our fall sessional classes will be posted online sometime in September. Sign up for our e-newsletter to get updates.

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.