During your visit to this Toronto, Ontario attraction take in the Museum’s permanent collection and exhibition galleries. Start or end your visit to the ceramics museum at the Gardiner Bistro by a la carte Kitchen Inc. Also housed in the Gardiner Museum is the Gardiner Shop, recognized as one of the best museum shops in Toronto.
Gardiner Museum’s Permanent Collection
More than 3,000 ceramic pieces, one of the world’s oldest forms of culture traced back more than 11,000 years to Asia and the Middle East, are featured in the Gardiner Museum’s permanent collection. While George and Helen Gardiner’s donation in 1984 forms the core of the collection, the collection has since been enhanced by other major gifts including Robert Murray Bell and Ann Walker Bell’s collection of Chinese blue and white porcelain, followed by Japanese porcelain donated by Bill and Molly Anne Macdonald . From ancient American vessels like the Zoomorphic vessel with bridged-spout from Monte Alban, New Mexico that dates back to 100 BCE, to fine porcelains of Asia and Europe such as the Chinese Tripod vase designed by Christopher Dresser between 1870 and 1880, to dynamic contemporary pieces like Joan Bruneau’s butter dish made in 2000, the Museum’s ceramics collection captures the development of civilization.
The Raphael Yu Centre of Canadian Ceramics
The Gardiner Museum created the Raphael Yu Centre of Canadian Ceramics to honor the generosity of Raphael Yu, a collector who gifted an extraordinary collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics to the Gardiner. This virtual destination at the Gardiner Museum documents what Canadian ceramics have achieved over the past 30 years and holds important works by some of the finest Canadian ceramic artists made throughout their careers.
The Gardiner Bistro by A La Carte Kitchen Inc.
Enjoy brunch or lunch at Gardiner Bistro by A La Carte Kitchen Inc., serving tasty starters, mains and desserts made with the freshest ingredients. Beverages including wines and spirits are also available to purchase from the Gardiner Bistro.
Shopping at the Gardiner Shop
Be sure to visit the Gardiner Shop, recognized as one of the best museum shops in Toronto. Gardiner Shop carries a carefully curated, deep presentation of one-of-a-kind and studio ceramics with an emphasis on Canadian artists. Additional items available to purchase include glass, wood, jewelry, handbags and scarves crafted by artists from all over the world.
- The Gardiner Museum is ADA complaint. A wheelchair is available to check out from front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The Gardiner Museum’s permanent collection is regularly complemented by special exhibitions that are original, provocative and visually arresting.