*review for Gardiner Museum pottery classes* We were so excited to try pottery classes at the Gardiner as it's really hard to get spots in their drop-in classes. Due to the process, there were a few more costs than just the class fee. You have to attend at least two classes, and after each class, each piece has to be glazed. In total for two people, it cost us $108. This process is described on their website, so we should've read that in more detail. Our first class was a bit different from expectations. We selected the hand-building option, while another side of the class was learning how to use the wheel. The instructor that day seemed very focused on the wheel students, and gave the rest of us next to no instruction. Nevertheless, it was a fun experience to get familiar with the clay, and the Gardiner is well equipped with everything you need to make pottery. When you're done your class, you can also take a gander at the museum's exhibits. At our second class where we were painting our pieces, we realized just what we missed out on in our first class. The instructor this time outlined various tools that you could use to roll out a pattern on your pottery, the different molds available that you could use to shape your clay, and was overall more detailed in her instruction for both the hand-building and wheel students. We were already at the painting step so we couldn't go back and refine our pieces, but I wish we had gotten all of this information in the first class. I guess it's a bit of a lottery on the instructor you get. Unfortunately, when we went to pick up our pieces (now on our third visit), the staff were unable to find our pottery. After some searching in different cabinets, the front desk staff said that it's possible there was some delay in firing our pieces, so the Gardiner would contact us when our pieces were found. After several weeks of radio silence, I emailed the museum again. It was confirmed shortly after that our works were lost. The initial offer we received was a refund of 2 firing fees (aka $10). We were shocked by this suggestion, and after some back-and-forth, only managed to get $54 refunded (half of our total expenses). Though we did still get a valuable experience from the classes, I would think that a museum would empathize with losing one's works. We would've really loved to take home our pieces. Now, we would have to spend another $108 if we wanted to have a tangible output. We don't live super close to the museum, so that won't be worth it for us. I hope that others are able to have a more positive experience.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

It is a beautiful museum right across the street from Royal Ontario Museum. a home to beautiful ceramic from all around the world and different time periods on its two levels and amazing temporary exhibits on the third floor (which is shared with a restaurant). the museum also offers classes and workshops (like pottery making). If you planning to go before early in May 2023 make sure to visit the Housewarming exhibit by Quebec artist Karine Giboulo, which is her reflection on the pandemic and how it affected us on personal and global levels. Polymer figurines stage once so familiar scenes of the Covid lockdown. families stuck at home, lining up for food, working comfortably from their living rooms, while those less fortune ones had to toil in crowded warehouses or factories. Residents of nursing homes cut off from the world with their overwhelmed and overworked caregivers portrayed in jars - a powerful metaphor of their loneliness and isolation. the exhibit is original, poignant and thought provoking. the museum is accessible, with elevators. washrooms in the basement level. there is also lovely gift shops. the museum is open late on Wednesday (with free entry from 4pm on that day). a part of the permanent exhibit on the second floor is temporarily unavailable. Regular admission $15 gives you access to the entire building (including the temporary exhibits). I highly recommend! additionally: free coat check (self-serve) and lockers available for larger bags (ask for a key at the ticket counter).

Twice, visited the Gardiner. In a snowstorm with my artist friend, to see Sherry Boyle exhibit when I hadn't been out for a long time. "The Boyle" revealed an exquisite display of her work, her sculptures, paintings and masks. We conversed about it over a fine lunch after seeing every floor of works. My friend danced a funny minuet to the music playing in the "porcelain" floor. I loved being there with her. Then post pandemic another artist and I attended for a small slice of reality in clay miniatures, centred on how we all coped with being in isolation, apart from our family, alone. "Karine Giboulo: Housewarming" struck me hard in the guts, as I felt a pariah during the pandemic, due to my immuno compromised state. I saw "The jars of elders" and because my own mum died in a LTC home,durng the pandemic, I cried. Art makes you feel sad sometimes! We lunched, in a snow globe scene as giant white sparkles hit the architecture. It was breathtaking to watch and the food tasted divine.We also enjoyed perusing the jeweled pieces in the gift shop. The staff, in shop, in restaurant, at front desk were sweet ,welcoming, informative, communicative and warm. It's a lovely and wondrous museum to visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Gardiner museum is a great free museum with a lot of contemporary Arts and cultural historical crafts in the mix! There are multiple floors, split by geographic, timeline and such. My favourite was the arts on the top floor, that involved unconventional arts and themes that let you read into the theme (I.e COVID, hoarding of toilet paper, homeless crisis to name a few). The highest floor has a theme that alternates from what I believe was run by a University. There are free coat hangers and lockers to use when you arrive, as you just need to get a key signed out. There are also free small crafts that happen on the main floor, which is separate from the paid workshops from the basement floor. My partner and I got to enjoy some clay making before our self-guided tour around the museum. A lot of the antiques have an info board included, and the overall area was clean and tidy. I would recommend anyone who's a museum fanatic like me, and looking to explore on a budget to visit this place.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Been wanting to visit the Gardiner Museum because it is right opposite the ROM. Finally visited today, and I was not disappointed. The museum specializes in clay and ceramic works . It has beautiful displays from all over the world both contemporary and ancient. If you want a quiet place to look at art without being overwhelmed then this is the place to visit. Was so lucky to even meet one of the local Canadian artists Silvana Michetti. She took time to explain to me how she makes her pieces. Her art is exquisite! Tickets are $15 for adults but admission is free on Wednesday afternoons from 4pm. And presto card holders get 20% off. Pro-tip: You can get in for free if you have a reservation at the Clay Restaurant but note that the restaurant is only open from 11am-3pm.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is great place,I recommend it to you,I also enjoyed to visit the Special Exhibition Hall. 3rd Floor Included with admission. Free for Gardiner Friends(Montreal-based artist Karine Giboulo )3rd floor invited visitors into an immersive reimagining of her home. Brought to life by over 500 miniature polymer clay figures, this is no ordinary house. A response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the waves of confinement and isolation that followed, Housewarming is a sculpted documentary of individual and collective experiences grounded in current events. With the pandemic as a constant presence, the colourful dioramas furnishing each room prompt reflection about the challenges we face as a society.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I went here on Easter, a public holiday, and used Ontario's government software to get in for free. The museum is not big, you can probably walk through it in an hour. The main exhibits are porcelain. The exhibits are laid out according to the region and age of production. The second floor is the highlight area. The emphasis here is on the human development context, rather than the Chinese habit of focusing on the five kilns of Ru, Guan, Ke, Ding and Jun during the heyday of the Song Dynasty. Porcelain from China is presented as a common product from the Ming Dynasty or later, from Jingdezhen, a famous Chinese porcelain producer. The focus here is more on the value of porcelain as an art object.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I understand now why other reviewers have called this a hidden gem. I visited the museum on one of their culture days event. The historical pieces are very interesting and you get good bits of history alongside them. I found the design of the museum to be very modern and new age. They have gender neutral washrooms. So much of it is what you expect in a public museum these days. The clay restaurant has great aesthetic and eats, it’s a good break if you get hungry, you don’t have to leave the venue. The gift shop had some work from current artists that was very interesting to me. All in all, I learned a lot and I will be coming back for more. Perhaps one of their clay workshops! They currently also have a moving piece on the murdered and missing indigenous women.

I came to the museum for the Ai Weiwei exhibit and because it was during their birthday weekend we got to enter for free. There was quite a long line but it was expected because the entrance was free. I was told that the exhibit is short and with few pieces but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. There were a variety of pieces that would speak to different types of art lovers. The museum also made sure to provide art experts to explain all of Ai’s pieces which added quite a lot more substance. The other floors also had quite a few ceramics and pieces that had great history but of course the main draw was the Ai Weiwei exhibit. I also made plans w friends to come back and enjoy the cafe as it looks very nice and quite an experience in itself.

Unfortunately, drop-in classes are not as organized as they should be! 30min in my second session and no one helped me find my piece! I had to ask someone at the reception to help me, while the instructor kept telling me to work on new piece and forget about the previous one! Even though I lost 40min finding the piece, I did not get compensated for that and I had to finish my work like others. I was told I should have received an email indicating my piece is ready for pick up. Nothing. And when I showed up, they told me I have to come in certain hours (no one at the reception said anything about that) Also, no wrapping paper we’re provided! Definitely wouldn’t recommend drop-in sessions based on my experience

I was extremely excited about visiting the Gardiner Museum yesterday, but I left disappointed. My family and I were disrespected by a staff member on the third floor. She spoke to us with a very rude tone of voice inside of the Magdelene Odundo exhibit. Immediately upon entering, she demanded that my Mother leave her bag near the doorway. The room was empty! Every piece of pottery is enclosed in a glass case! What are we going to steal lol. Huge insult. Unfortunately, I'm never returning again. My family paid full price for our tickets, but we were treated like unwanted guests.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

What a beautiful quiet little museum that not many people know about in downtown Toronto. It is all about Porcelain artifacts in different time periods at different regions of the world. It should interest those students and curious visitors as well. There is a restaurant on the third (top level.) For a quick visit It, Two hours should do. However for history students and those like to take notes, you would need a lot more. Hey, there are some ♿️ too at the entrance for free. Check out the Gardiner Museum across from the ROM.

Collection -They had a large varieties of pottery from around the world. I was impressed by the pieces but also the conservation. They look like they were plucked out of time. Staff - Friendly and knowledgeable, they have amazing people working at the museum. Services - They do classes on clay pottery, so be sure to check it out. Also, it is free currently in 2022 Aug. Which is an amazing way to give back to the community. Highly recommend if you love pottery, ceramics, and art in general.

I can’t believe the number of times I’ve been to the ROM and didn’t even know this gem of a museum existed so close! I went in to see the pieces created by Japneet Kaur and ended up really appreciating how much of the content was Southern American (esp. Peruvian) and south East Asian (esp. Japanese and Chinese). Very clean and low key so you can just have a quite stroll through the place!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

My sister and I went to this museum last week and what a lovely find it was! The displays are simply a joy to behold and the descriptions and information sheets make this a real educational opportunity. The restaurant is bright and airy, has excellent items and a great environment. We were lucky enough to get a table on the deck. We only saw one of the two floors of displays since there was so much to see and so much to take in. We are looking forward to returning.

An extremely interesting ceramics museum. The museum itself is small enough to cover in an hour or two, but covers a good range of places and time periods. We were especially taken with the exhibition of mesoamerican ceramics and with the history of the competition to make porcelain in 18th century Europe. Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in the subject!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is a smaller Museum and there is lots to see for sure. But my friend and I noticed that the curation wasn't very great and didn't speak to the diversity of the pieces that were there. There are a lot of pieces collected by older white folks for many years and while that might be the case the curations didn't speak to the pieces themselves and the history of the pieces in terms of how they might have been obtained and the difficulties with that.

I loved everything about this museum, came across a tiktok about the Wednesday clay classes. Thankfully we found a spot for it! Had so much fun with my friend. Spent at least 2 hours. If you’re a fan of porcelain and miniatures this place is definitely for you! Our teacher was also very helpful and it was our first time making these.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

my favorite museum in toronto so far! the ceramic pieces were very delicate with fine details, accompanied by thoughtful explanations / captions. the hallway / staircase featured an exhibition on queer body, with plants, paintings and ceramics, a great addition to the experience. museums cafe and outdoor patio were also delightful.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Walk by this all the time to go to the ROM and didn't even know it existed until yesterday. It was a great experience to learn about all the pottery and clay and all the history. Good for a visit. I was reading all the banners and descriptions finding myself lost in history. I even learned something new about bone China. Will definitely return to do some pottery, that looks fun too! Yes and bring your presto card.

Honestly, this is a wonderful place to visit if you want to spend a few hours diving into ceramics. It's not loud and crowded like the ROM or AGO, and offers you a peaceful space to closely observe these premodern and modern works. The collections are well curated, and it offers you an truly engaging experience with classical music in the background as well. Definitely one of my favourite places in Toronto now!

Such a unique and beautiful collection of ceramics. The first floor consists of pottery from the Americas and some new exhibits. The second floor has a wide collection of Japanese and Chinese ceramics - vases, tea sets, plates, and figurines. There is a beautiful set of figurines in the European section on the same floor. If you appreciate decorative ceramics and glass, then this is a must see!

Great museum. Once again fascinating how someone’s passion created such a beauty. Probably museum is more interesting for adults, than kids. But check online for their activities. We enjoyed family day clay master-class. If you wish you could take a rest in their restaurant located on the third floor. It has beautiful view to ROM. The staff is super friendly and nice! We’ve enjoyed our stay!

Visited today especially for the Ai Weiwei exhibit. Loved this bright and airy museum that houses just ceramics. Has a coffee shop on site with a good view, and a workshop in the basement. They occasionally offer free admittance like today, which kicked off the start of March break. Worth a visit. Parents: I wouldn't suggest this place for kids under 10. They will be bored.

Everything about the Gardiner Museum is so special and authentic. It meaningfully connects people of all ages and cultures through the incredibly genuine values of wonder and artistic beauty. The rich heritage on display left me speechless indeed. Highly recommended!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful hidden gem. Stunning exterior and even cozier on the inside. Very clean with beautiful lighting and lots to see without it being overwhelming like the ROM or AGO. Staff were absolutely wonderful and very helpful for my first visit. Can’t wait to come back!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Interesting museum. Good for family evening or weekend destination. Not as huge as ROM, so you won't be tired after it. The museum has many interesting thematic exibitions. If you are tired you have an opportunity to have a rest and eat something in the cafe on top floor with amaizing street view.

Small museum with a very interesting collection of ceramics and porcelain from many different cultures and centuries. I really enjoyed it. There is a nice cafe/restaurant on the top. Friendly staff.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Had a great afternoon at the Gardiner Museum! The collection is impressive and worth exploring. Just a heads up, parking can be a bit tricky, but you can find spots within a 5-10 minute walk.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Gardiner museum is one of my favorite museums in Toronto! Today I was delighted to discover Karine Giboulo: Housewarming's exhibit. I encourage anyone to go and see it. It's really worth it! Special thanks to the friendly and helpful museum staff. You guys are awesome :)

This museum was amazing. Definitely ranks right under the ROM and AGO as having the most exotic collection of artifacts. Don't let the size of the building dissuade you from visiting. It's jam-packed with beautiful items.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

The special exhibit with Ai Weiwei was excellent. Particularly the gallery where they put three replicas he had made. A fun museum that isn’t terribly long to work your way through and it’s very modestly priced. Well worth stopping in. The third floor cafe is gorgeous!

Great collection of clay and porcelain works. The museum is moderately sized but densely packed - expect to spend a few hours in here if you want to appreciate everything.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Well curated, thoughtful and engaging. Great gift shop which highlights local artists. Docents are passionate and knowledgeable. Two lovely patios. Highly recommended!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Intimate weddings at this stunning wedding venue are just perfect. My couples really love a modern editorial aesthetic and Clay Restaurant really allows their vision to come to life. There are so many beautiful nooks in this space to photograph in.

Unique and interesting museum right across the ROM! It’s not as big but it features a wide selection of pottery, ceramics, and sculpture from different regions of the world. I really enjoyed the Housewarming exhibit. Definitely worth the visit!

Makes ceramics interesting even if you don’t know much about the subject. The contemporary section is intellectually challenging in a good way. Pre-Colombian ceramics are incredibly moving. The rest is, if less surprising, first class quality.

I attended a pottery class with a private group. Despite our limited time, the instructor took 30 minutes to give us a demo, going through all the steps from start to finish. By the time it was our turn to throw on the wheel, we were having

I stopped in here on a whim while I was visiting Toronto. It's a cool little museum dedicated to the ceramic arts ranging from ancient indigenous American pottery to the modern. Unfortunately, they did not have a special exhibit going on

Visited after years since before the pandemic and really enjoyed the exhibit ending on May 7th called Housewarming. Highly recommend exhibit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Went here for Clay Date, kind of like a paint nite but for Clay sculpture. It was amazing, got free food and they had a cash bar. Will return!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The best experience ever... I recommend 100% this place, if you not only like the art but also you like to create art this place is perfect
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Fun museum! I love the drop in, no- committment pottery classes. Great way to try out a new hobby at a reasonable cost. Tickets sell out really fast so you'll have to watch the website like a hawk when sales open up.

Glad to be here after 4pm on Wednesday. Appreciate that this museum really has a vibe which could enrich your inspiration.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Small intimate museum with great collection of ceramics and wonderful exhibitions. Visited it several times and always had a great experience. If you are an art lover, it should be on your to do list.

Beautiful porcelain collection and interesting historical facts and descriptions about the evolution of ceramics
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Was blown away by this collection. If you have any interest in aesthetics of any kind you will thoroughly enjoy this museum. Highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Great smaller gallery with a focus on ceramics. Never too busy and staff is always friendly. The special exhibitions are always great, showcasing art from internationally recognized artists.

Beautiful collection. You need an hour or two to see the collections. It’s well documented and presented.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A nice, small musuem showcasing porcelain and ceramic goods from around the world. I enjoyed learning about the history of East Asian influences on European porcelain. Would visit again.

The exhibits are so exquisite and lovely. Really worth spending a wonderful afternoon there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

You get discounts if you bring your presto card! I think it was 10% off. The museum itself isn’t TOO big but it had beautiful settings and things to look at!

Always a treat to visit this museum. The 3rd floor usually has contemporary interesting exhibit, last year Yoko Ono and now Ai WeiWei. Closing soon....

Amazing experience! I have to add the Francis I believe their name was….absolutely amazing service! They genuinely wanted to be there and it showed.

The Gardiner Museum is an inviting destination that inspires and connects people, art and ideas through clay, one of the world’s oldest art forms."

Housewarming is just a playful but unsettling exhibition! It reminds you about many troubling world crises and issues. Highly recommend!

I enjoyed the porcelain collection. As well as atmosphere inside, lovely cafe, gift shop and a bird clay experience!))

Title: A Captivating Journey into Ceramic Art: Exploring the Gardiner Museum Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

Top quality museum. Have a friend that referred me here and was not disappointed. Beautiful.

ONE OF THE BEST MUSEUMS I VISITED IN 2022 HERE IN TORONTO. MashaAllah, l loved it.