25 Best Free Museums in Toronto to Visit
Did you know you can explore some of Toronto’s best museums without spending a dime? Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a unique way to spend a day in the city, there are plenty of world-class museums offering free admission. But here’s the catch—not all of them are free all the time!
As someone who loves exploring Toronto on a budget, I’ve discovered the best free-entry museums and the insider tips to make the most of your visit. Some spots offer permanent free admission, while others have specific days or times when you can get in without a ticket.
Whether you’re a student, a solo traveler, or just looking for budget-friendly things to do, these free museums belong on your itinerary. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly where to go, when to visit, and what to expect—so you can enjoy Toronto’s cultural gems without spending a fortune.
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Toronto Museums and Attractions with Free Admission Nights
Let’s dive into the best free museums in Toronto—starting with a must-visit spot for history lovers!
1. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Free Admission: Third Tuesday night of each month
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum, home to over 13 million objects spanning art, culture, and natural history.
One of Toronto’s most popular museums the ROM features 40 galleries across four floors, diverse exhibits that cater to many different interests.
On the third Tuesday of each month, the ROM has free admission from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., including access to special exhibitions.
I once visited the ROM on a free night and made the mistake of arriving at 6 PM—only to find a massive lineup! On free admission nights I recommend going at 4:30 and heading straight to the special exhibitions to beat the lines—it’s well worth it!
2. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
Free Admission: First Wednesday night of each month
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of Toronto’s cultural highlights, showcasing over 90,000 works of art. There’s an entire floor of Canadian art including incredible pieces by the Group of Seven!
My favourite piece in the gallery is the vibrant work by Norval Morrisseau “Man Changing into Thunderbird.” The video installation exploring the cultural histories of Maori and Pacific Indigenous peoples is also an incredible experience and worth checking out.
The AGO is free for anyone under the age of 25. For everyone else, free entry is available on the first Wednesday night of each month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
If you are like me, you’ll want to come back to the AGO again, again, again. It’s a world class Art Gallery in the heart of Toronto!
3. Bata Shoe Museum
Address: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Free Admission: Every Sunday
Ever visited a museum entirely dedicated to shoes? This quirky museum showcases over 13,000 shoes, from ancient Egyptian sandals to celebrity footwear. You can even see Queen Victoria’s slippers on display!
Located near the Royal Ontario Museum, the Bata Shoe Museum offers free admission every Sunday—an amazing chance to dive into this one-of-a-kind collection.
The museum is small, so if you want to make the most of your visit, combine it with a stroll through the nearby University of Toronto campus—it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the city!
4. Gardiner Museum
Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Free Admission: Free access during current renovations (2025)
Have you ever explored a museum dedicated entirely to ceramics? The Gardiner Museum features an internationally renowned collection of around 4,000 ceramic pieces, including Ancient American pottery, Chinese and Japanese porcelain, and contemporary Canadian works.
Admission is free for all on Wednesday evenings after 4 p.m., including access to special exhibitions.
Currently, with renovations underway, the museum operates on a pay-what-you-wish basis—making it the perfect time to visit and experience this unique space.
5. Aga Khan Museum
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON
Free Admission: Every Wednesday night
You may have heard of the big-name museums, but this next one is a hidden treasure that many visitors overlook. The Aga Khan Museum is North America’s first and only museum dedicated to the arts and culture of the Muslim world.
Its 1,000-piece collection includes intricate jewelry, architectural elements, and illustrated books from Islamic civilizations as far back as the 10th century.
You can visit for free every Wednesday evening from 4–8 p.m.—no pre-registration needed, just drop by to get your ticket.
It’s a remarkable space to explore history and art in a stunning setting.
6. Toronto Holocaust Museum
Address: 4588 Bathurst St, North York, ON
Free Admission: Every third Wednesday of the month.
The Toronto Holocaust Museum offers a powerful and immersive exploration of Holocaust history with a Canadian focus.
Its four galleries—Persecution, Atrocity & Devastation, Liberation & Aftermath, and Life in Canada—blend photographs, artifacts, and survivor testimonies to share stories of loss, resistance, and courage.
Admission is free for all visitors every third Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., but tickets must be booked online in advance. Hearing real-life survivor experiences and viewing personal artifacts make this museum an incredibly moving and educational visit.
7. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Address: 158 Sterling Rd #100, Toronto, ON
Free Admission: Every Friday evening
MOCA is a dynamic gallery featuring modern works from both emerging and established artists, with a strong focus on supporting new talent.
Free admission is available every Friday, making it a great time to explore its exhibits and installations by Canadian and international artists. You can book ahead or simply drop in to enjoy the experience.
8. Canadian Opera Company Free Concert Series
Address: 145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Free Admission: See Schedule
Not a museum, but the Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series at the Four Seasons Centre is a cultural gem.
Held in the stunning Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, this series features diverse performances, from gospel choirs to international artists, in an intimate, glass-enclosed space.
Concerts are all-ages and free to attend, but seating is first-come, first-served—arriving early is a must! It’s a unique way to experience world-class talent in one of Toronto’s most breathtaking venues.
Free Museums and Attractions in Toronto
Here is a complete list of all the Toronto museums and attractions that always have free admission.
9. Museum of Toronto
Address: 401 Richmond St W LL01, Toronto, ON
The Museum of Toronto is a hidden gem showcasing the city’s unique stories and history.
This free museum highlights Toronto’s history through rotating exhibits, with past themes including sports memorabilia, TV history, and local fashion. It’s a brief but captivating stop for anyone interested in exploring Toronto’s cultural history.
The museum is small, so if you want to make the most of your visit, be sure to explore 401 Richmond, a unique destination in it’s own right!
10. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Address: 231 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
You may have heard of the big-name museums, but this next one is a hidden treasure that many visitors overlook.
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is one of Toronto’s best spots for experiencing thought-provoking, modern art—completely free. Located at the Harbourfront, this small but dynamic gallery has been showcasing innovative contemporary art since 1987.
With two floors of rotating exhibits and occasional artist talks, there’s always something engaging to see. This underrated gem is a perfect addition to any visit to Toronto’s Harbourfront.
11. Arthur Conan Doyle Room
Address: 789 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
For a free and unique attraction in Toronto, visit the Arthur Conan Doyle Room on the fifth floor of the Toronto Reference Library. This cozy, Victorian-style space is modeled after Sherlock Holmes’ 221B Baker Street, with wooden bookshelves, Persian carpets, and fascinating memorabilia.
Home to one of the world’s finest Sherlock Holmes collections, it’s a must-see for fans and book lovers alike. Best of all, it’s completely free to explore!
12. Roundhouse Park and Toronto Railway Museum
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
The Toronto Railway Museum, located in Roundhouse Park beside the CN Tower, offers a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The outdoor exhibits in the park feature vintage locomotives and are free to visit. It is a fun activity to do with kids, especially if you are visiting the CN Tower, Aquarium, or Rogers Centre.
Inside, for a small admission fee, visitors can enjoy interactive displays, historic artifacts, and a train simulator. It’s an engaging stop for railroad enthusiasts and families looking for a unique tourist attraction in Toronto.
13. Evergreen Brick Works
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON
So this is not technically a museum, but the free guided walking tours on the weekend provide a fascinating overview of the restoration of this former brick making factory.
You will wander through the old brick factory and learn how this abandoned collection of historical buildings an environmental centre in the heart of Toronto. I found it to be a really fascinating tour.
The Brick Works is also one of my favourite places in the city to enjoy the fall colours. Come and enjoy the walking trails, a Saturday farmer’s market, a cafe and garden store, and a fun children’s garden.
14. Riverdale Farm
Address: 201 Winchester St, Toronto, ON
Riverdale Farm, in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighborhood, is a 7.5-acre working farm open year-round with free admission.
Come and explore barns, see the farm animals like cows, pigs, and goats, and enjoy the scenic trails.
We particularly enjoyed coming here when our children were little. It was such a lovely place to get outside and spend a few hours without having to leave the city.
15. Guild Park and Gardens
Address: 201 Guildwood Pkwy, Scarborough, ON
Guild Park and Gardens isn’t classified as a museum, but it feels like one with its preserved architectural fragments and sculptures.
This beautifully landscaped park and garden showcases over 70 relics from demolished historic Toronto buildings.
Some examples include the façade of the Temple Building, Toronto’s first skyscraper, and the oldest building in Scarborough, built in 1795.
It’s a quiet and picturesque spot for walks or photography, offering a unique way to explore Toronto’s architectural history. Truly one of the Toronto’s hidden gems.
16. Toronto’s First Post Office
Address: 260 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON
Toronto’s First Post Office is a tiny, working post office and museum packed with history and charm. It’s Canada’s oldest purpose-built post office still in operation, and stepping inside feels like traveling back in time.
One room is restored to its original purpose, complete with writing desks, feather pens, and old-fashioned ink. The exhibits also share stories of Toronto’s early days as York, with interesting details about postal history and illustrations of the city from that time.
It’s a fun little stop that feels personal and steeped in history.
17. Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre
Address: 40 College St, Toronto, ON
The Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre is a fascinating spot for anyone curious about the history of policing in Toronto. Located on the first floor of the Toronto Police Service Headquarters at 40 College Street, the museum is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Covering 3,000 square feet, the museum features a mix of historical and modern exhibits. You’ll find displays on crime scene investigations, the evolution of police vehicles, and the different police units that serve the city. There’s even a replica of a late 19th-century police station, offering a glimpse into Toronto’s past.
It’s a compelling way to learn about the city’s history through the lens of law enforcement. The museum’s mix of artifacts and stories makes it an interesting and educational stop for visitors.
Toronto History Museums
Toronto History Museums provide free general admission to all 10 of their sites. These museums showcase the city’s diverse stories through engaging exhibits and programs.
Sites include landmarks like Fort York, Spadina Museum, and Gibson House, each offering a unique glimpse into Toronto’s past.
18. Fort York National Historic Site
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON
Historic Fort York is a fascinating military site in downtown Toronto, surrounded by the city’s towering skyscrapers. Built by the British Army and Canadian militias in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the fort defended York (now Toronto) and the Upper Canada capital during the War of 1812.
Visitors can explore the fortifications and historic buildings, where actors demonstrate music, baking, and daily life from the era. Fort York offers a unique window into Toronto’s past and its role in early Canadian history.
19. Spadina House Museum
Address: 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto, ON
Spadina House Museum, located next to Casa Loma, is a heritage home that captures domestic life in the 1920s and ’30s. This stately mansion features Victorian-Edwardian architecture and beautifully maintained gardens, considered some of the loveliest in Toronto.
Visits are available only through guided tours, which run hourly and last 45 minutes to an hour. You can register for a tour on site.
After exploring the house, take some time to visit the impressive Casa Loma. And, don’t miss the nearby Baldwin Steps right next door for a cool view of Toronto’s skyline, especially stunning in autumn.
20. Todmorden Mills
Address: 67 Pottery Rd, Toronto, ON
Todmorden Mills is a historic site once powered by the Don River, featuring buildings from the late 1800s. This is one of my favourite spots to visit in the autumn.
You can tour the restored structures, including a paper mill turned art gallery and other industrial-era buildings.
There are several scenic walking trails where you can see the salmon migration in the fall or walk over to the Evergreen Brick Works. It’s a really pretty spot with some interesting history of Toroto’s early industries.
21. Mackenzie House
Address: 82 Bond St, Toronto, ON
Mackenzie House is a small historic row house in downtown Toronto, once home to the city’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie.
Visitors can explore Victorian Toronto and learn about Mackenzie’s controversial life as a journalist, mayor, and rebel leader.
The highlight is the charming 19th-century print shop, where staff share fascinating stories about Toronto’s past. Tours provide excellent insights, even as the house undergoes preservation work.
22. Montgomery’s Inn
Address: 4709 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
Montgomery’s Inn offers a glimpse into 19th-century life in Toronto through its beautifully preserved rooms.
Built in 1830, this small but charming museum showcases how a Canadian inn operated, from the kitchen and bar to the ballroom and bedrooms.
It’s a great spot to explore Toronto’s early heritage and understand the daily life of the era.
23. Gibson House Museum
Address: 5172 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
Gibson House is a 19th-century farmhouse tucked among North York’s high-rises, offering a glimpse into life in the 1850s.
Visitors can explore the kitchen and learn about David Gibson, a Scottish immigrant, surveyor, farmer, and politician who shaped the area’s history.
The museum features artifacts and interactive exhibits that highlight the development of North York and Willowdale. It’s a small but engaging museum, with tours lasting about 45 minutes.
24. Colborne Lodge
Address: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr, Toronto, ON
Colborne Lodge, located in High Park, is the historic 1837 home of John and Jemima Howard, founders of the park.
This Regency picturesque building features original furnishings, watercolors, and recreated 19th-century gardens.
Guided tours, lasting about 45 minutes, offer insights into the Howards’ lives and their vision for High Park. The property’s setting in High Park and historical significance make it an interesting stop for history enthusiasts.
25. Scarborough Museum
Address: 1007 Brimley Rd, Toronto, ON
Before we wrap up, there’s one last free museum that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Scarborough Museum, located in Thomson Memorial Park, is a small site made up of four heritage buildings.
The museum showcases life in the 1800s, with unique artifacts and exhibits reflecting Scarborough’s settler history.
Highlights include the McCowan Log House and the Cornell House, which offers a glimpse into Canadian life in the 1850s. In the park there are walking trails and a playground, making it a lovely place to visit if you are in Scarborough.
Toronto Public Library Free Passes (TPL: MAP)
Toronto residents with a free Toronto Public Library card can access passes for some of the city’s top attractions.
Released on the first Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m., these passes provide free admission to spots like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the ROM, the Toronto Zoo, and more.
While availability is limited, it’s an amazing way to explore Toronto without extra cost for Toronto locals. For a full list of attractions, visit torontopubliclibrary.ca/map.
Toronto Museums Free Admission
Exploring Toronto doesn’t have to break the bank, and these free museums prove it! Whether you’re fascinated by art, history, or nature there’s a museum waiting to be explored—without costing you a cent. Just be sure to check the free admission schedules to plan your visit wisely.
Want to continue your budget-friendly adventures? Check out my guide to hidden gems in Toronto! From scenic parks to unique attractions, I’ve got the best spots to explore across the city.
Before You Go: More Toronto Information
If you have enjoyed this list of Toronto free museums, here are some other articles you may enjoy describing Toronto’s best attractions and landmarks.
