There’s no better way to spend a chilly winter day in Toronto than by dipping into one of the city’s stunning museums for a little arts and culture. You’ll find various exhibits across the city, dedicated to variety of different themes and mediums.
Read on for the latest art happenings and exhibits in Toronto this winter.
1. Arcadia Earth
Arcadia Earth is now open at The Well, offering visitors an “immersive journey through planet earth” as described on the website. With a combination of creative art installations and modern technology, the experience showcases the beauty of our planet while simultaneously inspiring visitors to take action towards a more sustainable future. Tickets are priced at $39 for adults.
Where: The Well – 486 Front St W building C, Toronto
2. Immersive Van Gogh
Back by popular demand, you can once again immerse yourself within Vincent Van Gogh’s colourful neo-impressionist works until January 28, 2024. Catch the exhibit before it leaves again, and you can save 20% if you purchase your tickets in advance online.
Where: 1 Yonge St, Toronto
3. Night in the Garden of Love
British artist Shezad Dawood has an enchanting virtual reality exhibit on display at the Aga Khan Museum, in which visitors experience a stroll through a garden of digital plants which grow in response to accompanied music by the late American jazz innovator Yusef Lateef. The show runs until May 5, 2024.
Where: Aga Khan Museum – 77 Wynford Dr, North York
4. Jurassic World The Exhibition
Come face-to-face with the towering Brachiosaurus, challenge the terrifying Indominus Rex, pet little dinosaurs, and excavate fossils at the Hammonds Creation Lab… Jurassic World: The Exhibition this winter. This immersive experience is the perfect chance to channel your inner paleontologist and has been extended in Mississauga through February 19 at Square One Shopping Centre. Grab your tickets today.
Where: 100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
5. Winter Wonderland Spectacular
Immerse yourself in a magical 360-degree interactive holiday-themed experience at Illuminarium’s Winter Wonderland Spectacular. Brilliant video projections transport you through a changing winter wonderland, including a whirling snowstorm, Santa’s palace, and the glowing Northern Lights. You won’t have to worry about the cold, as the entire exhibit is set indoors right in The Distillery District, running during their annual Winter Village. Winter Wonderland Spectacular runs until January 7 2024, with tickets priced at $35.
Where: 28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
6. DesignTO
DesignTO, Canada’s biggest design festival, returns to the city from January 19 – 28. Explore over 100 free exhibitions spread throughout Toronto created by more than 500 artists and designers. From interactive pieces to virtual ones, there are countless things to see. Besides the art itself, you can also sit in for expert talks, go on a studio tour, or attend a party.
Where: Various locations across the city
7. Winter Stations
Returning February 19 2024, Winter Stations on display at Woodbine Beach is a must-see. The project was launched in 2014 in which the art and design community would re-design the lifeguard stations along the beach for the winter season. For more of what to expect, check out the past archive.
Where: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto
8. Keith Haring: Art Is For Everybody
Featuring over 120 artworks and archival materials from the late artist’s expansive collection, head to the Art Gallery of Ontario to admire Haring’s signature use of vibrant colours, linework, and iconic characters. Running from November 8 through March 17, 2024, you’ll find the exhibit’s only Canadian stop on Level 4 of the AGO. General admission prices are $30 per person, or you can visit for free on Wednesdays between 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St W, Toronto)
9. Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s
Inspired by the colors and funky tunes of the 80s? This recently opened winter exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum examines the iconic decade through the lens of footwear. The exhibit is on until March 16 2024. Some exhibit highlights include some of the most popular shoes from around the world at the time, like the Italian Gucci Loafers, the American PONY sneakers, and the Canadian John Fleuvog winklepickers worn by goths. Throughout the month they’re also hosting 80s-themed events like a Vinly Paint night, screening of Die Hard considered a cult Christmas classic, and 80s Trivia.
Where: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto
10. KAWS: Family
An artist that’s skyrocketing in popularity, Brooklyn-based Brian Donnelly is one of the most popular contemporary artists today. From now until March 31, 2024, you can check out KAWS at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) with over 70+ works, one of which is a augmented reality installation. And of course, his most popular pieces, pop culture character look-a-likes with ‘X’s marked for the eyes, will be on full display.
Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario – 317 Dundas St W, Toronto
11. Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Royal Ontario Museum’s annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit returns from November 25, 2023 to May 26, 2024. Back for its ninth year, the exhibit features 100 images selected from thousands of submissions by photographers of all ages and skill levels from around the world. Visitors can view remarkable photographs of categories ranging from animal portraits to underwater. General admission tickets to this winter exhibit are $26 if you purchase online in advance.
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queens Park, Toronto)