The Royal Ontario Museum is located at the corner of Bloor St. and University Avenue, in the heart of one of the best shopping areas in the city. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, the highly controversial, diamond-shaped projection that juts onto the sidewalk by the Bloor St. main entrance makes it visible from blocks away. You may not like the glass and steel structure, but you sure won’t be able to miss it!
Inside the ROM, you’ll find something to suit every taste – whether you have a passion for dinosaurs, Chinese Temple Art, totem poles or white rhinos. From sculptures to fossils, the collection of what the curators refer to as ‘iconic objects’ is so vast it would take days to see everything on display – and that wouldn’t allow time for the special exhibitions!
Of special interest now are the mind-boggling Terracotta Warriors , a selection of handmade life-size pottery statues created to march into eternity with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, upon his death in approximately 210 BC. Uncovered just a few decades ago by farmers in China, the Terracotta Warriors are a rare sight and a traveling exhibit that the ROM was lucky to get.
Adults and kids will both love the Terracotta Warriors, which will be on display until January 2011. In addition to the fascinating warriors themselves, well-designed displays of artifacts, explanatory videos and great maps introduce viewers to the bloodthirsty days of the earliest empires of China and the war-loving cultures that were spawned.
Tips
- The ROM is a big place, so if you have children or seniors along, you might want to plan your day to include some lounging in the central lobby area where there are comfy couches and chairs.
- On your way out, don’t miss the gift shop where you’ll find clever, artsy gifts, jewelry, note pad, pens and more. You can even buy yourself a little Terracotta Warrior of your own!
- Don’t drive to the ROM – take the Bloor subway line to the Bay Street station and follow the signs – you’ll be within an easy walk – and near a wealth of restaurants for after your tour.
Where to lay your head
Toronto’s a big place, with a huge variety of hotels from which to choose, but for a central location, close to the subway and the world famous Eaton’s Centre, it’s hard to beat the Sheraton Centre. Not only does it offer reasonably priced wireless in the hotel rooms but also a handy, central lobby business ‘bar’ where you can sit down, chat with a friend and hook into the hotel internet connection – very civilized indeed. There’s a pool for the kids, Senses Spa for the parents, and some very well-priced theatre packages. For more information, visit www.sheratontoronto.com.
For more on discounts to the best attractions in Toronto, visit: www.citypass.com/toronto.
Start from the beginning: Top 5 Sights & Attractions in Toronto: Casa Loma.
Photo by paxpuig on Flickr.com
Liz Fleming is an award-winning Canadian travel journalist who specializes in adventure, health and wellness and learning travel. For more from Liz, go to: Liz Fleming’s Travel Tales