The Aga Khan Museum, opened in 2014 in Toronto, has more than 1,200 works of art from Muslim civilisations from the Iberian Peninsula to China. Its collection of manuscripts, scientific tools, paintings, ceramics and metalwork is constantly changing as new items are added. It features art from the ninth to the twenty-first century, highlighting how ancient traditions can influence modern art. Its goal is to help people learn and value Muslim civilisations’ contributions to world heritage.
Location
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The Aga Khan Museum is the biggest museum in the world and it isn’t in an Islamic country. It is in a massive building in the North York neighbourhood, complete with a park and formal gardens. The Aga Khan Museum, or Musée Aga Khan in French, is at 77 Wynford Drive in Toronto, Ontario’s North York neighbourhood.
How To Reach
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Here are the two ways to reach the Aga Khan Museum:
By Car: The museum is close to downtown Toronto, just off the Don Valley Parkway. On Don Mills Road, one light north of Eglinton is Wynford Drive.
By Bus: Bus lines 34 and 100 can also help you get to the museum. You can take a bus from downtown Toronto to the closest stops, like Wynford Dr At Garamond Crt or 100 Wynford Dr Bell Canada, only two minutes from the attraction.
Places To Visit In And Around Aga khan Museum
Here are the best and exciting places to visit near the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto to elevate your experiences during the trip:
1. Ontario Science Center
Photo: Owen Byrne / Wikimedia Commons
The Aga Khan Museum is about a kilometre from the Ontario Science Centre, making it an excellent place for children and science fans. This interactive museum has many different exhibits, such as those about biology, science and space. It’s great for people of all ages because it has hands-on exhibits, a jungle simulator and a planetarium. The educational movies and shows in the centre’s IMAX theatre make the experience even better.
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: 3 to 12 years pay $13 / ₹780; 13 – 17 years pay $16 / ₹960; 18+ years pay $22 / ₹1,330
2. Toronto Botanical Garden
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The Toronto Botanical Garden is just over 3 kilometres away. It is a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This area is known for its themed gardens and mix of native and exotic plants. There are also educational classes for gardeners of all levels and you can take pictures and walk in the woods. It was designed with environmentally friendly gardening methods in mind because it has seasonal events and workshops, people can visit all year.
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Evergreen Brick Works
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The museum is only 3.5 kilometres from Evergreen Brick Works, a redeveloped industry site combining history with sustainability. It’s now a busy place for the community, with markets, walking paths, art installations and events throughout the year. Toronto’s industrial past is preserved at the site, encouraging eco-friendly practices. This makes it a model for urban renewal. As a national heritage place, it gives visitors a deep understanding of both local history and awareness about the environment. You can learn and have fun at Evergreen Brick Works, whether walking on the trails or going to a market.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Todmorden Mills Heritage Site
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The Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, about 3 kilometres from the Aga Khan Museum. It shows how Toronto used to be an industrial city. The area has buildings from the 1800s that were once a mill, brewery and distillery. People can look around these renovated buildings, a wildflower preserve and a gallery with changing displays. This mix of natural beauty and cultural history gives us a look into the city’s early industries. Todmorden Mills is a unique place that honours Toronto’s history and its connection to nature.
Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Edward Gardens
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The Edwards Gardens, next to the Toronto Botanical Garden, are a peaceful place to go for walks and have meals. The garden is famous for locals and tourists because it has beautiful waterfalls, rock gardens and bright perennial gardens. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil escape into nature, whether in the spring when flowers bloom, in the summer when plants grow or in the fall when leaves change colour. Consequently, it makes an excellent spot for nature lovers to relax and click pictures.
Timings: 10 AM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Where To Stay
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When you go to the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, there are a lot of great places to stay close by. The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto in Yorkville is a short drive away and offers beautiful rooms with high-end features. The Shangri-La Hotel is also nearby and is known for its high-end service. The Eglinton Grand is a charming boutique hotel that ensures a luxurious experience. Also, it is only a few minutes by car from the museum. Park Hyatt Toronto and InterContinental Toronto Yorkville are also lovely places to stay, which are close to the museum and other sites.
Where To Eat
Photo: Nick Hillier nhillier / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When you go to the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, there are a lot of great places to eat nearby. Just a short walk from the museum is Pomegranate Restaurant, offering delicious Persian food. Mezza Notte Trattoria is nearby and serves Italian-style food if you’re in the mood for Mediterranean food. For a more relaxing meal, the Evergreen Brick Works’ Café Belong serves farm-to-table food in a laid-back setting. A short drive away is Alo Restaurant, famous for its sample menus and excellent service if you’d rather have a fancy meal.
Other Factors To Consider
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Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November are the best times to visit the Aga Museum. The mild and pleasant weather during these times makes it a great time to explore the museum and its grounds. In the spring, nearby places like the Toronto Botanical Garden have beautiful flowers. Also, these times of the year are usually less crowded than the summer, making the experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
Average Cost Of The Trip
The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto usually costs between CAD 100 and CAD 400 / ₹6,000 to ₹24,000 per person for a one-day trip. The exact cost depends on where you stay, eat and get around. This estimate includes admission fees, food, transportation and other essential costs.
Tips For Travellers
- Before you go, look online to see the museum’s hours and any particular shows or events.
- The museum is easy to get to by using Toronto’s TTC system, which makes it an excellent way to get around.
- For a whole day of cultural and immersive nature encounters, don’t forget to spend time at the nearby Toronto Botanical Garden and Evergreen Brick Works.
- The museum and the places around it are best seen on foot, so make sure you have shoes that are easy on your feet.
- Don’t rush through the exhibits; enjoy the art, buildings and quiet space.
The Aga Khan Museum is one of a kind in Toronto because it combines art, culture and history. You will remember the experience, whether looking at world-class exhibits, taking in the peaceful surroundings or visiting nearby sites. Booking your trip through TripXl, where you can find great deals on lodging, transportation and organized tours, can make your trip go more smoothly.
Cover Photo: JohnOyston / Wikimedia Commons