Exhibitions & Galleries

Natural History Galleries


Schad Gallery of Biodiversity

Level 2, Centre Block

Through the Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity, the ROM is committed to raising awareness of the significant challenges facing the conservation, diversity and survival of life on earth, and working with our partners and the public to find ways to make a difference.

The ROM’s mission includes serving as an advocate for science in the study of nature. The Schad Gallery offers a unique platform to engage families in the fundamental relationships between nature and humanity. Hands-on interactives, spectacular specimens from a dodo skeleton to a Narwhal whale, a live coral reef and compelling videos make the gallery a special experience for visitors of all ages.

The Schad Gallery explores our world’s biodiversity and the many factors affecting its survival through three core themes. Life is Diverse illustrates the astonishing number and variety of species on Earth; Life is Interconnected demonstrates how species and habitats are so tightly interwoven that any impact on one of them necessarily affects the whole ecosystem; and Life is at Risk highlights that the "web of life" is threatening to unravel due to human activities.

At the heart of the Schad Gallery is the Earth Rangers Studio. Currently the Studio hosts programs for School groups and visitors including the Wild Zone Hands-on Workshops and Bring Back the Wild shows presented by the Earth Rangers.

Slide Show


Tracking the myriad fish in the live coral reef. Photo: Paul Orenstein.


This innovative and interactive gallery introduces key aspects of life on earth and includes around 2,500 specimens from the ROM's Natural History collections. The White Rhino, one of the ROM's Iconic Objects, welcomes visitors entering the gallery's Rotunda entrance.


The busy ants work day and night collecting leaf bits on which they cultivate fungus to feed their young in the live Leafcutter Ant colony.


The Schad Gallery is an immersive experience with a wide variety of specimens on display in unusual ways such as these sharks which hang from the ceiling.


Visitors can enjoy free Bring Back the Wild shows in the Earth Rangers Studio and learn about the challenges faced by live animal ambassadors such as this lemur. See daily schedule outside the Studio!


Education and interactive Wild Zone programs are offered in the Earth Rangers' Studio during peak times. Touchable specimens, hands-on activities, experiments and demonstrations engage visitors of all ages with the wonders of the natural world.


The Biodiversity at Risk display area explores the factors contributing to species extinction, such as climate change and habitat destruction. Visitors will also see many specimens that are threatened or have disappeared because of human influence.


Throughout the gallery, interactive touch screens feature 150 compelling video clips that speak to the gallery's main themes, expand upon the specimens and give fascinating information about the natural world.

Virtual Gallery Tour

Take a peek inside the Schad Gallery and view our new mobile-friendly virtual tour.

 

Recent Nature Podcasts

Want more video? See ROM podcasts.

Iconic - White Rhino
December 14, 2009
This white rhino is a rare specimen and the centerpiece of the Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Born in South Africa, "Bull" was a mighty 4,500 pounds and is one of the Iconic Objects of the ROM.

Video Podcast (18MB, 3mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Trees for Toronto in Queen's Park
October 06, 2009
Trees for Toronto was launched by the Royal Ontario Museum and the City of Toronto in connection with the expansion of the Museum in 2007. The purpose of Trees for Toronto is to plant trees in Queen's Park and to create a tree identification and awareness program for Toronto.

Video Podcast (11.7MB, 1m 25s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Bats!
October 06, 2009
Learn about Burton Lim's, Assistant Curator of Mammalogy, Bat research in Guyana and around the world. Burton is an expert on all types of bats and studies their biodiversity and evolution.

Video Podcast (13.2MB, 1m 54s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

How does the ROM get endangered species in their galleries?
October 06, 2009
Museums are filled with species that may be endangered or extinct. Assistant Curator, Mary Burridge, reveals how the ROM builds its extensive collection without putting any specimens at risk.

Video Podcast (8.5MB, 1m 02s)
Written Transcript (PDF)