This fall, Free Main Floor is back! Enjoy our expansive first-floor galleries along with weekend performances and programs, all at no cost.*
About
October 1 - November 30, 2025
This fall, Free Main Floor returns with access to our expansive first-floor galleries—all for free!*
Plus, every weekend brings a fresh theme with lively pop-up performances showcasing local communities and artists, and exciting educational activities for all ages. From music and dance to crafts and cultural celebrations, every visit offers something new for everyone to enjoy.
Advance tickets are required.
To book, click the 'Book Tickets' button at the top of this webpage. Then, select the date you'd like to visit, and check the box for “Free Main Floor only.”
*Does not include the exhibition Sharks.
Weekend Activities
Live Performances:
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Pop-up Programs:
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
October 4 & 5 — Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival): Celebrate the Korean Harvest Festival with live music, instrument demonstrations, and a hands-on maedeup activity, where you will learn the traditional knot-making handicraft.
Oct 11, 12 & 13 — Islamic Heritage Month: In celebration of Picnics and Pastimes, local Iranian Music organization, Link Music Lab Kids, presents a family-friendly traditional music and shadow puppet performances. Plus, the Aga Khan Museum will teach button-making featuring AKM and ROM objects, lantern-making , and Islamic art-inspired colouring sheets.
Oct 18 & 19 — Global African Arts & Culture: The Bata Shoe Museum pops up on the main floor with a touch table featuring unique shoes from around the world, a make-your-own bolo tie and shoe pin activity, and a giant inflatable shoe selfie wall. Also, don't miss a special performance from Zimbabwe-born international artist, Masimba Hwati, who is also speaking at ROM.
Oct 25 & 26 — Chinese Arts & Culture: The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto brings tea ceremonies, youth orchestra, and dance performances to the main floor. The Gardiner Museum will also be joining with a dragon-inspired clay workshop, exploring the symbolism of dragons in Chinese culture.
