Magic Moments at ROM

When you step through the doors of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), what is the first thing you feel? For many of us, it’s a mix of excitement, possibility, and the unmistakable spark of curiosity. 

Even after decades of working in arts and culture, ROM still takes my breath away. It might be the towering dinosaur skeletons, the shimmering gems, or the ancient artifacts that spark my imagination. But what truly moves me are the faces of visitors and loved ones — wide-eyed children, eager teens, curious adults — as they discover their own ROM magic.   

We all have a ROM moment that stays with us. For me, it’s seeing a child’s eyes widen as she looks up at the soaring ceilings, or hearing the excited “Let’s go!” from a young person racing toward his next discovery.

When a child stands nose-to-nose with a dinosaur fossil, a teen considers a future career in science, or a history enthusiast is inspired by ancient artifacts — these are the moments that stay with me.

My great-nieces remind me of this every time they visit. After attending ROM’s children’s camp, they eagerly led my sister on a tour of their favourite galleries, proudly sharing everything they’d learned. Watching them discover and re-discover the museum made me see ROM through their eyes — a place where every corner hides a new favourite, and every question opens the door to more wonder.

Protecting safe spaces for children to explore and dream is something I feel a profound responsibility to do. It’s part of who I am.

At ROM, we embrace the power of three small but mighty questions:
What? Why? What else?

These questions drive discovery for visitors of all ages. 

What is this fascinating object?
Why does it matter?
What else can we learn from it?

In a world where misinformation spreads quickly, places dedicated to authentic knowledge and critical thinking matter more than ever. ROM is one of those rare spaces where curiosity is not just welcomed — it’s encouraged.

Each morning, I arrive to see school groups lined up with excitement, parents sharing the love of learning with their children, researchers diving deep into their work, and visitors discovering something new about the world — and about themselves.

It’s a reminder that ROM isn’t only a museum.
It’s a place where four billion years of Earth’s history comes alive.
Where art, culture, and nature meet.
Where people of all ages ask questions, seek answers, and dream.

ROM is a reflection of us: everything we have been and everything we are. And it is shaped by a community that believes in the power of curiosity—donors, members, volunteers, visitors, and the countless families who pass the magic of ROM from one generation to the next.

As someone who was born and raised in Toronto and has worked in cultural spaces across Canada and abroad, I can confidently say that ROM is unlike any other. It’s Canada’s museum — our largest and most visited museum of art, culture, and natural history.

But more importantly, it’s a place where everyone belongs.
A place that reflects who we are and who we aspire to be.
A place where wonder leads to wisdom.

As we enter this season of giving and reflection, many of us think about the experiences that shaped us and the ones we hope to pass on. For countless visitors, ROM is one of those lasting gifts—a childhood memory that becomes a lifelong connection. Ensuring that future generations have the same chance to fall in love with discovery feels more important than ever.

Thank you for being part of the ROM community. Together, we help ensure that curiosity continues to thrive, and that the magic of discovery is here for generations to come.