Art, science, history & beyond: ROM announces 2026 exhibition schedule

TORONTO, January 2, 2026 – From a first-of-its kind examination of the sense of touch inherent in Japanese art, to a multifaceted deep dive into the history of psychedelics, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) invites visitors to experience our dynamic 2026 exhibition lineup -- including four extraordinary new presentations that span art and culture, natural history, science, and more. 

These upcoming exhibitions examine the wonders of the world and the power of human creativity and curiosity – offering awe and inspiration for visitors of all ages and interests. 

Shokkan: Japanese Art Through Touch explores the tactile elements inherent in Japanese artistry, while Bees: A Story of Survival reveals the vital role these pollinators play in sustaining life on Earth. 

Curious about the mind? The immersive and transdisciplinary Psychedelics delves into the cultural and scientific significance of psychedelic substances, and examines how they have shaped – and continue to impact – our understanding of consciousness.

And who doesn’t love dinosaurs? Learn more about raptors – one of the most iconic and intriguing species – and the powerful link between these prehistoric dinos and the modern birds of today in a new ROM-original exhibition.

2026 exhibition lineup

Shokkan: Japanese Art Through Touch (working title)
April 4 – September 7, 2026 

Japanese art is not only meant to be seen, but also designed to be touched, handled, and experienced. This unique ROM-original exhibition (first of its kind anywhere in the world) explores the way Japanese objects engage with the human sense of touch – a critical component in the creation, appreciation, and circulation of Japanese art. Showcasing over 80 objects, including textiles, armour, paintings, lacquer works, ceramics, prints, and contemporary art, the exhibition also includes some hands-on experiences that contextualize the tactile aspect of Japanese artifacts.
Ticket details: Included with general admission

Bees: A Story of Survival
May 16 – October 18, 2026 

This visually stunning exhibition – created by the National Museums Liverpool in partnership with award-winning artist and sculptor Wolfgang Buttress, and presented by Desjardins Financial Group – tells the remarkable story of bee adaptations and survival, as well as their relationship to humans and the natural world. This fusion of nature, art, music, and architecture transports visitors into the world of bees through eight immersive sections that explore anatomy, hive life, their critical role in ecosystems, and why we should all help bees given the threats they face today.
Ticket details: General admission + surcharge of $13/adult

Psychedelics 
June 6, 2026 – December 6, 2026 

This groundbreaking original exhibition challenges decades-old narratives about psychedelic drugs, presenting a balanced, research-driven exploration of their cultural, historical, and scientific significance. Visitors will discover the arrival of psychedelics in Western culture, their historical use in Europe and the Americas, and the science behind these substances – including their potential future applications in medicine and mental health.
Ticket details: General admission + surcharge of $9/adult

Wildlife Photographer of the Year
November 21, 2026 – April 4, 2027 

The 62nd edition of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, organized by London’s Natural History Museum, returns to ROM. This perennial visitor favourite will showcase a new collection of original images highlighting the very best in nature photography from around the globe. Presenting the beauty and drama of the natural world – from fascinating animal behaviour to breathtaking wild landscapes – these images fuel a deeper connection to, and appreciation for, the diversity of life surrounding us.
Ticket details: General admission + surcharge of $9/adult

Raptors (final exhibition title TBC)
December 19, 2026 – September 6, 2027

Raptors have captured imaginations worldwide, from their influence on pop culture as the stars of the iconic Jurassic Park books and films; as the namesake of a beloved local sports franchise; and as must-see specimens in museums – including ROM’s own James and Louise Temerty Gallery of the Age of Dinosaurs. This ROM-original exhibition will bring these creatures to life, featuring casts of more than a dozen raptor species and original fossils – offering a rare and thrilling opportunity to explore the legacy of one of the most iconic groups of dinosaurs to ever walk the Earth, and revealing the fascinating connection between ancient raptors and modern-day birds.
Ticket details: General admission + surcharge of $13/adult

Continuing presentations

Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks 
Closes January 18, 2026

Don’t miss the final days of this exhibition, featured in the Globe and Mail’s roundup of the best visual art of 2025. Co-organized by the Denver Art Museum and The Phoebus Foundation, Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools brings together over 80 medieval, Renaissance, and baroque treasures by key artists from the Flemish Golden Age, including Rubens, Van Dyck, and Memling – giving viewers a rare glimpse into the creative flourishing of the Southern Netherlands from 1400 to 1700.
Ticket details: General admission + surcharge of $9/adult

Sharks
Runs until March 22, 2026

Dive into the thrilling world of sharks through this family-friendly exhibition – organized by the American Museum of Natural History and presented by Desjardins Financial Group – that gives visitors a whole new perspective on these magnificent creatures of the sea. From iconic great white sharks to tiny, glow-in-the-dark dwarf lanternsharks, uncover the surprising diversity and complexity of these often-misunderstood ocean animals.
Ticket details: General admission + surcharge of $9/adult

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025
Runs until March 29, 2026

One hundred photographs from this year’s annual WPY competition organized by London’s Natural History Museum are currently on view at ROM, presenting a unique perspective into the natural world in vivid detail – from unusual species and hidden habitats to ecological impacts.
Ticket details: General admission + surcharge of $9/adult

Crawford Lake: Layers in Time
Runs until September 13, 2026

Did you know that a small lake in Ontario is a marker of the Anthropocene? Visit Crawford Lake near Milton, Ont., through this original exhibition, which takes visitors into the history of how this unassuming body of water doubles as a record of human life on Earth. Showcasing Indigenous belongings and settler objects, examples of local and introduced plants, historical documentation, related artworks, core samples, and more, Crawford Lake: Layers in Time illustrates how our human footprint has left its mark on this Canadian lake – and our planet at large.
Ticket details: Included with general admission

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Image credit: Suzuki Harunobu, Two lovers: a wakashu and a young woman kiss, 1768-1770. 7-colour woodblock print on paper. Sir Edmund Walker Collection (Photo: Paul Eekhoff, © ROM) 

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