Free Main Floor

September 25 - November 29, 2026

This fall, Free Main Floor is back! Enjoy our expansive first-floor galleries along with programs, all at no cost.*
Two people looking and discussing a case of a knife in Currelly gallery

About

September 25 - November 29, 2026

This fall, Free Main Floor returns with access to our expansive first-floor galleries—all for free!* 

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 BEES: A Story of Survival. 

Exhibition Highlights

images of shoes laid on the ground
Exhibition

Stolen Childhoods

“ Finally, the world will know the truth of what a few of us experienced. ” Diane Hill, Mohawk Institute Survivor Stolen Childhoods presents the lived experiences of children at the Mohawk Institute, the longest-running Indian Residential School in Canada, located just 100 km from downtown Toronto in Brantford, Ontario. The exhibition was created by the Survivors’ Secretariat with support from Know History and funding from the Museums Assistance Program (MAP). Through archival records, photographs, multimedia interviews, and a 7-foot sculpture, Stolen Childhoods shares the history of the
Raphaël Barontini ©Willy Vainqueur
Exhibition

Unbound
The Allegorical Archipelago of Abya Yala

ROM is pleased to host a powerful new installation by French artist Raphaël Barontini as part of the 2026 Toronto Biennial of Art. Soaring above Futalognkosaurus in Gloria Chen Court, five large, hand-dyed and screen-printed panels depict allegorical and political narratives. From water gods to anti-slavery heroines, Barontini has woven together images to tell Black and Caribbean histories. Examining migration, resilience, and cultural exchange, the installation is inspired by the concept of Abya Yala – a term for the Americas derived from Indigenous solidarity movements – and presents an
Bethlehem Bride
Exhibition

Bethlehem Bride

Bethlehem, once called ‘the Paris of Palestine’, was an epicentre of fashion in the 19th and early 20th centuries with the widespread popularity of its beautifully hand-embroidered garments and accessories. The most iconic of these was the thob al-malak, or ‘royal dress’, worn on special occasions and made from handwoven linen and silk, with long, pointed sleeves and densely intricate embroidery in silk and metal threads. A quintessential wedding gown for both Muslim and Christian brides at the time, the thob al-malak was paired with a matching bolero jacket, an elaborate coin headdress
Paper clouds floating above Chinese statues
Exhibition

Cloudscape

Inspired by traditional Chinese artwork, Cloudscape is a mesmerizing installation that blends traditional artistry with contemporary themes. Artist Xiaojing Yan masterfully crafts intricate cloud forms using paper and natural reed, evoking the essence of traditional Chinese landscape painting. This awe-inspiring work presents a complex interplay of water and cloud motifs that challenge our perception of the natural world. Immerse yourself in Yan's floating masterpiece, where each sculpted cloud tells a story of cultural heritage and environmental consciousness, and invites us to reflect on our

Activity Highlights

Collage Hero Banners Activity
Weekends only, 10 AM - 3 PM
In this drop-in art-making workshop, create a banner celebrating someone you admire, real or imagined. Using collage techniques, bold colours, and patterns, you’ll build a meaningful, layered design that tells the story of your hero. Inspired by Raphaël Barontini’s vibrant artworks, this quick, hands-on activity is fun for all ages and leaves you with your very own masterpiece to take home. 

Sponsors

Community Access & Engagement Founding Benefactor
Image
Temerty Foundation
Family of four looking at object in China Gallery

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