Best Arts and Culture Places in Toronto

"Opened in 2014, the Aga Khan Museum is a building of serene architectural beauty designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki, with a collection of more than 1,000 objects focusing on the art of Muslim civilizations and culture of the Islamic world. There are close to 250 items displayed at any given time in the museum's permanent gallery space. In addition to the permanent collection, there are rotating exhibitions, workshops, and live arts performances to enjoy."

"Light as Inspiration” was the design approach that Fumihiko Maki, the architect winner of thePritzker prize (1993), used for the Aga Khan. This unique museum is dedicated to Islamic art and culture by the initiative of the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim. The project started in 2010 and was finished in 2014."

"Admire beautiful artwork at the Aga Khan Museum full of Islamic art, Iranian art, and Muslim culture in a state of the art museum. You can book a tour that also provides transportation to and from the Aga Khan Museum as well."

"The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is a major public gallery devoted to collecting the art of Canada. Handcrafted buildings set amid 40 hectares of conservation trails contain works by the Group of Seven, as well as by First Nations, Inuit, Métis and other acclaimed Canadian artists. It's a 34km drive from Toronto and totally worth the trip."

"Admittedly, this museum is not directly in Toronto, but rather the village of Kleinburg. Here is what justifies the drive 40 minutes north of Toronto: it is situated in a beautiful woodland setting that will rival any outdoors oriented photo. It also is filled to the brim with a magnificent collection of Canadian and native art."

"TIFF Bell Lightbox is not only the headquarters of the annual Toronto International Film Festival, but it’s also the city’s premier movie theater and entertainment complex, open to the public. Built in 2010, the modern facilities include five state-of-the-art cinemas, a restaurant, classrooms, a film reference library, gallery space, and a members’ lounge. Outside of the 10-day festival in September, TIFF Bell Lightbox screens new releases and runs thematic film programming year-round, focusing on anything from classic blockbusters to foreign indie films."

"The TIFF Lightbox is one of those places that helps to solve the conundrum "I'm bored!" without turning to your Smartphone. This building is set up to allow you to watch all of the film festival favorites, as well as the fantastic films that slip under the radar when the next Avengers movie dominates the box office. There are snacks (guacamole instead of popcorn should become a thing everywhere) and they do not frown at people who see wine as a perfectly viable concession snack."

"The TIFF Bell Lightbox is a cultural centre and also the headquarters of the much-awaited Toronto International Film Festival. Your nightlife in Toronto gets too glam if you happen to time it right, when the festival is on!. However, when around the year TIFF Bell Lightbox is where film lovers, makers and event planners meet."

"This former warehouse building on Ryerson's campus is a multi-faceted space. While it's best known for its galleries and art shows, the RIC has been amassing works since 1969, so the space is now home to a collection of nearly 375,000 historical photographs by seminal photographers like Eugene Atget and Brassai. View this post on Instagram"

"It’s the city’s first gallery devoted to showcasing works by disabled artists, located in the artistic Shangri-La that is 401 Richmond. The thoughtful curatorial approach extends to patrons, too—Tangled makes sure every aspect of the gallery-going experience is fully accessible, which often means hanging works at lower heights, adding audio and video captioning, and providing touchable versions of every piece. Currently on display: a mixed-media exhibit called Own Your Cervix by Vanessa Dion Fletcher, who riffs on femininity with creative textiles—Wampum belts, damask and porcupine quills."

"Spend your afternoon in the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) where you can see numerous collections of art from around the world and the largest Canadian art collection. There are so many things to do in Toronto so next up is Nathan Phillips Square where you can take a picture with the iconic Toronto sign and see the new city hall. The Old City Hall is just to the right, an old Romanesque building. If you’re visiting in the winter you can go skating in the square for free."

"The AGO is hard to miss: the monumental glass and titanium facade designed by Toronto native son Frank Gehry hovering over the main building…"

"This non-profit, artist-centred collective has hosted new and experimental work since 1979. Featuring five exhibitions per year over its 40-year history, the gallery is dedicated to helping artists realize ambitious and pivotal projects. “The Union” also hosts artists’ talks, workshops, seminars, and off-site public projects such as SPACE, a series of commissioned public billboards."

"Restaurant gastronomique, Italienne, Brunch, Restaurant avec service de réception, Restaurant avec stationnement, Restaurant avec salles privées, Restaurant avec spectacles. Découvrez un menu proposant une cuisine sur le grille, des pates et une cuisine vegetarienne, aux prix de 26$ à 60..."

"Exceptional service and food, with none of the casual familiarity that afflicts many restaurants in the area. We spent close to two hours luxuriating over…"

"The Stelvio is a famed restaurant in Canada which serves authentic and sumptuous Italian dishes. Their menu is complete of antipasti, Taglieri, insalate, pasta, primi, secondi, and dolci. They are usually open every day except Mondays."

"This restaurant is on Amelia street, so it could not be more aptly named. However, the restaurant's amiability extends far beyond the entrance. Owners and waiters learn your name quickly and don't rush you through your Northern Italian dinner."

"Crews & Tangos is the best gay bar in Toronto for drag shows, with a hilarious performance taking place every night of the week. It's considered the hub of Toronto's drag culture, the place where local drag queens will have started their career at some stage. The most famous of them all – the Queen of the North, MrsBrooke Lynn Hytes, who is from Toronto, started her career right here many years ago."

"Often referred to simply as ‘Crews,’ this multistory Victorian house is home to the city’s biggest and best drag shows. Expect an explosive combination of drag shows and crowd-fueled karaoke seven nights a week, led by a host of charming drag queens. Crews underlines inclusivity, so all guests are welcomed with open arms regardless of creed."

"Murphy’s Law Pub offers a four-course meal that includes your choice of savoury bread pudding or vegetarian frittata (one per person) and in-house-made butter tarts. Pre-orders can be placed online, or call 416-690-5516 to place your order by May 6 at 9 pm for pick up on Saturday, May 8, between 2 pm and 9 pm. Address: 1702 Queen Street EastHours: From 2 pm to 9 pm"

"A post shared by Murphys Law Pub and Kitchen (@murphyslawto) on Jun 8, 2020 at 1:42pm PDT. This pub and kitchen in The Beach(es) offers an excellent view of Toronto’s east end alongside two dozen craft beers on tap and an all-pleasing selection like wings, nachos, and yes, even avocado toast. Address: 1702 Queen Street East, TorontoPhone: 416-690-5516"

"Murphy’s Law is a pub with a dreamy rustic rooftop restaurant patio and an even dreamier selection of drink specials. There are wooden tables, unique light fixtures, and plenty of greenery to take in while sipping your local craft beer selection. If the rooftop patio is full, there’s always the two street-level patios to choose from as well."

"Industrial Design, Free Wi-Fi And Bike Rentals Add To The Super Toronto Location Within Steps Of Kensington Market And The Light Rail At The Hotel Ocho. Built In 1902, The Four-Story, 12-Room Hotel Ocho Mixes Old World Allure With Modern Touches Including Free Wi-Fi, Flat-Panel Tvs, Industrial-Style Decor And Works From Local Artists. Non-Smoking Rooms Are Available."

"Rooms at Hotel Ocho are stylishly decorated with exposed brick walls and industrial-style furnishings. There’s a bar and restaurant on-site, as well as a bicycle hire to help you explore the city with ease. The CN Tower is just a mile away, and other top attractions are within easy walking (or cycling) distance."