May is Museum Month in Ontario, as promoted by the Ontario Museum Association and timed to coincide with International Museum Day on May 18th. Every year museums across the province have special events and deals on admission to encourage visitors to come and see what they have to offer.
In Toronto, many museums already have special programming in May for Mother's Day, Victoria Day and Doors Open Toronto. Here are just a few of the other events you can enjoy during Museum Month.
May is also Asian Heritage Month in Toronto, which you'll see reflected in many of the events below.
Thursday May 1
Opening Day at Black Creek Pioneer Village
This seasonal site that uses actual heritage buildings and costumed interpreters to allow you to explore a 19th century village re-opens for 2008.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Friday May 2
Lecture & Hands On Clay Workshop: Asian Heritage Month
The Chief Curator will speak about the museum's porcelain from the Ming and Qing Dynasties from 4pm-5pm, with a live music performance following from 6pm-9pm. Also from 6pm-9pm you can try creating your own Terra Cotta Warrior. Admission is free from 4pm-9pm every Friday, but register online to reserve a spot in the lecture.
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
Saturday May 3
Tap Your Toes Around the World: Visit the Netherlands
Drop-in between noon and 4pm to experience dance, music, art and of course shoes from the Netherlands.
Bata Shoe Museum
Sunday May 4
Asian Heritage Month: Music from Macao
The Amigu di Macua club will present Macanese Folk Music as part of Asian Heritage Month. At 3pm, registration required.
Bata Shoe Museum
ROM Sunday Concerts: Dynasty Music Group
A mix of popular Chinese songs and English hits. From 2pm-3pm, included with admission.
Royal Ontario Museum
Wednesday May 7
Asian Heritage Month: Japan Lecture
York University Professor Ted Goossen will speak at 6pm. More details on admission and registration will be announced on the museum's website.
Bata Shoe Museum
Friday May 9
Lecture: Susan Collett - The Great 'Draw' of China
The award-winning ceramic artist will talk about the development of her work. From 6pm. Admission is free from 4pm-9pm every Friday, but register online to reserve a spot in the lecture.
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
Saturday May 10
Saturday Shenanigans
Enjoy crafts aimed at families with children ages three to nine. The theme during May is Ballet: Crafts to Let your Imagination Dance. This regular event is included with admission and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Bata Shoe Museum
Sunday May 11
Mother's Day Lunch
Enjoy a meal in the Half Way House Restaurant, part of a building that once provided a place to eat and rest for stage coach passengers. Reservations required, 416-667-6295.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Mother's Day Royal Brunch
Enjoy a meal in Casa Loma's Conservatory or Library. Visit the special event section of the website for remaining seating times, prices, and how to reserve your spot.
Casa Loma
ROM Sunday Concerts: Toronto Chinese Orchestra
Traditional and modern music. From 2pm-3pm, included with admission.
Royal Ontario Museum
Saturday May 17
Saturday Shenanigans
Enjoy crafts aimed at families with children ages three to nine. The theme during May is Ballet: Crafts to Let your Imagination Dance. This regular event is included with admission and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Bata Shoe Museum
Sunday May 18
International Museum Day
Enjoy free admission at Campbell House Museum
ROM Sunday Concerts: Lee Pui Ming, pianist
A concert of improvised music. From 2pm-3pm, included with admission.
Royal Ontario Museum
Wednesday May 21
Ballet Movie Night: Le Roi Danse
This period drama focuses on the creative aspects of the reign of King Louis XIV. At 6pm, more details on admission and registration will be announced on the museum's website.
Bata Shoe Museum
Fossil, Rock, Gem, Mineral & Meteorite Identification Clinic
Bring any of the above to the ROM to have it identified. They don't do appraisals or identify manufactured items - but they'll tell you what that stone of yours is. From 4:30pm-5:30pm, free with admission.
Royal Ontario Museum
Saturday May 24
Doors Open Toronto
Numerous sites will be taking part in this annual exploration of Toronto behind-the-scenes.
Doors Open Toronto
ROM Sunday Concerts: Hong Xu
The Chinese pianist performs. From 2pm-3pm, included with admission.
Royal Ontario Museum
Sunday May 25
Doors Open Toronto
Numerous sites will be taking part in this annual exploration of Toronto behind-the-scenes.
Doors Open Toronto
Friday May 30
Lecture: Laurie Rolland - A Natural Progression
The Sheridan graduate will speak about her work as a potter, focusing on her development since 1997. From 6pm. Admission is free from 4pm-9pm every Friday, but register online to reserve a spot in the lecture.
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
More Than Just a Yardage Sale 2008
Supplies for the textile artist will be on sale to support the museum. Come out between 11am and 6pm to find fabric, yarn, patterns and more.
Textile Museum of Canada
Saturday May 31
More Than Just a Yardage Sale 2008
Supplies for the textile artist will be on sale to support the museum. Come out between 10am and 1pm to find fabric, yarn, patterns and more.
Textile Museum of Canada
Spring Blossoms in the City: The Heritage Gardens of Casa Loma and Spadina Museum
Enjoy a private tour of both the Casa Loma grounds and the Spadina Museum's Edwardian Gardens. Tours and admission to both sites for $34 plus tax and Capital Improvement Surcharge. Pre-registration is required, call 416-923-1171 ext.205/215.
Casa Loma
Saturday Shenanigans
Enjoy crafts aimed at families with children ages three to nine. The theme during May is Ballet: Crafts to Let your Imagination Dance. This regular event is included with admission and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Bata Shoe Museum
