If you have a Toronto library card, you can visit any Toronto History Museum for free this month.
In celebration of Museum Month, the City of Toronto is offering library cardholders free admission to city-owned and operated Toronto History Museums from Tuesday to Thursday every week in May.
There are nine Toronto History Museums participating in this event, so if you time it just right you could see them all.
Toronto's History Museums
Colborne Lodge in High Park
Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This historic house was built by the city's first architect, John Howard. Explore the stunning property and Howard's original picture gallery both located at the south end of High Park.
Fort York National Historic Site
Courtesy of Fort York National Historic Site via Facebook.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Located near Lake Ontario, Fort York museum has the largest collection of buildings from the war of 1812 in Canada. The seven buildings were erected between 1813 and 1815 and are preserved examples of British military architecture.
Gibson House Museum
Hours: Call 416-395-7432 for details
Seen by guided tour only, this 1851 Georgian-style farmhouse was the home of Toronto's first land surveyor.
Mackenzie House
Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The former home of Toronto's first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, was named a historical site in 1973. Located on 82 Bond St., the home is steps away from the Eaton Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square.
Market Gallery
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Situated on the second floor of the St. Lawrence Market, this spacious gallery was part of Toronto’s original 19th-century Front Street City Hall council chamber.
Montgomery's Inn
Courtesy of Montgomery's Inn via Facebook.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A former tavern and landmark in Etobicoke for over 180 years, this stunning museum includes 12 restored rooms, a tea room and bar, as well as a commercial kitchen. But our favourite part is the home's 3,000 volume library, gallery space and archives.
Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens
Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Get a glimpse inside the home of the Austin Family. This historic house is the city's only museum representing the 1920s and 30s.
Scarborough Museum
Courtesy of Scarborough Museum via Facebook.
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Located along the walking trails of Thomson Memorial Park, this museum captures the history and development of Scarborough from the 1790s on.
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site
Hours: Closed on Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Set in the scenic Don Valley, this historic site consists of two millers' homes, a brewery, papermill theatre and gallery.
Visiting After Museum Month
If you prefer spacing out your visits, you can still visit Toronto History Museums for free after Museum Month by borrowing a Museum + Arts Pass from the library. All you have to do is sign out the pass and you and your family can get free admission to a wide variety of museums and attractions in the city.
May is a big month for the city with city walks, selfie tours, Victoria Day activities and Doors Open Toronto on the horizon.
Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf is the perfect opportunity for city explorers to learn more about their city. The event literally opens the doors to 150 of the city's most architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings in Toronto.
