Royal Ontario Museum Review

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto is an enduring gem that first opened its doors in 1914, making it over a century old. This institution is far from static, constantly refreshing its appeal with new exhibits that rotate frequently.

We last visited on June 6th, 2024

The newest exhibit is a large gallery that shows the art and material culture of China, from the earliest times to the end of the last dynasty in 1912.

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto has once again outdone itself with a stunning new exhibit showcasing the art and material culture of China, spanning from ancient times to the fall of the last dynasty in 1912. This expansive gallery is a treasure trove of culture and history, providing a deep dive into the rich heritage of China and influence the country had on their nearby neighbours.

One particularly eye-opening discovery for many visitors is learning about the origins of the swastika symbol. Far from its appropriation by the Nazis, the swastika has ancient roots in Chinese culture, symbolizing good fortune and auspiciousness.

Also new at the ROM “Earth: An Immersive Journey” is a must-see. It’s a powerful reminder of our planet’s beauty and the urgent need to protect it. Created by Sensory Odyssey Studio and co-produced with Paris’s Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle,

This mesmerizing exhibition takes visitors on a global adventure across five diverse ecosystems. You’ll descend through a tropical forest canopy, venture into lush forests teeming with bats, explore the hidden world of soil dwellers, roam insect-rich grasslands, and marvel at the majestic far north Arctic regions. The ultra-high-definition, 8K-resolution video projections, recorded in pristine locations worldwide, bring these environments to life with breathtaking realism. Augmented by spatial sounds, the exhibit offers a deeply immersive sensory experience.

UPDATE

We returned to the ROM on June 18th, 2024, to see The Cats Exhibit because of our keen interest in feline history and wild cats. The exhibit features an incredible timeline of the evolution of cats over millions of years, showing how the wildcat (Felis silvestris) evolved into the domestic cats we have today. It’s fascinating to think that our household pets have such wild origins.

The exhibit showcases dozens of famous cats, such as leopards, pumas, cheetahs, and lions, displayed in all their splendor, along with some lesser-known wildcats. The setup presents the animals in simplified natural habitats and provides informative details about each one. Each cat display is meticulously detailed and incredibly lifelike. However, if you’re expecting to feel completely immersed in their natural habitats, that’s not the focus of this exhibition. Instead, it highlights how different ancient cultures in Africa and Asia have appreciated and integrated cats into their lives through sculptures, jewelry, and decorations.

The exhibit also addresses a somber aspect of feline history - the killing of big cats for the fur trade. For decades, cat fur was highly sought after for fashion and décor, leading to a significant decline in wild cat populations. Over the last 50 years, the number of leopards worldwide has plummeted from nearly 700,000 to just around 50,000. Although hunting endangered wild cats is now illegal in most countries, illegal trade still persists, fetching thousands of dollars on the black market.

After leaving the Cats Exhibit, we viewed the exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts related to daily life, agriculture, and tomb burial. Mummification wasn’t just for the Pharaohs and their friends. Most impressive, The “Tomb of Kitines,” discovered in the Dakhleh Oasis, dates back to the 2nd century A.D. The mummy is in excellent condition, down to the hair on their head, with stunning sarcophagus details and hieroglyphs that offer a peek into how they did things back then. Seeing it was surreal and unforgettable.

Overall, another great adventure at the ROM.