fbpx Skip to content

FAQ

Why is the Gardiner changing?

In September 2023, the Gardiner announced a transformational $9-million donation from The Radlett Foundation in honour of the late William B.G. Humphries. This generous philanthropic contribution is the catalyst for a full-scale reimagining of the Gardiner’s ground floor, bringing our physical space in line with our mission of building community with clay.

Our first major renovation in almost two decades, the project includes the construction of a fully equipped Makerspace, a Community Learning Centre, and a new Indigenous gallery. A vital gesture toward reconciliation, the Indigenous gallery will showcase ceramic traditions of the Woodland and Great Lakes Region, where the Museum is situated.
Learn more

How much will the project cost?

The estimated capital costs of the project are $15.5 million.

How long will construction take?

Construction began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed by October 2025.

Is the Gardiner open during construction?

After a three-month period of closure for the first phase of construction, the Museum will reopen on October 7, 2024, with the exception of the ground floor galleries. The second-floor galleries, special exhibition hall, and Clay Restaurant will be open. Clay classes will be running in our basement studios.

Open:
Chinese Porcelain
Japanese Porcelain and Its Influence
European Porcelain
Rosalie Wise Sharp Gallery
Joan Courtois Gallery
Exhibition Hall
Clay Restaurant
Gardiner Shop
Clay Studios

Closed:
Ancestral Americas
Modern & Contemporary
Italian Renaissance Maiolica
English Delftware
Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney Community Clay Studio
Goldring Family Lecture Hall

The ground floor will reopen in October 2025.

Will objects from the ground floor be on display during construction?

A selection of objects from our ground floor galleries will be on display in our third-floor exhibition hall, as well as in our Joan Courtois Gallery, spanning three floors of the Museum’s glass stairwell.

Are you charging admission during construction?

While the ground floor galleries are closed, the Gardiner is operating on a pay-what-you-wish basis. Tickets can only be purchased at the Admissions Desk upon arrival at the Museum.

Please give what you can. We rely on admissions to support extraordinary exhibitions, innovative clay education, bold community programming, and more. As a not-for-profit organization undergoing a major transition, we can’t do it without your help!

Suggested Admission:*
Adults: $15
Seniors (65+): $11
18 and Under: Free (visitors under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Students (with valid student ID): Free
Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis): Free
*Please note that there is a minimum cost of $1 per Adult and Senior visitor.

Admission is free on Wednesdays after 4 pm. No advanced registration is required.

Learn more about our Hours & Admission

Are clay classes running?

Clay classes, including sessional and single classes, are continuing to run during construction. Register now

Will the Gardiner Shop be open?

You’ll find a curated selection of items in our temporary Gardiner Shop space, open during Museum hours. Shop online anytime. We offer shipping and local pick up.

The ground floor will reopen with a brand new Gardiner Shop in October 2025.

Will Clay Restaurant be open?

Yes, Clay Restaurant will reopen on October 7, 2024. Check their operating hours and make a reservation.

How can I stay up to date on the project?

Sign up for our e-newsletter, follow us on social media, and visit our website for all the latest details and announcements.

Ways to Support


Transforming the Gardiner’s Ground Floor is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that requires the support of a wide community. Every contribution brings us closer to realizing our mission of building community with clay.

Join us today
 

Land Acknowledgment

The Gardiner Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional territories of many nations, including the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. It is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. As a museum that celebrates the material of the earth, the Gardiner Museum is committed to honouring Indigenous peoples’ cultural and spiritual connections to the land. Reconciliation is central to our work as a museum, and we strive to celebrate Indigenous knowledge and creativity through our collections, exhibitions, and programming.

Items in your cart:
  • No products in the cart.
The Gardiner Museum will close at 6 pm on Wednesday May 22 for the International Ceramic Art Fair Preview Gala.