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Museums #9 in Toronto

Ontario Science Centre

4.4 · 15,012 reviews
Quiet and restricted during current closure; historically vibrant and energetic.
Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada
Interesting facts
1

The building was constructed as part of Canada's Centennial celebrations.

2

The structure is built into the side of the Don River valley, utilizing the natural slope of the landscape.

3

The centre houses the Shoppers Drug Mart OMNIMAX Theatre, which utilizes a massive domed screen.

4

The site contains a permanent collection of over 800 individual interactive exhibits.

5

The building's design was a pioneering example of Brutalist architecture in Canada.

Overview

The Ontario Science Centre is a landmark interactive museum featuring hundreds of hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, and engineering. The facility is famously built into the side of a ravine valley, with the main entrance connected to an exhibition hall via a bridge. Notable installations include the Astronaut Exhibit, a daily live electricity demonstration featuring a Van de Graaff generator, and a rainforest ecosystem. The centre was designed by architect Raymond Moriyama and opened in 1969. It features a planetarium and a dedicated space for early childhood development. The site is currently closed to the public due to structural safety concerns involving the roof panels, which were identified in mid-2024.

Photo spot

The elevated bridge walkway provides an expansive view of the ravine landscape surrounding the facility.

Insider tips

Check the official website regularly for updates regarding re-opening timelines and site status.

Monitor news outlets for information regarding the potential relocation of the centre to Ontario Place.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to visit without checking the current status on the official website, as the facility is currently closed for safety reasons.

Good to know

Currently closed indefinitely for public safety due to structural integrity issues with the roof panels.

Etiquette

Casual, comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the vast size of the facility.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, excluding school holidays, to avoid the highest volume of field trip groups.
Address
Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada
43.717, -79.339
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsAstronaut Exhibit, Van de Graaff generator, OMNIMAX Theatre, rainforest ecosystem

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, excluding school holidays, to avoid the highest volume of field trip groups..

The elevated bridge walkway provides an expansive view of the ravine landscape surrounding the facility.

Close by you'll find Aga Khan Museum, Edwards Gardens, Ernest Thompson Seton Park.