Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum is a stunning space that beautifully showcases Islamic art, culture, and history. The architecture is modern and serene, creating a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the experience. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, with highlights including intricate manuscripts and vibrant ceramics. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the visit’s enjoyment. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, offering both education and inspiration. Highly recommended!

I liked the exhibits on the first floor quite a lot. Very interesting and historical pieces they are displaying here. They also had a performance of traditional northern Indian dancing, as well as someone playing the drum. It was quite enjoyable. The top floor had an exhibit on lights which was quite modern. A lot of light and colour present within those pieces. There was plenty of parking when we went there on a weekday. The outside was also super cool with the water ponds and trees in front. I would recommend exploring this museum.

Great museum showcasing the Islamic influences in art, tradition and architecture across multiple Muslim cultures over the centuries. They also have several exhibitions showcasing more contemporary themes (e.g. the role of light in our perception when I visited) and works from Canadian indigenous and other upcoming global artists. There's also a gift shop which sells handicrafts, books and other items. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The only piece of constructive criticism I'd have is that I found the display placards lacking explanations linking the Islamicate form of the artifacts with the spiritual core and theological precepts of the Islamic religion. These motifs can be discerned in sacred architecture but may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Would recommend elaborating on these more within the exhibits to make the visits even more informative and educational.

The Aga Khan Museum, nestled in North York, is truly a hidden gem. Although reaching it by transit presents a bit of a trek, the journey is well worth the effort. I ventured there alone to experience the "Light: Visionary Perspectives" exhibition, which delves into how light influences our perceptions, emotions, and understanding through an array of immersive and captivating artworks. Upon arrival, I purchased a reasonably priced ticket—made even more affordable with a PRESTO Card discount. The staff were exceptionally helpful, providing detailed guidance on what to see and how to navigate the museum. Their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism were commendable. The museum is fully accessible, with both elevators and stairs leading to the second-floor exhibition. The thoughtful selection of artworks truly embodies the Aga Khan’s mission to enlighten its visitors. The exhibition was spaciously arranged and thoroughly engaging. The ground floor also boasts a collection of Islamic antiquities, impressively curated and extensive for a museum of its size. Additionally, the museum offers guided tours and even serves as a picturesque venue for weddings. Facilities include a dining area and a gift shop, enhancing the visitor experience. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to anyone looking for an enriching cultural experience—it’s a remarkable institution indeed.

A beautiful, peaceful, historical experience! As soon as you walk up to this marvelous architectural landmark you are immersed in and welcomed into the world Islamic art, history, and culture! Each exhibit is well arranged and laid out with emphasis on each curated piece of history. You can follow the islamic heritage through the lineage of the empires prior! The symbolism of nature, light, humanity and spiritual awakening is seen throughout. There are various areas of reflection in and outside the building and overall an amazing place to visit and explore!

If you wanna dig deep about Islam culture I’d recommend this place. It has in house boutique shop to sell unique handmade products and a cafeteria to enjoy the eternal beauty of museum too. Whether it’s your date or family you can never be wrong to enjoy this place.

I visited a very quiet, large, and clean museum with interesting historical pieces from different cultures. It was great to see some parts of a book by Avicenna, as well as beautifully painted calligraphy pieces. The museum also had different objects from Islamic culture, such as columns and beams from a building, each with a fantastic and short description. The personnel were very welcoming giving advice and helping to make a great experience and I really liked it. Hopefully, I will visit it again

Absolutely amazing experience at the Aga Khan Museum - the Light exhibit was my favorite! The architecture and ambience is so peaceful and welcoming as well as all of the members of staff were extremely kind, helpful, and welcoming! Highly recommend visiting -

The Aga Khan Museum is a stunning space that beautifully showcases Islamic art, culture, and history. The architecture is modern and serene, creating a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the experience. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, with highlights including intricate manuscripts and vibrant ceramics. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the visit’s enjoyment. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, offering both education and inspiration. Highly recommended!

I liked the exhibits on the first floor quite a lot. Very interesting and historical pieces they are displaying here. They also had a performance of traditional northern Indian dancing, as well as someone playing the drum. It was quite enjoyable. The top floor had an exhibit on lights which was quite modern. A lot of light and colour present within those pieces. There was plenty of parking when we went there on a weekday. The outside was also super cool with the water ponds and trees in front. I would recommend exploring this museum.

Great museum showcasing the Islamic influences in art, tradition and architecture across multiple Muslim cultures over the centuries. They also have several exhibitions showcasing more contemporary themes (e.g. the role of light in our perception when I visited) and works from Canadian indigenous and other upcoming global artists. There's also a gift shop which sells handicrafts, books and other items. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The only piece of constructive criticism I'd have is that I found the display placards lacking explanations linking the Islamicate form of the artifacts with the spiritual core and theological precepts of the Islamic religion. These motifs can be discerned in sacred architecture but may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Would recommend elaborating on these more within the exhibits to make the visits even more informative and educational.

The Aga Khan Museum, nestled in North York, is truly a hidden gem. Although reaching it by transit presents a bit of a trek, the journey is well worth the effort. I ventured there alone to experience the "Light: Visionary Perspectives" exhibition, which delves into how light influences our perceptions, emotions, and understanding through an array of immersive and captivating artworks. Upon arrival, I purchased a reasonably priced ticket—made even more affordable with a PRESTO Card discount. The staff were exceptionally helpful, providing detailed guidance on what to see and how to navigate the museum. Their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism were commendable. The museum is fully accessible, with both elevators and stairs leading to the second-floor exhibition. The thoughtful selection of artworks truly embodies the Aga Khan’s mission to enlighten its visitors. The exhibition was spaciously arranged and thoroughly engaging. The ground floor also boasts a collection of Islamic antiquities, impressively curated and extensive for a museum of its size. Additionally, the museum offers guided tours and even serves as a picturesque venue for weddings. Facilities include a dining area and a gift shop, enhancing the visitor experience. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to anyone looking for an enriching cultural experience—it’s a remarkable institution indeed.

A beautiful, peaceful, historical experience! As soon as you walk up to this marvelous architectural landmark you are immersed in and welcomed into the world Islamic art, history, and culture! Each exhibit is well arranged and laid out with emphasis on each curated piece of history. You can follow the islamic heritage through the lineage of the empires prior! The symbolism of nature, light, humanity and spiritual awakening is seen throughout. There are various areas of reflection in and outside the building and overall an amazing place to visit and explore!

If you wanna dig deep about Islam culture I’d recommend this place. It has in house boutique shop to sell unique handmade products and a cafeteria to enjoy the eternal beauty of museum too. Whether it’s your date or family you can never be wrong to enjoy this place.

I visited a very quiet, large, and clean museum with interesting historical pieces from different cultures. It was great to see some parts of a book by Avicenna, as well as beautifully painted calligraphy pieces. The museum also had different objects from Islamic culture, such as columns and beams from a building, each with a fantastic and short description. The personnel were very welcoming giving advice and helping to make a great experience and I really liked it. Hopefully, I will visit it again

Absolutely amazing experience at the Aga Khan Museum - the Light exhibit was my favorite! The architecture and ambience is so peaceful and welcoming as well as all of the members of staff were extremely kind, helpful, and welcoming! Highly recommend visiting -

It was a very pleasurable experience (attended during summerlicious)! The staff, from the time you enter the museum to the restaurant are very nice! The food is an added bonus...my mother wanted an off the menu dish-meatballs & it was the best meatballs I ever tasted. My 16 mth old also loved it! We'll definitely return!!!

I had the opportunity to visit the Aga Khan Museum during Doors Open Toronto. After turning into the driveway, there's a small outdoor parking lot. Seeing that it was full, I was a bit worried about not finding a parking spot. I followed the car in front of me to an underground lot where there were a lot of parking spots and staff directing traffic. There are payment stations where you should pay for parking ($10) before entering the museum.   Even though it was free admission to the museum, there were staff at the entrance to the exhibition on the ground floor, and they requested that patrons have a paper ticket. At the ticket counter, I inquired about a ticket. The young woman asked if I wanted admission to the Rumi exhibit. She explained that the ground-floor exhibit would take approximately 45 minutes to walk through, and the Rumi exhibit would be $10.   I'm not sure how busy the museum is usually, but there were quite a few people there for Doors Open Toronto. There were fewer people at the exhibit upstairs, giving more free space to move around and learn about the various items on display.   The grounds of the museum are quite nice, and there were many people taking photos outside at the infinity pools. One of these pools had words rising out of it, but they were upside down. The correct way to read them was in the reflection of the pool. It said, "There is a voice that does not use words."

You probably have driven by Aga Khan Museum multiple times right by dvp as the structure of the building is unique and stands out. The Landscpaing around the property is kept very well. You can easily scroll around the property after your visit to admire the property. The museum shares the area with The Ismaili Center (religious Center). Lots of parking underground (paid) and a handful outside. The museum itself features artifacts from East Asian and Islamic Art. Currently, the museum is showcasing Rumi. The museum is open to the public free of charge once a month. It's not too large inside but definitely worth visiting. There's a small cafe & restaurant as well.

Nice and informative place. Lots of history pieces from Iran, Egypt, Turkey. Very clean and spacious. Each piece has a well written history of it. One floor was in the process of renovation so we got a special 10$ entry ticket that day. The staff there was very pleasant and helpful.

The Aga Khan museum is fantastic. Everyone is extremely friendly, and the exhibits are very well curated. I got to see the Rumi exhibit which was excellent. I also really loved the selection at the gift shop and the coffee shop was terrific. Great selection of drinks and foods. For snacks, and lunch.

My family went here this week. We are always looking to experience museums to learn. Aga Khan museum was amazing; great historical pieces that connect the dots on the various religions and influences across the ages. Everyone should check it out!

I visited the Aga Khan museum over the weekend and wasn't too impressed by it. We went for doors open but I didn't even feel the main exhibit was worth the parking price. It was a really small exhibit and we finished walking through it really fast. Would I return? It's very unlikely. The Moon Exhibit: We paid extra to check this out and it was worth the $10. It was a much nicer exhibit with interactive elements. Would I rush here for this? Probably not but if you visit this museum you must see this exhibit to make your trip worth while. The Grounds: The grounds are beautiful. They have fake water ponds and green trees everywhere which make the grounds a beautiful place to walk around.

Gorgeous artwork, beautiful architecture and exotic food: what's not to love?! Throw in pop up musical acts, story telling and another art exhibit at the adjacent Ismaili Centre and I could say that it was a very enjoyable visit. I was home with the flu for a whole week and I was experiencing cabin fever BAD! So I convinced a friend of mine to accompany me to Aga Khan. The permanent collection is housed on the first floor and temporary exhibits on the second. The second floor was closed during our visit because they were currently switching out the artwork: the only downside of our visit. What caught my eye first was this big Mongolian Yurt (tent) that filled up the inner courtyard. I read that it symbolises the universe, so naturally we had to check it out and take a selfie at it's centre..... the centre of the universe WOO HOO! It was pretty cozy and served as a unique venue for the musicians that we saw later that day. In the main gallery I was entertained by the projected images on the walls and the interactive kiosks. I oohed and aahed at the gilded books with beautiful vibrant illustrations. Artifacts crafted from marble, precious stones, silk and gold appealed to my feminine side. After our short self guided tour, we had a very satisfying lunch at Diwan. Afterwards we perused the gift store that showcased porcelain vases edged in 24 karat gold, jewelry inlaid with semi-precious stones, exotic perfumes, and luxurious Italian silk scarves for the women and ties for the gents. The restaurant (Diwan) and gift shop are located at the front of the museum and are accessible without a museum ticket. There is a small cafe behind the courtyard that sells prepackaged sandwiches, snacks, delicious Sloane teas, and THE best beef samosas! A small museum with two floors but packed with lots of activity (see calandar of events to make the most of your visit). Also book a free tour of the adjacent Ismaili Centre. The staff were lovely, very warm and welcoming.

I highly recommend going here. If you like going to the art museums it is a great break from seeing the same western centric art museums which are prevalent. Also the museum tells an interesting history from a place that we don't often hear good things from. The setup was very good, the architecture of the building was very cool.

I came here for Doors Open with some friends as none of us had ever been before. We had a nice lunch at Diwan (great place by the way!) by the entrance of the museum before walking around to explore the ground floor artifacts on display, courtyard, and beautiful surroundings outside. There was even a traditional performance in the courtyard at one point. We enjoyed our visit despite the fact that it was very busy and it seemed that professional photos were being taken everywhere that afternoon. We got some great photos of the beautiful exterior, surrounding fountains and gardens despite this. It was understandably a lot more serene outside in the gardens and by the fountains. I can imagine some having a nice peaceful lunch or reading a book when the weather is nice by those areas. I enjoyed my time here as part of a girls afternoon and really couldn't complain as it was free admission for the areas that we explored that day. Some of the other reviewers mentioned feeling like they paid a lot for what they saw and that this museum is smaller than others for similar pricing. The ground floor artifacts are nice but not plentiful so I can see people feeling a bit let down by that. I didn't see the paid exhibitions though so I can't comment on whether the pricing was worth it for that or parking as I was dropped off. I think it's fair to say that if you want to visit and get some nice pictures, wait for an opportunity to go for free admission during the week (Wednesdays I think) or during Doors Open in May.

I visited here on the weekend of Toronto doors open. Instead of a free admission as was broadcasted, the museum charged half price ($10) and you also need to pay $10 for parking. The only highlight of this museum was the building itself (the articheture design involved). There was too little exhibition inside.

Free Admission on Wednesday evening. +1 Star I don't think I would have pay full admission $20+ to visit Aga Khan Museum. The space is stunning and I love the setting of the museum. The item on display is quite unique and it is about the Islamic Cultural and History. I just wish there is more content and more description on the item on display. Definitely come and visit during the free admission, it worth your time and effort. $10 flat rate parking self serve parking lot

Lovely museum! We came in on Wednesday for the free admission so the museum was filled pretty well and very lively. I think we ended up spending almost three hours there going through the bottom floor's main exhibits and the moon exhibit on the floor above. We were pretty interested and stopped to look at each thing rather than quickly walking through the museum which impacts how long we spent there. This was one of the highlights of my Toronto trip. I highly recommend if you're into history and culture.

The Aga Khan Museum is one of the coolest gallery/museums in Toronto. They hold an extensive Islamic and Ismaili art from all over the world. You can see the Ismaili culture reflected in the history from its Persian roots to its transition to Indian art and its East African inspiration thanks to the large diaspora of Ismaili communities that once lived there. The museum is also a haven for Instagramers and social media influencers. The very well designed architecture and sharp geometric lines create the perfect natural landscape for photographers and their subjects. My only issue is that the museum itself located outside of the downtown core where the rest of the other galleries and museums are generally located. You have to use some form of transportation to get to the museum, but once you are there you can spend hours exploring inside and outside the space and get lost in the magic.

So much culture to experience here, beautiful art and beautiful history. If you choose to their are tour guides that walk you through the museum, telling you about the history or culture, or you can choose to walk alone at your own pace which is what I did. It isn't the biggest museum but it is beautiful. The exterior in itself is a sight, great place to take pictures. The little gift shop also has a lot of hidden treasures and amazing finds. Definitely check it out if you have some time.

Went with the family and other close family members from US to the only museum of this kind in North America. The museum was not crowded even on a summer weekday afternoon for which we were glad. The staff are super nice and answer any questions and also provide you information about things that are outside of the actual museum. If you have the time take the architecture tour for a little extra as the architecture itself is amazing. The stairs, the recital facilities, the roof - amazing. Bought a few things at the gift store as well and some snacks at the cafeteria. The prices reasonable and choices plenty. Would definitely go again and recommend everyone to visit this piece of art at least once.

Came here using my MAP Pass and I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it. The building is big but there is little to see in terms of models, art work, and displays. I was actually quite disappointed. The staff were very friendly and since we went with an hour to close, they suggested to go to the Temporary Gallery first before the Permanent Gallery. We were able to see those two galleries within the hour.

This museum is like an oasis in the middle of midtown Toronto. The grounds were gorgeous and the exhibits and artifacts were beautiful. We definitely came out more enlightened than we did when we first came in.

This is a nice museum that opened in September 2014. While the location is a bit hard to get to without a car, it does allow for a very modern, spacious building (designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki) -- I can't imagine this being built anywhere downtown! The museum is 2 floors and it's not too big. You can cover both the permanent collection and temporary exhibits in about 90-120 mins. at a leisurely pace. The space, music, and art really complement each other, and the staff were all really friendly! The variety of Islamic art spans several centuries, up to contemporary times (there is currently an exhibit of contemporary art from Pakistan). The Aga Khan Museum makes for a peaceful morning or afternoon. The only thing is that it is not cheap at $20 entrance fee for adults (+$5 for audioguide, +2.50/hour for parking). There is a student/senior discount ticket for $15, and if you spend $30 in their cafe (but not Diwan, their restaurant) or the gift shop, you get $5 off parking. It would be nice for them to have a certain day/time with reduced admission, similar to what the AGO/ROM/Gardiner museums do. Definitely stop by Diwan for a bite if you're here! The food and service were excellent. Check their website for information on lectures, film screenings, dance performances, etc. Looks like there's a pretty active event calendar.

What a serene place to visit. Considering it neighbours the DVP that's saying a lot. Beautiful architecture. But the eyes are in the details and had I not had the architecture group walk, I probably would not have picked on the little big things all around. Mohammed was a fab tour guide. You can tell how passionate he is. The pieces kept in the museum may be less compared to bigger museums but each piece has a reason and history behind. The displays are worth checking out each. It should take you no more than 2 - 3 hours for entire exhibit. The staff in general were amazing. Def a place worth checking out. Albiet I have to make another trip in mid summer to see the water filled areas outside and the shadows created by the central windows. I was told that is a sight to see.

BOTTOM LINE: A gorgeous space that is culturally and politically important/relevant but I wish their exhibits were more fulsome. It's hard to rate the Aga Khan because some things are done remarkably well, while other design choices leave a lot to be desired. Let's start with the good: the space is absolutely gorgeous with the grounds, the inner garden, and their hanging rug with gold threading. In the summer, be on the lookout for weekly events. Every now and then, there is a live sitar player, which really adds to the ambience. There's a resto on site that seems to be up and running again. Also, as mentioned in other reviews, it's free Wednesday nights. Now the not-so-good. The permanent exhibition space seems tiny and consists of a narrow breadth of pottery, paintings and the Koran. Even if you took your time, you'd easily see it all in less than an hour. Their exhibition space is even tinier in comparison and you find yourself at the end thinking, "what, that's it?". This in the context of a $20 admission fee, $10 flat parking cost, and no super easy way to get here, and you start to wonder "is it worth it?". It's definitely worth going once, but it's a steep re-admission price.

We went there on a free admission and at the same time they had the moon exhibit. Since it was free admission and we only had to pay $10 parking, it was good value for the viewing. I would recommend you do the same if you can go Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm for free admission.

I found the location of this museum odd as it sits on the edge of Toronto surrounded by suburban office park structures. The museum building itself is a rather austere corporate-like building that belies its contents. Even the lobby feels like it leads to a warren of work cubicles instead of galleries. Once past the work day lobby, the galleries are sensitively designed with beautiful Islamic manuscripts, decorative furnishings, paintings, and personal items on display. My favorite item was a swirling gold calligraphic composition on an actual chestnut leaf. The calligraphy made it appear like an ancient wooden ship being rowed across the water. It was so incredibly beautiful in its elegant simplicity.

First things first - this is a welcoming, serene and peaceful place. The architecture and the design is phenomenal. It reminds me very much of the Islamic Museum in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The design, especially the 2nd floor has Islamic-style grill work on the landing, which allows you to look down to the first floor. They have designed this building to include as much natural light as possible, and the building has an overall light and airy feel. The air-quality is fantastic. The Korans that they had were very well displayed - in particular one from Indonesia which really stood out for me. The meticulous work on the Korans, especially the delicately painted borders on each page reminded me very much of the ones I saw in Malaysia. They had some unique artwork from Gujarat and Iran. I am hoping that with time, their collection of art will increase. Gift shop - VERY overpriced! The grounds are very well maintained - people of all walks of life and different backgrounds are welcome here.

Tip: FREE admission on Wednesdays after 4pm. However, parking still remains a flat-fee of $10. Underground parking is more pleasant, especially on a not-so-warm day. Direct access to museum from underground. I'll freely admit that there's only so much ancient pottery, rugs, pieces of the Quran that I can handle, but I came more for the architecture which is, without any question, gorgeous! I think it is better to go on a beautiful, sunny day when you can actually enjoy the grounds outside and trees will be green. Infinity pools weren't up and running. (Again, that might just be a personal preference, but it was difficult to enjoy the paved, outdoor space in overcast, windy conditions. I reckon that the worst time to visit would be Winter, especially in this part of the city which is full of sharp turns and up/downhill driving.) I found it a bit difficult to figure out where to start in the museum. There were quite a few guards/volunteers standing in front of closed doors with frosted glass. We had to ask people at the ticket booth as to where the start point was. Main room on ground floor was more "open concept" with no real flow. You just sort of meander and look at random items (bowls, pieces of scripture written in Arabic, incense holders, a carved door, fountain), some behind glass, some displayed out in the open. I *think* it was ordered by country/chronologically. However, since there's no straight-forward path, it's quite possible to see things out of order. As per the other reviewers, there was a lack of description or real significance behind the artifacts...other than, "Oh, that's old!" I saw a handful of paintings and about a dozen or so hand-drawn artwork, the rest were random old items. To access the second floor, you have to get your ticket scanned again, and go up in an elevator. Seemed like a waste to me as the place isn't that big, I would've preferred going up an set of stairs, perhaps enjoying more of the architecture. Aside from the lack of description, photos that were on iPads weren't rotated. The iPads accompanied old manuscripts/books that were behind glass. Great idea, but difficult to enjoy when half the photos were sideways. Why didn't anyone fix this? In short: Beautiful architecture, optimally enjoyed on a nice day, lovely touches inside like the design over the windows, the stools spread throughout, calm, relaxing atmosphere, very fortunate that we live in a city with various cultural museums. However, there didn't seem to be a flow, difficult to figure out where to go (little signage), some missing details, lotsa closed doors (unnecessary in museums) & there seemed to be some wasted space (huge coat-check area WITH people working it, empty courtyard area, pottery/lounge room) throughout. Personally, I wouldn't pay for admission, so I'm glad that I went for free! :) Parking should be free in the evenings as well, at least on Wednesday, just sayin'.

This was a relatively small museum for the $20 admission fee. The interior is beautifully decorated with all the pieces beautifully displayed. The outside of the building and the gardens/water foundations cannot be more picture perfect - this must also be why they charge $10 flat rate for parking on top of the admission fee.

The AKM has quickly become one of my favourite places to visit in Toronto. The space is like an oasis in the middle of the hubbub of the city, adjacent as it is to the whirring Don Valley Parkway and the construction of the Eglinton transit line. I have taken the architectural tour a few times, and with each tour, have learned new and fascinating things about the macro and micro features of the building and its decor. There are some real gems here for architecture buffs, including the fact that the building essentially functions as a large sundial. I wish that the content of the tour was more consistent, so that everyone could have the benefit of learning about all of the fascinating elements, but I suspect that there is just too much information to cram into each one. The permanent collection is small, but there are some beautiful pieces here, ranging from a large marble fountain and a palm-sized astrolabe (both of which are marvels of engineering, especially considering their ages), to intricate artwork from the pages of the epic tale, "Shahnameh" (collated from various public and private sources around the world), that were painted with a squirrel hair and which require magnification using the handy iPads for closer examination and full appreciation. The rotating exhibits upstairs have included historical artifacts and modern art, as well as some unique mixtures of religious and scientific elements, such as the moon exhibit. It is refreshing to see the comfortable juxtaposition of faith and science/innovation, as the prevailing global socio-political narrative often places these in conflict, rather than harmony. The main atrium, with its cute cafe, courtyard (which sometimes contains a yurt), pop up performances, and the quiet little ceramic display room, is a peaceful and lovely area filled with natural light and the wafting scent of delicious food coming from the adjacent restaurant. Despite often being quite busy, noise does not carry too far and the space retains a peaceful and almost serene ambience. The surrounding park has a similar vibe, and the reflecting pools often host visiting ducks and geese taking a quick dip. The view of the spectacular glass pyramid atop the neighbouring Ismaili Centre stuns as you stroll through the clean lines of the garden. In the summertime, the museum restaurant has a lovely patio overlooking the park. Although the price of admission and parking are a little high here, I suspect that this must be to offset the costs of maintaining such a lovely space and housing these unique artifacts and artworks within a private museum. There are plenty of discounted and free opportunities to visit, including Doors Open Toronto and Nuit Blanche (which was incredibly busy, but beautiful this past year!). We have also checked out numerous reasonably-priced shows and lectures inside the comfortable auditorium, which boasts excellent acoustics and a second floor reception area with a gorgeous, solid lapis lazuli bar. The AKM is truly a gem!

What a lovely museum! I'm pretty sure it's only museum for Islamic art in North America. They have some neat permanent exhibits, but their temporary exhibits are phenomenal! They do a good job of merging the historic with the modern interpretations of Islam and its practice today. I took off one star because their temporary exhibits appear and disappear way too quickly! If you venture out to this part of Toronto, do take an architectural tour. The attention to detail in every aspect of the building is breathtaking. I don't mean to use such superfluous language, but I was truly amazed. The amount of time, energy, and attention people gave to the building of the museum is truly great compared to the attention I see some buildings in the US getting and later have architectural issues. My favorite spot is the infinity pool/fountains with a vies of the Ismaili Centre in the background. The ICT is worth a look as well. AKM is a nice gem in Eastern Canada :)

I really wanted to give this place more stars. The staff was amazing. They were nice and helpful with the tours, but the museum had so little to offer. It was the smallest museum I've ever visited. At least the first floor had enough to look at and read and become mesmerized with the ancient artifacts, but the second floor was quite the opposite. I felt like that it was very empty and what was displayed was not art, but simple objects enforced as art just to fill the space. They say they have live pop up music and by that they mean mediocre Indian music and a self invented dance performed by amateurs that looks more Spanish than Indian. There's no doubt that the architecture of this place is outstanding, but I had way higher expectations from the inside. I have been told that others are not willing to spend money to see the exhibitions and now I know why. Come on a Wednesday night to enjoy the first floor for free.

Gorgeous day at the Aga Khan Park absolutely RUINED by unprofessional SECURITY GUARD. This was my first time at the Aga Khan Park which surrounds the museum. The parking lot there is $3.50/hr (min 1hr) but you can use it towards food/gifts from the museum. The park is small but offers a little piece of tranquility in the city. There are 4 infinity ponds in the middle lined with trees. The park actually connects the Aga Khan Museum to the Ismaili Centre which is also part of the site. If you walk past the ponds there is a path that parallels the DVP that I believe leads to a bridge that crosses the highway or down a path that surrounds the Ismaili Centre. I had brought my small dog to enjoy the beautiful weather but planned to return for the museum later. I took the path down and I think there is a small garden behind the Ismaili Centre but the private security guard had informed us that the centre was actually closed due to a private event. Okay fine no problem. So we walked through the parking lot to make our way out of this section of the park when another museum security guard comes running towards us screaming, "HOW DID YOU GET THERE I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE, LEAVE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE GO! GO!" "uhhhh what...?" At this point we're almost out of the parking lot, I'm carrying my small dog because he's tired and I'm getting verbally accosted by this power crazy security lady waving her hands and umbrella around saying that I tried to park at the centre and she had already said it was closed. I tried to explain to her that she's mistaken, that have I never spoke to her before, my car's parked at the museum and I'm already trying to leave. I let her know the other security guard had already let us know it was closed off and that's why we're walking this way but she's having none of it. She just says "SWEETIE YOU TRIED TO PARK HERE I TOLD YOU IT'S CLOSED LEAVE NOW!" She's convinced she's talked to me before but when I question her she can't remember what kind of car I supposedly tried to enter with. I ask to speak with her manager she tells me to "go find him yourself", and she refuses to give me her name. I copy down her badge number - 11070084. I have never had such an unprofessional, rude, and condescending encounter from a museum staff member before. My peaceful day off completely ruined! Spoke to the manager. This is the THIRD time someone has complained about her, like c'mon guys this is not an isolated incident. How can they employ such unprofessional staff and want to be the newest cultural hub in the city? I would be worried to have events there. Beware: she works at the front on weekends and would probably yell at your grandmother for walking.

Gorgeous exhibition - the tapestry showed such breathtaking intricacies you have to see in person to really appreciate. I really appreciate the narrative and balance between the modern and more traditional artifacts. Although small but not cramped, the space was thoughtfully arranged and a delight to take in. Tip: Get free tickets (a Museum Arts Pass) from certain participating Toronto public libraries - you just need your library card and a piece of ID. This could save you at least $40 for two people (and three kids I think). I can't really comment on the value of the experience but I personally wouldn't pay $18 for entry alone. Do come on a gorgeous day and bring a camera to take a few pictures outside!

A beautiful experience. Just beautiful. We are founding members of the museum, allowing some small perks, but not disadvantaging those who are not, which is a very nice thing to see. --- Staff --- The staff are beyond exceptional, attentive, informative and kind. They are happy to take you on tours and explain every ounce of detail in the artefact and the stories behind them. Its a beautiful thing to see that kind of engagement. --- Display --- The entire museum is clean. Modern. Fresh. Stunning. I honestly felt like I was walking into a billionaires house with fine taste and class. --- Overall --- I was fortunate enough to have been able to experience a beautiful display of cultural instruments. The displays were beautiful and the staff was amazing. I would highly recommend this if you are in Toronto.

One of my favourite museums in Toronto! First of all, the exhibits are so well arranged. There is always a lot of detail and emphasis placed on the order of the exhibit. The artifacts are always gorgeous and fascinating because of the amount of intricacy and beautiful colours. There's also such a wide scope of history covered. I had to go through the permanent collection several times to fully understand it! Currently they have an exhibit about the progression of art in Iran and the biggest highlight for me were the books written in gold!! Always a pleasure to visit :)

Visited Wed May 10. Pros Beautiful architecture and grounds are very well kept, that is what your admission fee is paying for. The cafe and restaurant are open to the public. Cons I can't even take a selfie, the 2nd floor no photos allowed lol. Very small exhibits, and not worth paying $20 admission for. Took just 1 hour to go through the entire museum. No free parking, $10 per car. Not TTC accessible, would recommend driving. Damage - $0 Every Wed it's free between 4pm and 8pm. Protip - The Ismali Cultural Centre (the glass pyramid) has tours that need to be booked in advance. "Tours of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto are generally offered during the day on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and during the evening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Only the dates / times displayed on the website are available to be booked. Also note that tours must be booked at least two days in advance."

4.5 Stars - because it's a little small. Beautiful museum, the exterior of the museum is clean and white stone, built with an "architectural" look. The grounds are beautifully manicured and designed with a geometric, straight clean lines look. I liked the use of the pebbles on the ground, the dark black pools, the lines of trees, the lavender beds behind all of it. The use of white stone, and clean cut green lawn was also so nice. The inside of the museum is beautiful as well, the permanent exhibition is exquisite - there are many objects from the Islamic word with such beauty, detail, intricacy, and design displayed. I loved seeing all the columns, manuscript pages decorated with watercolors, gold, and ink, album pages, braziers, candleholders, bowls, pen cases, intricate rugs etc. Everything was so lovely! The temporary exhibit was small but beautiful too. The display of Western art using Islamic rugs and then displays of a few intricate rugs themselves, it all had so much detail. The atrium, the walls surrounding the atrium were so pleasing to look at. This museum is beautiful, and though small, it was well worth the trip for me to go see it!

Aga Khan is a beautiful museum with an extensive collection showing the long and complex history of the Middle East and Islam. Each part of the museum is sectioned by state (Iran, Iraq, Turkey, etc). As as Iranian descendent, I couldn't have been more proud to see ancient artifacts from my background. Their new "Syria A Living History" exhibit brought tears to my eyes, and left me feeling a plethora of emotions: both sad and in awe. It was so nice to see so many curious people from various backgrounds in the museum. I hope to visit again for the next exhibition.

This is a small museum that offers insight into Islamic civilizations and cultural aspects. It is broken down into 2 floors, with the 2nd floor being the mainly contemporary section (this part I enjoyed the least). I like that it is not too crowded so you can actually enjoy each piece without feeling rushed. I also like how it is divided into sections - Iran, Turkey, Syria..etc. It provides a nice flow. You can get guided tours where you get more in depth info, however none were starting anywhere close to the time we were there so we decided to do it on our own. The work is spread out nicely, however I was hoping for more info on each piece. At most there was 1-2 lines of description. A lot of pieces said "Most likely from Iran or Most likely from Turkey..etc). There is a small cafe which I did not try. It's place right in the middle of the first floor which I think causes some congestion in that area. It would have been better had they put it off to a corner. Apparently there are performances here so check the website to see the calendar of events. I think that might be interesting to see. There is a small gift shop with some absolutely BEAUTIFUL pieces - I wanted to get a few but everything was so expensive. Gorgeous jewelry with inspiration from pieces in the gallery, but I am not willing to pay $200-400 for it. A good way to spend an afternoon

Came here for a private tour of the Lost Dhow Exhibit when the High Commissioner of Singapore did an official visit. Very impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of the museum staff. Also impressed with the building design and the amount of available natural light. Also be sure to visit the Ismaili Centre across from the garden!

I'm proud that Toronto has a museum like this. Cheers to the Ismaili community for having such a wonderful building to house their art. For those of you who avoid museums because they're often filled with screaming children, the Aga Khan is certainly the opposite of that. Without any interactive displays, this isn't a museum directed towards small children. This is a calm, clean, and refreshing space. And for those of you who balk at the entrance fee, a Museum Arts Pass (MAP) is available for the Aga Khan at some public libraries. You only need a library card to get one! Check the libraries on Saturdays, when the tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Lastly, if you'd like to see the building, but not the exhibitions, you can go inside to eat at the lovely, delectable Diwan restaurant. Tip: If you'd like to see the adjacent Ismaili Centre, be sure to call ahead to book a tour.

Absolutely GORGEOUS and one-of-a-kind museum, both on the outside and inside. The architecture is just breathtaking! I would DEFINITELY recommend doing the architecture tour during your visit ($10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors) since it gives you the opportunity to see some parts of the museum you wouldn't normally get to see or think to enter (namely the auditorium and the gorgeous blue staircase, as well as the private patron's lounge) and is actually really interesting. Overall it just enhances your experience. They do the tour every day at 12:30 PM. All the tours require that you also pay for admission so then you may as well also look at the exhibits. The permanent exhibit itself isn't that huge, and is mostly comprised of old artifacts like bowls, earthenware, pieces of tiles, some original copies of the Quran, and paintings. It's all interesting to look at, but could definitely be improved if there were more thorough descriptions or audioguides or something. To be quite honest, you can only just look at so many artifacts for so long before it starts to get a little draining. There is the option to do a guided tour of the exhibits, either permanent or temporary (separate tours). My only other complaint would be that the price is pretty steep considering how small the exhibit area is. Adult admission is $20, and for comparison the ROM which is HUGE is $17. Other than that, the garden outside is also lovely, and free. I think it's great that we have this unique museum in Toronto, and I honestly do think everyone should take the time to visit it to learn more about Islamic culture.

Went and took some great shots with my girlfriend. They turned out awesome. Such a big place, they should work on just adding a few more rooms:)

I really liked it, but a few tips: 1. I had read some of the earlier reviews saying that the museum felt small and the artifacts didn't have a clear story. I would strongly recommend getting a tour. We paid slightly extra for one and it was totally worth it. The guide did a really nice job of taking us through the highlights of the collection and what made them significant. For those of us now well-versed in the art history of muslim civilizations, it was super helpful. When we visited, the admission tickets were $20 but they were offering admission and a tour for $25. 2. We went early, about ten minutes after the museum opened. So we got to see everything largely by ourselves, which was nice.

The Museum is not about the Aga Khan. It's a misnomer. It's about art and artifacts from the Persian and the South Asian World. There is an excellent collection ranging from the 900's to this year!!! Ceramics, carvings, paintings, rugs, accessories, utensils etc. The structure inside and outside is artistic and beautiful in itself. The security and workers are so super friendly. The entrance for adults is $20.00. The audio guide was $5.00. I would recommend getting the audio guide because the descriptions beside the artifacts are very minimal. You can also get an audio headset to hear descriptions about selected pieces. Very few pieces unfortunately. Perhaps the number of pieces that are covered by the audio guide will expand. The written descriptions are slightly limited with name and year and region it comes from. They also have videos playing on tvs, and tablets with photos of some of the art so you can zoom in and see the detail, which was very useful and impressive. I was there for a special exhibit about a treasure ship from the 800's that was recently discovered in the 1990's. The exhibit was beautifully presented, with banners, and lots of written descriptions. They did an excellent job with presenting details on the pieces. I wish they would have done this with the rest of the museum. No disrespect, but in one place of the exhibit they have this really annoying Persian folk music playing that sounded like a guy wailing. I don't know if it's a religious hymn or music by the Sufi's but it wasn't very inviting. Persians have lots of nice traditional music, so why not play something a little more fitting of the ambience. My recommendation would be to actually have a playlist on the audio guide guests can listen to throughout their visit, between the audio descriptions. It's a way to introduce a new medium of Persian art. Overall, I learned a lot about different cultures and their artistic history. It also looks like they have some great special presentations, including musical performances, lectures and movies. Keep an eye out for these things!! There's also a little cafe to buy some Persian and American sandwiches and desserts. I recommend this museum.

This museum is beautifully appointed. The permanent collection is displayed very well. But for a $20 entrance fee, I was expecting the collection to be a bit larger. Even stopping to read all the information provided about each artifact, I whipped through it quickly and was hoping for more. Next time I visit, I will want to come when there is a concert or some sort of performance. The gardens are okay - most notable was the huge bed of blooming Russian sage, but the rest will be a lot more impressive once they are more established. Having said this, it was still very cool to check it out.

Very interesting experience. Came on the free weekend and got to enjoy the free parking as well. The museum isn't massive so you don't need to spend a whole day there. Go early in the morning when it's less busy then stop off at the little cafe for some lunch. Very neat history and artefacts. The detail and craftsmanship on these pieces are incredible.

I enjoyed the museum overall, and it's nice we have more cultural things in addition to just the ROM or AGO. The permanent exhibition was nice, except I wished there was some more explanation on the significance of the pieces. Why was it important during this time period and geographical area? I felt like it was just showcasing the artifacts like in an art gallery. I'm hoping that the audio guide would have covered more of this. I found the layout confusing, and not cohesive. I also wouldn't mind learning more about the architecture of the beautiful building and the significance of the pools. I'm sure there is a cultural one. The special exhibition I actually enjoyed a lot. It was small, but was about the influence of middle eastern tapestry (carpets) on Dutch and Flemish paintings. I liked how they presented them lots of explanation (the painting and a similar type of carpet beside it) albeit the print was quiet small. The other exhibition was contemporary art with a theme of finding home thru immigration. Entry is pricey, but I think pretty okay for a museum. I see mentioned a price for parking. We ended up parking underneath the centre by accident. It wasn't clear that we had to pay for parking. I saw a machine, but we didn't pay. Just saying.

Finally had a chance to spend a lazy afternoon browsing this architectural beauty. My favourite piece was a few hundred kilo carpet hanging in the cafe handmade by a female artist and created with thousands of pins and pinheads - stunning. The collections were eye opening and the whole experience was exceptional.

Absolutely fantastic food, service, and ambiance. I had a chicken jalfrezi, a deliciously spiced chicken dish with slightly crisped skin and a great basmati side. One of the kids had the fries, and I helped them finish it .... the aioli was a great accompaniment. Service was absolutely wonderful and I will definitely make a return visit.

DO NOT COME HERE FOR DOORS OPEN. Doors Open Toronto (DOT) is an annual event that gives the public access to Toronto's heritage sites, many of which have restricted access for the remainder of the year. DOT's website boasts "free and rare access to more than 155 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city." While this may be true for some locations, the Aga Khan Museum (AKM) is not one of them. My AKM visit involved neither free nor rare access. For starters, the emphasis on "free" assumes that it would otherwise not be free. However, our tour guide let us know that everything she was showing us is open to the public during their business hours all year round, including the small permanent exhibit on the main floor. I'm not sure if the tour was their DOT offering, but even if it was, it was a very brief description about the architect (Japanese, hence the unexpectedly modern style of building) and the rest was kind of self-explanatory or advertising, e.g. "This is the courtyard" and "We have events in the auditorium." Top it all off with paid parking (with confusing haywire machines; the lines were full of confused people) and I'd say skip the AKM entirely during Doors Open. I mean, if you only have a few days to visit as many buildings as possible, this is not one you should be wasting your time on, especially if they offer nothing beyond what they normally do. I would visit the AKM on a separate day because the architecture is very impressive. It's clean and modern and the surrounding garden is no different. While I struggled because of my general lack of skill, I could see this being a photographer's dream. Onto the rest of the museum. The rest of the AKM's exhibit lies behind closed doors and requires paid admission: $20 for adults for $15 for students, seniors, and children. Say a short prayer for the children who have to pay $15 because the exhibit is boring. I was, however, humoured by some of the vague descriptions of the artifacts. One of them said something along the lines of "perhaps Iran" when describing an aged piece of paper. Perhaps a little more research is required. It may be my taste, but I felt like the artifacts were weak. Many had no context. It was like going to the Royal Ontario Museum dinosaur exhibit and seeing a crumpled piece of paper on display with a sign reading "Might've been South Africa, mentions dinosaurs somewhere". The exhibition upstairs is awkward to get to because you need to leave the main floor exhibit and walk to a separate set of elevators. It's not clear and I'm sure everyone had to ask, "how do we get up there?". "Visions of Mughal India: The Collection of Howard Hodgkin" was actually pretty cool. The artwork was so meticulous, detailed, and precise that it was hard to believe it was done by hand. "Inspired by India: Paintings by Howard Hodgkin," on the other hand, was horrendous. It truly is a disservice to the artists of "Visions of Mughal India" because the focus is erroneously on Mr. Hodgkin instead of the true artists. Just because you collect great art doesn't mean you should be making your own, and Mr. Hodgkin's art - if you can even call it that - is a testament to that. Google it. It's definitely abstract, think blocks of colour, but somehow, his is even worse. I saw people of all ages - young, middle-aged, old - laugh his paintings, so I felt better knowing I wasn't being cynical of these paintings just because I was young. I would definitely skip the AKM for DOT. I might visit to take pictures if I were in the area, but I definitely wouldn't drop a dime or venture there intentionally.