Toronto Photo Gallery - Royal Ontario Museum
China Section

The Royal Ontario Museum opened in 1914 and now has an extensive collection with artifacts from around the world across a span of topics. It sits in a historic building with a modern extension by Daniel Libeskind, setting it as an architectural landmark downtown.

The Gallery of Chinese Architecture claims to be the largest collection outside of China with some 200 items, including roof tiles, architectural featues, and tomb objects. At the entrance is the Ming Tomb, which research has revealed belonged to Chinese general Zu Dashou (1565-1656).

The Bishop White Gallery of Chinese Temple Art features temple murals, wooden sculptures, and more. The gallery is named after William Charles White, who was the first curator of the museum's Chinese collections, and was an Anglican bishop of Henan province.

The Gallery of China next door covers about 10,000 years of history with over 2500 items from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty.

The Chinese Zodiac Case includes 12 zodiac porcelain figures from the 20th century with animal heads on human bodies. These are typically buried in a tomb.

Unlike other countries whose national-level museums are free, such as in London or Washington DC, the ROM charges over 20 dollars for admission. For Toronto residents, you can use your library card to borrow a free entry pass for up to 5 people.