Textile Museum of Canada image

Textile Museum of Canada

Tourist attraction Museum

Displays on historic & ethnographic fabrics, plus contemporary art & hands-on exhibits. People often mention museum, textile, textiles, shop, small, visit, exhibits, staff, great, gift,


Address

55 Centre Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2H5, Canada

Website

www.textilemuseum.ca

Contact

+1 416-599-5321

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (526 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (48) textile (18) textiles (18) shop (15) small (14) visit (14) exhibits (13) staff (13) great (12) gift (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Maria G. 2 years ago on Google
    I was very happy to go there because it was the first time I got to such a museum. There are several temporary exhibitions that can be viewed. I was in love with the interactive part where you could try different sewing techniques.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna P. 1 year ago on Google
    a hidden gem in not overly attractive part of downtown (surrounded by concrete brutalism mostly) this museum offers a glance into unique beauty of fabrics… and not only. There is a wonderful museum gift store (a great place to go if you're looking for an original scarf). Since fall of the last year (2021) the museum hosts its own reuse program. Donated fabric - also yarn, patterns, buttons, etc - can be purchased and you can use the space to work on your project: there is a cutting table, iron, two sewing machines (also donated). there are also looms, embroidery hoops, felting supplies, etc. Come and discover your inner weaver!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rebeca G. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend!! The current exhibition — ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios — was SO GOOD ❤️. There’s also opportunities to buy really good fabric at low prices. The gift shop is not the best but overall it was a great time!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pramila C. 1 year ago on Google
    Being a textile designer, always on look for best textile discoveries!! There were three fiber art shows were going on. Staff was humble and helpful. I loved the vibe of the place. Also workshop area was interesting as well as Gift shop 🌸
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eli B. 6 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    I visited the textile museum during the breath exhibition, which showcased contemporary artworks inspired by emotions experienced during Covid-19. I also enjoyed seeing the permanent collection of historical textiles from various cultures. However, I wish they had provided some information about the meaning and context of the temporary exhibits right next to the masks.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 argh c. 1 month ago on Google • 222 reviews New
    Went on a Saturday which happened to be a fundraising sale day which caused there to be a line out the front door of the museum. As people left the museum carrying bolts of fabric we were slowly let in. Because it was a fundraising sale day (?) admission was free. We started on the 3rd floor with the featured exhibit which was very interesting. Down to the 2nd floor was the standard exhibit which was nice if brief and the fundraising sale (donated fabric from remnants to bolts, kimonos, obis, and saris plus beads) in the area that they clearly hold workshops in.

  • 5/5 Veronica E. 5 months ago on Google • 158 reviews
    It was an amazing experience. The beauty and love put into the art, quilts, and other textiles were evident in each piece. The details were undeniably perfection. The vibrant colours, the subtleties, and nuances were captivating. There was an exquisite exhibit from Nova Scotia. The quilts tell a story and have a hidden message within the pattern. These codes of communication for enslaved people seeking freedom are also records of family history and a celebration of Black women and culture.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hanzhang L. 10 months ago on Google • 62 reviews
    I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Textile Museum of Canada, situated at 55 Centre Ave. Thanks to my Ontario Museum Association membership, I had the opportunity to enjoy free admission to this wonderful museum. Although the museum may appear "small" at first glance, it actually houses three floors filled with captivating exhibitions. From special displays to small libraries dedicated to textiles, there is a wealth of knowledge and artistry to explore. The museum has thoughtfully curated spaces for hands-on workshops, allowing visitors like myself to engage with textile-based art crafts using free materials provided. It was a truly enjoyable and enriching experience. One aspect that impressed me was the museum's commitment to embracing technology. They offer a phone application that provides audio introductions and access to various online resources. I took advantage of these offerings and was captivated by the fascinating videos featuring textile artists from different countries. These digital resources added an extra layer of immersion and piqued my curiosity even more, further fuelling my desire to visit the museum. The Textile Museum of Canada seamlessly blends traditional exhibits with interactive elements and modern technology, making it an engaging destination for both textile enthusiasts and curious visitors. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to assist, ensuring a pleasant and educational experience. I highly recommend the Textile Museum of Canada to anyone with an interest in textiles, art, and culture. With its diverse range of exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and innovative use of technology, this museum offers a unique and captivating journey through the world of textiles. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a thought-provoking and enjoyable outing, this museum is a must-visit destination.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madhur B. 4 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    I enjoyed visiting the textile museum. It reminded me of various reference of many cultures that I’ve experience throughout my life though textile. Beautiful!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tania G. 10 months ago on Google • 152 reviews
    It is the unique museum. It is an amazing pace. Interesting and wonderful exhibitions. Great spaces with participating in the different master classes. Kind and attentive staff. Unique gift shop.

  • 5/5 Kat J. 10 months ago on Google • 150 reviews
    Such an amazing museum. Not expensive. Always has new exhibits on that are fabulous. Realllllly friendly staff who are happy to give you more details AND if you like to learn hands on or love crafts there are always a million options. You can learn to weave or sew or collage with fabric. It’s so much fun! Great spot to go with a girlfriend, chat and craft. (After you look at all the amazing pieces in the museum for inspiration!)

  • 5/5 Geeta C. 1 year ago on Google
    The only Museum in Canada dedicated to exploring the human experience through textiles. This is huge 👏 👏 👏...it ignites creativity and inspires wonders. I really enjoyed my time spent here and the bold and colorful textile exhibits of Simone Elizabeth Saunders as she explores personal history. It's a small boutique museum easily accessible by public transit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cecilia M. 1 year ago on Google
    Returned for the first time in 3 years in-person and it's just as good as I remembered it to be! Great volunteers around to help, fantastic exhibits as always and a lovely gift shop filled with art and goodies by creators worldwide. This museum is such a little gem. Access available by stairs or elevator. Hand sanitizer stations throughout. Love their hands on area to try your hand textile making using different traditional methods. And their workshops are back! Sign up online. Visit in Wednesdays for free with their Pay What You Can Wednesdays!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Harry B. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a small gallery, a bit out of the way, but worth a visit. It showcases art in a different medium than what you'll see at the AGO down the street. Make a point of checking out this gallery.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephane P. 6 years ago on Google
    Better than expected. They had 2 expositions (1 per floor) Japanese and Huichole textiles. The guided tour was great. They also have a hands on where you can operate a number of weaving machines.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Icy 5 years ago on Google
    Went there for my art history final essay in March, this museum is amazing. Although it doesn’t have a large space like ROM or others, but all of the textiles that presented are adorable. They also have a small gift shop. I talked to the staff, she explained the history of the museum, how the museum works, etc. The staff is really nice and patient:)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Remy A. 8 months ago on Google • 51 reviews
    A fantastic little museum that is worth a visit! Features exhibits of textile art from around the world and a great selection of interactive craft activities as well as a fabulous library of books to dive into! Spend a rainy day with the kids here having fun and learning new things! Shoutout to the amazingly hospitable volunteer staff too!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aliyeh R. 1 year ago on Google • 47 reviews
    I enjoyed visiting this museum. There are collection of textiles from different parts of the world: China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Mexico, Canada, Philippine, Ukraine. There are weaving loom that you can enjoy using it. Very friendly and nice staff of the museum teach you how to use it. The library is one of a kind. Different sort of unique books related to fabric, lace, rugs, knitting, embroidery… are collected. I loved the book that has information about fabulous Persian Rugs. In the third floor there is a “refuse” collection that some talented artists converted waste to beauty items. You should definitely go and visit it. I liked it
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Abdul A. 1 month ago on Google • 80 reviews New
    Beauty of this museum depends on the exhibit that is on show when you visit it You could either be spell bound by art, or on other occasions it may appear underwhelming But it's location is interesting, u don't expect a museum in such a building in downtown, which apparently is a bit away from usual humdrum of Toronto. Street alongside it is refreshingly quiet Roadside parking is right in front of it at affordable rate, also payable through Green App. Small enough to completely see in 45 to 90 minutes max, but big enough to leave lasting impression IF exhibit is to your taste There are sewing workshop options like hand looms and so on where u can actually weave cloth under watchful eye of experts. That to me, is biggest attraction here.

  • 5/5 J B. 3 months ago on Google • 72 reviews New
    The Textile Museum of Canada in Toronto offers an enriching experience with its extensive collection of over 13,000 textiles, representing 2,000 years of textile history from around the world. The museum effectively combines contemporary visual art with traditional, ethnographic textiles, providing a wide interpretive scope that connects art to key 21st-century issues and ideas. The range of activities, including lectures, workshops, and interactive exhibitions, ensures a comprehensive understanding of textile art and its cultural significance. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this museum is a vital cultural institution in Toronto's vibrant arts scene, offering a unique perspective on the global and historical narrative of textiles.

  • 3/5 Samantha d. 1 year ago on Google
    A very small museum with two main floors of exhibits and an interactive learning center. Compared to other museums in the area it did have much more thoughtful and informative text that went along with the textiles and artwork on display. The interactive learning center has looms, sowing machines, and a variety of fabric.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dima S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful experience! Friendly staff, organized and clean space, spacious, with accessibility. Gender neutral washrooms which is a huge plus! I chose the option of ‘do not recommend to buy tickets in advance’ as I went today without a ticket since I wasn’t sure when I would be there and it was optional. Wed nights are optional pay! :) Also, the Learning Hub looked very interesting and fun, too bad I had to leave. Next time I’ll be dabbling into the activities there. Lastly, cute little gift shop with reasonable pricing and local crafts. They also had books both in the gift shop and the library in the Learning Hub.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 i c. 5 years ago on Google
    Museum dedicated to textiles. Not my cup of tea, but I visited its Crosscurrents exhibition, the interaction between first Nations and settlers. Got a pass from the public library so got in for free. Some interesting works. All works were on one floor and about 4 rooms. A wealth of history in there, worth a look. Has a neat museum shop with lots of cool nicknacks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yu Tsun C. 4 years ago on Google
    It was interesting and worth going. However, for us, the price was high for the size of the exhibitions. It was 15 dollars per person. On Wednesday there's no entry fee, it is just a donation of how much you'd like to give so if you're looking into it, it's a good day to go. We agreed that 10 dollars is better for the entry fee if you compare it to other museums prices and what they offer. Other than the price, the place was great. We'd recommend going up the stairs instead of taking the elevator if you can, it was quite noise and slightly scary.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean-Paul A. 6 years ago on Google
    I guess it all depends on what the exhibitions du jour are but when we were there, either the modern take on tapestry or the traditional art of painting on kimonos offered a very rich and rewarding experience. The staff was most pleasant and helpful. Maybe not the most well known museum in Toronto but one which is very much worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily S. 1 year ago on Google
    A small museum, but it is great, nice and has a lot of interesting culture/history to know. It is also a great learning place for kids. The staff are very nice and friendly. I brought my two daughters there on Saturday, and they said would like to revisit in the future. We are happy to rate it 5 out of 5. It really deserves a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalia O. 5 years ago on Google
    This museum is a small treasure to be discovered. They run great exhibitions - excellent way to spend an hour or two. Visited it several times and will come back again. Highly Recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bernarda A. 1 year ago on Google
    They have a lot of books about batik, I wish I have more time to sit down and delve into the books 🥲 Travelled from Vancouver to host a batik workshop in here! Everyone is very welcoming and honoured to be given the chance to connect with the local textile community ❤️ looking forward to a chance for coming back here again and explore more textiles
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cara S. 2 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    Fairly small museum but had a good variety and rotating special exhibits. They had good signage, preservation, and videos & QR codes to learn more about the pieces / artists. They had a couple of interactive pieces too. They had a workshop in which classes can be scheduled and one can learn how to make different types of textiles. Staff was knowledgeable and facility was clean.

  • 5/5 Cecile L. 3 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    My friend and I really loved the exhibits at the Textile Museum today. The quilts from Nova Scotia were superb. Not only traditional square motifs, but scenes with homes, people, trees, rocks and rivers. So creative and innovative. There was an exhibit of codes that were woven into the old quilts which helped runaway slaves who came via the underground railroad find their way. A monumental task well organized and hidden for those who needed it. I will definitely return for another visit.

  • 5/5 Kathleen K. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    As a volunteer, I'm biased, but the Textile Museum always has such interesting exhibits and a great selection of gifts, jewellery, books, and much more in the shop. It's on the quieter side, so it's a great museum to visit when you want to think and really have time to look at every piece of art. They work hard to create an inclusive, welcoming environment, whether you're attending a workshop or visiting the gallery for the day. Highly recommend this local gem!

  • 5/5 Drashti S. 10 months ago on Google
    absolute pleasure visiting textile museum, the receptionist was super nice and friendly♥️, the museum has so many beautiful textiles and fabrics and i loved the cute little workstation they have for people to attempt fabric art

  • 5/5 Anita W. 5 years ago on Google
    A small but mighty museum. Super friendly staff! Has a well stocked gift shop.

  • 5/5 tenzin c. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit

  • 5/5 Selena D. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautifully curated museum featuring incredibly important thought provoking exhibits. Two floors currently honour the work of a Sikh artist, Jagdeep Raina, and Inuit artists among others. Was impressed to see the space provided for stories and heritage through this art form in a way that truly represents roots ancestry evolution perspective and where we’re going. The use of mixed media (films projected, sound, artwork) really fed our senses. Appreciated the second floor recycled textile area where you can purchase and dig for donated textile treasures or even donate your own. You can also try your hand at weaving at a small activity table which was fun. Happy to see a wide range of offerings and books at the gift shop that reflect the art and roots of textiles. The space is clean. Staff are lovely and welcoming. The museum’s location is tucked away off of busy Dundas and made it pleasant to access. A visit here is perfect for an inspired cozy solo date or to be enjoyed with like minded company for conversation.

  • 5/5 Kaarina 2 years ago on Google
    The exhibits were beautiful and the reuse centre and gift shop were amazing. I came home with lots of beautiful fabric, notions & yarn.

  • 5/5 RSH D. 2 years ago on Google
    Cozy, educational and historically significant. A welcoming atmosphere with really friendly staff. The learning hub and library are a nice touch. 10 minute walk from St. Patrick TTC station and 20 minute walk from Toronto Eaton Centre.

  • 5/5 Carolyn L. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this small, intimate museum! I always tell people to go here to see consistently well- curated exhibits of interesting textile artists as well as learn about and have a hands on experience with different fibres and fabrics. It's the perfect size for a museum. Not overwhelming!

  • 4/5 Liane V. 1 year ago on Google
    Really unfortunate that I let almost a whole decade go by without making multiple trips to this museum. I went for the first time while I was in school and forgot about it after I graduated! Glad I got to go back. It's a small space but looking forward to more exhibitions here. Would love to see more marketing on social media by this museum.

  • 5/5 Andy F. 1 year ago on Google
    Admission is free right now so check it out. The current exhibition now of the internationally renowned Kenojuak Ashevak and 2 closely related artists is fascinating & uplifting. There's always a mixture of beautiful traditional and challenging contemporary work at The Textile Museum.

  • 5/5 Ricardo F. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved this small museum. Informative and fun. The shop inside is unique. Great staff.

  • 5/5 Michaël Frank R. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely museum with an interesting collection. If you're into sewing, they have a shop which sells nice fabric for a relatively low price and they hold a big fabric sale every summer.

  • 5/5 Jemima A. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a great place to visit if you have an hour or so because it isn't very big but it's worth it. I loved the Double Vision (to March 2023) and Simone Elizabeth Saunders (to Jan 2023) exhibitions. It's accessible although the gift shop could do with more space to get around it.

  • 5/5 myra l. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    The textile museum is really a good place to visit, it did has lots of great works. And you can registered the workshop on its website, which I really recommended. Few days before, I joined the “introduction to batik” as a beginner with no experience, but finished with some art work that I haven’t thought of. More importantly, it offered me two hours to relax by freehand drawing. The location is good with lots of restaurants nearby. I would definitely visit again and hope to take more workshops there.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 416-599-5321 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Last updated:
()