Ontario’s art gallery and museum gift shops
Aga Khan Museum | Destination Toronto
Here's a list of Ontario museums and galleries with gift shops that are just as thoughtfully curated as the exhibits. And if you're interested in shopping right now, links to online gift shops are included.
Museum memberships also make excellent holiday gifts. Some museums offer different levels of memberships for individuals, families, seniors and more. Choose the perfect membership when you give the gift of discovering the precious gems that museums and galleries provide.
Whether you shop for gifts or purchase memberships, thanks for supporting our museums and galleries.
Tip: Be sure to check online for the hours of operation before you visit.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Art Gallery of Ontario
Explore room after room of Canadian, Indigenous and international art through the ages. Don’t miss shopAGO, a thoughtful gift shop that complements the art collection and design aesthetic of the gallery. The back wall features an impressive selection of posters and prints, and locals will love playful items like the "Racoons vs. Toronto" t-shirts.
Membership perks: subscription to AGO magazine and e-newsletter; invitation to exclusive member events; unlimited access to AGO exhibits
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Gardiner Museum
Toronto’s unique ceramic museum is also one of Ontario’s most hands-on attractions, offering workshops, tours and events. The hand-crafted, love-for-life pieces of sculptured art by featured local and international artists in the GardinerShop make this exquisite gift shop feel more like an extension of the museum.
Membership perks: unlimited admission to the museum; discounts at the bookstore and museum café; subscription to the monthly e-newsletter
Location: 111 Queens Park, Toronto
Royal Ontario Museum
This is the place for curious minds and creative thinkers. From the museum’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal design to the innovative exhibits and galleries located within, the past and present come beautifully to life here. Naturally, then, you’ll find an extensive selection of fascinating gifts, books, stationery, prints, jewellery, toys and keepsakes in the ROM Boutique.
Membership perks: unlimited access to exhibits all year round; sneak previews of upcoming events; exclusive discounts to members; free coat check
Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto
Aga Khan Museum
You’ll need a few hours to fully experience the museum’s fascinating collection of Islamic art and culture, and its stunning gardens. A visit to the Gift Shop is a must for Middle Eastern-style gifts, art, books and fabrics, including an impossibly gorgeous line of men’s silk ties, all inspired by the museum’s permanent collection.
Membership perks: advance notice of upcoming exhibits; free admission to see exhibits; discounts on shopping and dining at the museum; access to special events such as talks, films and performances
Location: 77 Wynford Drive, North York
Bata Shoe Museum
This quirky little gem walks you through the fun and fascinating history of footwear, from rare Arctic boots to game-worn Toronto Raptors sneakers. Find books, ornaments and gifts in the Museum Shop for the shoe lover in your life.
Membership perks: an invitation to exclusive programs; subscription to e-newsletter; discounts to bring a friend to see exhibits; special discounts to programs and events; savings applied to gift store purchases
Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Experience interactive activities that bring history to life at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Visit the gift shop, where you will find old-fashioned candies, vintage toys such as marbles, the game Jacob’s Ladder and even an old-fashioned telephone.
Membership perks: free admission to conservation parks such as Albion Hills Conservation Park, Heart Lake Conservation Park, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park and more
Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, North York
Ontario Science Centre
Instead of a gift shop, the Ontario Science Centre offers visitors lots of fun options for exploring science at home and school. Check out their Science at Home link on the website for some fun suggestions, including science books for all ages and guides for DIY Science Fun activities like making homemade play dough and building your own mammoth.
Membership perks: free IMAX tickets; invitations to exclusive member events; savings on events and programs
Location: 770 Don Mills Road, North York
Ottawa
National Gallery of Canada
It’s been said "the earth without art is just eh." Get acquainted with the very best in Canadian and Indigenous art, then visit the Gallery Boutique for art inspired books, prints, photography, apparel, jewellery and art supplies.
Membership perks: discounted rates for workshops and summer day camps; magazine and e-newsletter subscriptions; access to exclusive exhibits
Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Canadian Museum of Nature
Learn about the mysteries of the earth at this thought-provoking national museum. From fossils, minerals and books to artisan gifts and plush toys, check all the nature enthusiasts off your gift list at The Nature Boutique, with unique merchandise inspired by the natural history collection.
Membership perks: discounts at the gift shop and the museum cafe; invitations to special openings and special events
Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa
Canadian Museum of History
Explore Canada’s history through exhibitions, collections and activities. The online boutique contains artwork from Canadian artists, apparel, accessories and much more.
Membership perks: includes membership to the Canadian War Museum; previews to exhibits; newsletter subscription; unlimited access to the films offered at the museum’s movie theatre, CINÉ+
Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Northern Ontario
Bala’s Museum
Fans of the beloved Anne of Green Gables can tour the quaint former vacation home of author Lucy Maud Montgomery in Muskoka. It’s truly a treat to visit this museum, which hosts the world’s biggest Anne of Green Gables Dollhouse. Doll collectors will appreciate the vintage Anne of Green Gables dolls, while the Anne of Green Gables costumes are popular for Halloween.
Fans with an eye for detail will appreciate the dioramas that depict famous scenes from the book. The gift shop even has limited mini replicas of the infamous bottle that saved Minnie May’s life, complete with vintage labels. There are also Ann of Green Gables commemorative plates and mugs.
Location: 1024 Maple Avenue, Ontario
Note: please call ahead before visiting during the Christmas holiday
Art Gallery of Algoma
Admire the colourful masterpieces of Norval Morrisseau (Copper Thunderbird) and Canada’s famed landscape painters, the Group of Seven. Then take home pottery, prints and memorabilia at the Gallery Shop.
Membership perks: invitation to workshops and lectures; gallery shop
Location: 10 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie
Science North
With four floors filled with exhibits and interactive resources, there’s a lot to learn at Science North. Whizards is the Science North gift shop. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Shop for unique and educational gifts that will keep budding scientists entertained for hours. Shop online for science-based products and STEM kits that will expand young minds.
Membership perks: unlimited admission to Science North and Dynamic Earth; free parking; advance notice about upcoming events; access to members-only events and more (there are also family and grandparent memberships)
Location: 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Greater Sudbury
Thunder Bay Museum
The motto of Thunder Bay Museum is “Learning Through History” and it offers various exhibits, programs and exhibits to learn about Northwestern Ontario’s history. Visit the gift shops to buy books about the area or plush merchandise. Virtual merchandise is available for online orders.
Membership perks: free admission to museums for the year and complimentary passes for friends and family; discounts to book rooms and to children’s programs; advance notice about exciting upcoming programs
Location: 425 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay
The Muse: Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre
The Muse consists of the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora. They are housed in two different buildings that face each other. The museum gift store carries books from local authors. Nature lovers can find books about birds, bears and other wildlife in the museum gift shop. You can also find old-fashioned games such as jacks or Cat’s Cradle at the store. The Art Centre sells art products. Gift cards are also available.
Membership perks: borrow books from the art library; free or reduced fees to events and exhibits; newsletters; exclusive invitations to members-only events
Location: Lake of the Woods Museum, 300 Main Street South, Kenora; The Douglas Family Art Centre, 224 Main Street South, Kenora
Central Ontario
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Just a half-hour north of Toronto, treat yourself to over 6,500 works of art by the likes of Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries and Indigenous artists. Then treat someone special on your list to a truly unique Canadian-made gift from the Gift Shop.
Membership perks: dining discounts; holiday shopping discounts; invitations to special events
Location: 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg
Art Gallery of Peterborough
An essential artistic fixture in the Kawartha region, the Art Gallery of Peterborough promotes local artists, develops programs and supports exhibitions through workshops, lectures and publications. The gallery’s diverse art collection represents historical and contemporary art. The Gallery Shop offers books, art supplies, jewellery and various glass and ceramics.
Membership perks: free admission to participating Ontario art galleries; discounts to workshops, including March Break and summer camps; advance registration for workshops; discount at the gallery gift shop; gallery newsletters
Location: 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough
MacLaren Art Centre
MacLaren Art Centre houses world-class art, including collections of contemporary Canadian art. The gallery offers classes dedicated to educating the public about visual arts. Sales from The Gallery Shop support the centre's many important programs. Visit the gift shop for home decor, books by local authors, branded merchandise and more.
Membership perks: be the first to know about upcoming events, programs and exhibits; advance invitations for tours, talks and exhibits; free admission to other participating museums; savings at camps, art classes, events and purchases at the museum gift shop
Location: 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie
Robert McLaughlin Gallery
As an artist-centred and community-oriented art gallery, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery collaborates with diverse artists and aims to engage and unite people through art. Located on the gallery’s main level, the RMG Shop proudly carries handmade products. There are also numerous educational books and publications for all ages, such as educational colouring books.
Membership perks: access to exclusive members’ tours, where you will meet fellow members; discounts at the gift shop and partner locations
Location: 72 Queen Street, Civic Centre, Oshawa
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Founded in 1982, The Canadian Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates baseball heritage and annually hosts an induction ceremony that recognizes those who advanced baseball in Canada. Purchase autographed baseballs and bats at the store in addition to clothing and gifts. Baseball memorabilia can also be purchased online.
Membership perks: various levels of membership, ranging from junior and family to basic and elite; gifts for first-time members
Location: 386 Church Street South, St. Marys
The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
Canada’s only gallery dedicated to ceramic, glass, enamel and stained glass has a gift shop with many hand-made pieces by local artists. Visit the Gallery Shop to purchase the artistic creations of over 130 artisans. Products are also available online.
Membership perks: gift shop discounts; discounts at participating galleries; advance notice about future exhibits
Location: 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo
THEMUSEUM
Kitchener’s untraditional museum encourages public interaction with its exhibits. It has resources to keep all ages engaged and supports innovative ways of learning. Visit THESTORE on the main floor for toys, branded merchandise, books and more.
Membership perks: free admission to THEMUSEUM and other participating museums; savings on programs, events and the gift store; monthly newsletter
Location: 10 King Street West, Kitchener
Art Gallery of Guelph
Up-and-coming and established artists are celebrated at Guelph’s public art gallery. Visit the Gallery Shop for unique products such as ceramic gobblers, hand-blown wine glass, acrylics, porcelain cups and many other works by local artisans.
Membership perks: special discounts; newsletter subscription; free admission to other participating museums; participation in art sales and rental
Location: 358 Gordon Street, Guelph
Southwest Ontario
Museum London
Looking for the perfect gift for the craft-lover on your list? The Museum London has a wide assortment of ceramics, glassware, local art and craft products. Shop online for gifts like prints, greeting cards and books.
Location: 421 Rideout Street, London
London Children’s Museum
London Children’s Museum unlocks the door to unique and entertaining ways for kids to learn about science, history, art and so many exciting topics that will feed their curiosity. Playtime means lots of fun hands-on activities for kids to learn new things. The gift store has many plush animals and branded merchandise and snacks. Gift cards are available and make great stocking stuffers.
Membership perks: unlimited admission and endless playtime for kids; free access to other participating museums; discounts on children’s programs during March Break, summer and holidays; family day pass to share with friends; discount birthday packages
Location: 21 Wharncliffe Road South, London
Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
The history and achievements of Chatham-Kent’s Black community are preserved and celebrated at the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum. Learn about the journey of enslaved people from freedom to resettlement in Chatham-Kent with tours, exhibits and archives.
Continue learning about these historical moments from the books and memorabilia in the gift shop. The virtual museum gift shop is also available to browse historical books for children, Chatham Coloured All-Stars Team memorabilia, postcards and other gifts.
Membership perks: (memberships are for ages 18+) free tours; access to research resources such as genealogical, census, military records and other archival information
Location: 177 King Street East Chatham
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Art Gallery of Burlington
Burlington’s public art gallery and community centre hosts various permanent and seasonal exhibits, collections, education programs and workshops for the public. It’s also home to the city’s seven art and craft associations and guilds. Artwork, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, glassware and wood products are available for sale. Online shopping is also available.
Membership perks: special rates on art classes; invitations to exclusive member events; unlimited admission to the gallery
Location: 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
Art Gallery of Hamilton
Visit the permanent collection and temporary exhibits at one of the oldest public art galleries in Canada, followed by a browse through one-of-a-kind items like exquisite vases and glassware, stationery and games in the Shop at AGH.
Membership perks: special pricing when renting artwork; discount registration for kids programs and camps (March Break, PA Day, summer camp)
Location: 123 King Street West, Hamilton
Looking for more ways to keep festive this season? Check out these options:
Last updated: February 1, 2023