Visit the Aga Khan Museum

Claim to Fame

The Aga Khan Museum is North America’s premier museum dedicated to Islamic art, culture, and heritage — offering one of the finest collections outside of the Muslim world.

📌 Navigating Aga Khan Museum : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Accessible washroom facilities are available throughout the museum.
Hours of Operation: Museum hours are typically from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours on Wednesdays. It's recommended to check the museum's website for the most current hours.
Important Information: The Aga Khan Museum offers a diverse range of art, cultural artifacts, and educational programs, focusing on Islamic and Iranian art and Muslim culture.
Admission Fee: Admission fees are required for entry, with various pricing options available, including discounts for students, seniors, and children.
How Long to Visit: Visitors often spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum's exhibits, attending workshops, or participating in guided tours.
WIFI: Free WIFI is available to visitors throughout the museum.
Picnic Area: While there are no designated picnic areas on the museum grounds, the surrounding parkland offers outdoor spaces suitable for picnicking.
Parking: The Aga Khan Museum provides on-site parking, including accessible parking spots. Public transportation is another convenient option with nearby bus stops.
Family Friendly: The museum is family-friendly, offering educational programs and exhibits that appeal to all ages. Interactive activities and workshops are also available for younger visitors.
Photography: Photography is allowed for personal use in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted, especially in special exhibition spaces.
Restaurant or Cafe: The museum features a restaurant that offers a variety of dining options, incorporating both local and international cuisine.
Gift Shop: The museum's gift shop sells a range of items related to the collections, including books, art, jewelry, and educational materials.
Handicap Accessible: The museum is fully accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
Pets: Service animals are permitted in the museum, but other pets are not allowed.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, offering insightful commentary on the museum's collections and special exhibitions.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Aga Khan Museum

Located in North York, the Aga Khan Museum presents a striking blend of cultural elegance and modern design. Its mission is to foster understanding and appreciation of Islamic civilizations through exhibitions, performances, and educational programming. The museum’s luminous white building, designed by Fumihiko Maki, is a work of art in itself — surrounded by tranquil gardens and reflecting pools that set a contemplative tone before you even step inside.

What to Expect

The museum houses more than 1,000 artifacts spanning over a millennium of Islamic history — including rare manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, scientific instruments, and architectural fragments from across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Temporary exhibitions often showcase contemporary Muslim artists, while the museum’s auditorium hosts lectures, concerts, and film screenings that deepen cultural context.

Visitors will find themselves immersed in beauty and scholarship — with each gallery carefully curated to reveal stories of innovation, devotion, and artistic achievement.

Background and Cultural Context

Opened in 2014 under the patronage of His Highness the Aga Khan, the museum was created to bridge cultural divides and celebrate the artistic legacy of Muslim societies. It is part of a larger complex that includes the Ismaili Centre and landscaped Aga Khan Park, designed to encourage public gathering and reflection.

As a secular institution with spiritual underpinnings, the museum positions itself as a space for intercultural dialogue, academic research, and the celebration of pluralism — aligning with the Aga Khan Development Network’s broader humanitarian goals.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays offer a quieter experience, allowing for deeper contemplation of exhibits. Spring and fall are ideal for enjoying the gardens. Evening programs and cultural events are especially rewarding — check the calendar in advance for performances and talks.

How to Get There

The museum is located at 77 Wynford Drive, just off the Don Valley Parkway. By public transit, it’s accessible via Line 2 Bloor-Danforth to Broadview Station, then a short bus ride eastbound on the 100 Flemingdon Park route. Parking is available on-site.

Photo Opportunities

The museum’s luminous white stone exterior, glowing in sunlight or twilight
Peaceful shots in the reflecting pools and landscaped gardens
Detail shots of historic calligraphy, ceramics, and illuminated manuscripts
Framed views through geometric cutouts and architectural angles inside

Travel Tips

Check their rotating exhibition schedule — each show brings something new and international.
Don't miss the Diwan Restaurant, which offers a globally-inspired menu with Middle Eastern flair.
Guided tours are offered and highly recommended for context.
Plan extra time to walk through the Aga Khan Park after your museum visit.

FAQs

Is the museum accessible?
Yes — the museum and grounds are fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Can I take photos inside?
Yes — non-flash photography is allowed in permanent exhibitions, but restrictions may apply to certain loaned works or temporary exhibits.

Is this museum religious?
No — it is a cultural museum with historical and educational content about Muslim civilizations. It is open to all audiences, regardless of background.

Final Thoughts

The Aga Khan Museum is a space of serenity, discovery, and dialogue. It offers a rare opportunity to engage with the intellectual and artistic achievements of Islamic cultures in a setting that’s as beautiful as the stories it tells. Whether you’re drawn by art, architecture, or philosophy, it’s a transformative stop in Toronto’s cultural landscape.

Featured Image

Architectural and Cultural Wonders at The Aga Khan Museum — a popular attraction.

📍 Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Aga Khan Museum

Contact: Official Website

Address:
77 Wynford Dr. North York, Ontario M3C 1K1

Telephone: 416-646-4677

Official Website: agakhanmuseum.org/

Latitude: 43.7253

Longitude: -79.3329

Things To Do near Aga Khan Museum

Ontario Science Centre
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Ontario Science Centre is 1.8 Kilometer(s) / 1.1 Mile(s)

Royal Ontario Museum
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Royal Ontario Museum is 13 Kilometer(s) / 8.1 Mile(s)

Casa Loma
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Casa Loma is 13 Kilometer(s) / 8.1 Mile(s)

Distillery Historic District
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Distillery Historic District is 13.8 Kilometer(s) / 8.6 Mile(s)

St. Lawrence Market
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to St. Lawrence Market is 14.7 Kilometer(s) / 9.1 Mile(s)

Art Gallery of Ontario
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Art Gallery of Ontario is 15 Kilometer(s) / 9.3 Mile(s)

Entertainment District
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Entertainment District is 15.9 Kilometer(s) / 9.9 Mile(s)

CN Tower
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to CN Tower is 16.4 Kilometer(s) / 10.2 Mile(s)

Toronto Islands
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Toronto Islands is 19 Kilometer(s) / 11.8 Mile(s)

Toronto Zoo
The Distance from Aga Khan Museum to Toronto Zoo is 25.9 Kilometer(s) / 16.1 Mile(s)

📘 Toronto Visitors Travel Information
Time Zone: Toronto operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC -5. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC -4.
Weather: Toronto has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures often fall below -5°C (23°F), with snowfall common from December to March. Summers can reach 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with occasional heatwaves.
Population: Toronto has a population of approximately 3 million people, making it the largest city in Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to over 6 million residents. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
Size: Toronto covers about 630 square kilometers (243 square miles) and lies along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. It is part of the Golden Horseshoe, a densely populated region in southern Ontario.
Language: English is the primary language spoken in Toronto. However, over 160 languages are spoken due to the city’s diversity, with significant communities speaking Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Italian, and Tagalog.
Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are commonly used in shops, restaurants, and public transit.
Safety: Toronto is considered one of the safest large cities in North America. Violent crime rates are low, though petty theft and occasional transit-related incidents may occur. Normal safety precautions are advised.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Toronto. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. It is also standard to tip taxi drivers, hotel staff, and service workers.
Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Travelers from countries with different voltage standards should check compatibility and bring appropriate adapters.
Water: Tap water in Toronto is safe to drink and meets high-quality standards. The city’s water is sourced from Lake Ontario and undergoes strict treatment and testing.
Annual Visitors: Toronto receives over 27 million visitors annually. Popular attractions include the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Distillery District, Toronto Islands, and major sports and cultural events.
Visa Requirements: Visitors from the U.S., EU, UK, and many other countries can enter Canada visa-free for short stays, though most require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying in. A valid passport is required.
Health & Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry into Canada. It’s recommended to be up to date on standard vaccines such as measles, flu, and tetanus. Toronto has excellent healthcare facilities.
Transportation: Toronto has an extensive public transit system, including subways, buses, and streetcars operated by the TTC. Taxis, rideshares, and bike-share services are widely available. Traffic can be congested during rush hours.
Food: Toronto’s food scene is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from global street food to high-end dining. Local favorites include peameal bacon sandwiches, butter tarts, and an array of ethnic cuisines from across the world.
Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Toronto is known for its politeness, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness. Queueing is expected, and casual greetings are common. Visitors should be respectful of cultural diversity and personal space.
Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, public libraries, and transit stations. Mobile coverage is strong, and local SIM cards or eSIM plans are available from Canadian carriers.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Canada. While emergency healthcare is available, costs can be high for non-residents. Insurance can also cover delays, cancellations, and lost baggage.

Did You Know? - Facts About Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto is dedicated to presenting an overview of the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage. The museum's striking building, designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, is a modern architectural marvel that incorporates natural light in a way that illuminates the interior spaces and artifacts beautifully, symbolizing the museum's mission of enlightenment and sharing knowledge.

The Aga Khan Museum's collection includes over 1,000 objects, including rare manuscripts, scientific instruments, decorative arts, and paintings, spanning over 1,000 years of history. This diverse collection provides a comprehensive look at the depth and breadth of Muslim civilizations.

The Aga Khan Museum has a mission to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events, the museum aims to promote knowledge and understanding across cultures, serving as a bridge between cultures and communities.

Located in a park that was also designed as part of the project, the museum is surrounded by a carefully landscaped garden that draws on Islamic traditions, creating a serene environment that complements the museum's collection and exhibitions. This setting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the museum but also serves as a physical and symbolic space for reflection and learning.

The museum is not just a place for historical artifacts; it also serves as a vibrant cultural center that hosts contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and lectures. These events bring together artists, scholars, and audiences to explore the connections between the past and present, fostering a dialogue about the ongoing contributions of Muslim civilizations to the global cultural landscape.

💵 Currency Exchange Rates for Canada
1 CAD = 0.6198 € EUR
1 CAD = 0.7218 $ USD
1 CAD = 0.5411 £ GBP
1 CAD = 111.8921 ¥ JPY
1 CAD = 0.5804 ₣ CHF
1 CAD = 5.0973 元CNY
1 CAD = 5.6055 圓 HKD
1 CAD = 1.0874 $ AUD
1 CAD = 1.2492 $ NZD
NOTE: Exchange rates are an average currency exchange rate from several sources. These rates are not buy or sell rates which will depend on when and where you buy or sell currency.