YOUR
ESSENTIAL
GUIDE
SPRING 2017
OUT OF
THE DEPTHS:
THE BLUE WHALE STORY
+ MARCH BREAK
+ ANISHINAABEG:
ART & POWER
+ THE FAMILY CAMERA
rom.on.ca/whatson
OUT OF
THE DEPTHS
THE BLUE WHALE
STORY
In 2014 nine rare blue whales died
tragically in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
ROM scientists worked with local
Mark Engstrom, the ROM’s Deputy Director, Collections & Research, holding the eye of
one of the beached whales. Photo: Jacqueline Waters.
communities to recover two of them,
and one of these gigantic mammals will be on display starting March 11. Discover
the evolution, behaviour and mind-blowing biology of Earth’s largest animal—ever.
ROM.ON.CA/BLUEWHALE
#ROMBLUEWHALE
BEHIND THE SCENES
We spoke with the ROM team that
went to Newfoundland to recover
the whales.
How rare are these whales?
Human hunting in the early 1900s
reduced the global blue whale
population by 98%. Today, there
are about 20,000 animals living in
our oceans, including about 250
in the Northwest Atlantic.
LEARN MORE
ROM SPEAKS: NATURE
ALLAN BAKER
BIODIVERSITY LECTURE
FROM LAND TO WATER:
THE WALKING WHALES
Tue Apr 4, 7 pm
Did you know that whales evolved
from forest-dwelling creatures
that resembled tiny deer? Whale
palaeontologist Hans Thewissen
reports on his discoveries.
What was it like working on
the whale?
What will visitors experience in
the exhibition?
A slippery, cold, malodourous
mess—and absolutely awesome!
It was a daunting job, but we took it
one bone at a time, disassembling the
whale from back to front. What kept
the team motivated was the scientific
and public value in salvaging the
remains from these sad deaths.
They will come face to face with
the whale’s skeleton, hear and feel
its call, stand in its mouth, and help
catch its prey. They will discover
how whales evolved from their
land-based ancestors and learn
what is being done to save these
magnificent creatures.
ROM DAYTIME
ROM SPEAKS: NATURE
THE RENAISSANCE
OF THE BLUE:
THE ODYSSEY OF
THE ROM’S GREAT WHALE
Thu May 11, 11 am
Jacqueline Miller, leader of the team
responsible for preserving the whale’s
heart, shares her once-in-a-lifetime
experiences.
PROGRAM PARTNER
ROM Friends of Canadian Collections
ROM U (ADULT WORKSHOP)
THE LIVES OF WHALES
Sun May 14, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Curious about cetaceans? Dr. Christoph Richter explores how these
magnificent creatures live and interact. Includes a visit to the
ROM’s largest object—our new Blue Whale!
BLUE:
AN UNORTHODOX
WHALE
Tue May 30, 7 pm
Marine conservationist Asha de Vos
examines the significance of blue
whale populations to the global
ecosystem.
PROGRAM PARTNER
Oceana Canada
ROM SPEAKS: NATURE
BLUE WHALES OF
THE NORTH ATLANTIC
Tue Jun 20, 7 pm
Richard Sears and Christopher Clark
weave stories from their combined
70 years studying blue whales.
SEE
FEATURED
EXHIBITIONS
AND RELATED EVENTS
ANISHINAABEG: ART & POWER
THE FAMILY
CAMERA
OPENS SAT MAY 6
See family photographs through
a Canadian lens and discover
the role they play in shaping our
sense of self, family, community,
and nation.
#ROMFAMCAM
Ellen, Christopher, Ruth, and Spurgeon.
Unknown photographer. Gelatin silver print.
Windsor, Ontario, December 25, 1961.
8.9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of Dr. Kenneth Montague.
Jackson Beardy, Fisher with a Broken Tail, 1972
LEARN MORE
OPENS SAT JUN 17
Explore the life, traditions, and sacred stories of the
Anishinaabeg, as told through their powerful art over
the last two centuries.
ROM.ON.CA/ARTPOWER
#ArtPower
GALLERY OF
MODERN DESIGN
NOW OPEN
From Frank Lloyd Wright
to Arne Jacobsen, our new
gallery showcases works
by leading European and
American designers of the
20th century. Interactive
kiosks offer a closer look
at styles, designers, and
exquisite objects.
Barcelona chair, designed in 1929 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe,
made by Knoll Associates. © Royal Ontario Museum 2016. Acquisition
made possible with a grant from the Mona Campbell Endowment Fund.
ROM DAYTIME
THE FAMILY CAMERA
Thu Jun 29, 11 am
The exhibition’s curators share
insights about the exhibition and
related projects.
LEARN MORE
ROM SPEAKS: CULTURE
MONA CAMPBELL DESIGN
& DECORATIVE ARTS LECTURE
MEN OF MODERN
DESIGN
Tue May 16, 7 pm
Art historian Martin Eidelberg
discusses how a group of visionaries
centred around New York’s Museum
of Modern Art and architect Philip
Johnson introduced America
to modern art and design.
EVENTS
ROM SPEAKS
Engaging and thought-provoking, ROM Speaks
presents compelling voices on hot topics.
Experience our world, discussed.
ISAAC JULIEN: OTHER DESTINIES SERIES
MIGRATION, PEOPLE, PLACES
& POLITICS
Tue Mar 7, 7 pm
Our panel of experts discusses transnational
migrations, and their historic and current
economic and political causes.
THE CHALLENGE OF BUILDING
A NATIONAL MUSEUM
Tue May 23, 7 pm
Opened in 2016, this new museum seeks
to understand American history through the lens
of the African American experience. Hear from
Founding Director Lonnie G. Bunch III.
Jade feline pendant from the Warring State period, 5th–3rd centuries BCE, China.
Carved in the outline of a crouching tiger whose claws form open rings.
ANNUAL LECTURE ON CHINESE
ART & CULTURE
JADE: CHINA’S IMMORTAL STONE
Tue Mar 28, 7 pm
International scholar Dr. Jenny F. So examines the
multi-layered meanings of jade, and why it has been an
integral part of Chinese culture for over 5000 years.
ROM DAYTIME
Our experts share their research results and the latest advances in
art, culture, and nature. After the talk, relax at a coffee reception.
IN PURSUIT OF THE ANTIQUE:
COPIES, FAKES AND
FORGERIES IN
CHINESE PORCELAIN
Thu Mar 30, 11 am
PROGRAM PARTNER
Bishop White Committee
Vase, Meiping (porcelain, glaze), Jingdezhen,
Qing Dynasty, China, 1736-1795 CE
DESERT TORTOISE
CONSERVATION IN
THE LIGHT OF GENOMICS
Thu Apr 13, 11 am
Alan Karchmer/NMAAHC
D
TAILS AN
ENTS, DE A/WHATSON
V
E
E
R
O
M
.C
ROM.ON
TICKETS:
WESTERN INDIA’S
TEXTILE ARTS, THEN AND NOW
Thu Jun 15, 11 am
PROGRAM PARTNER
ROM Friends of Textiles & Costume
ROM CONNECTS
CANADIAN FASHION ICONS
Fri May 12, 6 pm
Hear the unique perspective of the ROM’s
Alexandra Palmer, Curator of Textiles &
Costume, honed through a career of research
and curation.
YOUR FRIDAY
STARTS HERE
We offer several flavours of Friday fun so there’s
always something new to see and do!
ROM WINTER FRIDAYS
Fri Feb 10–Fri Mar 17, 5:30-10 pm
ROM FRIDAY NIGHT
LIVE
PROGRAM PARTNER
Women in Music Canada
PRESENTED BY
Ford of Canada
ROM SPRING FRIDAYS
Fri Mar 24–Fri Apr 28, 5:30-10 pm
Winter and Spring, discounted general
admission for all ages. Talk with experts
in our galleries, or head up to the
welcoming c5 Lounge for drinks, live
music, and a spectacular view of the
Toronto skyline.
ROM U (ADULT WORKSHOP)
ROME: BRILLIANCE
AND BARBARISM
Sun Apr 23, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
From Caesar to the Colosseum,
explore ancient Roman history and
culture, brought to life with a gallery
visit and touchable objects.
Fri May 5-Fri Jun 30
Doors open 7 pm
#FNLROM is back for nine
weeks with live entertainment,
DJs, and fresh themes to excite
every Friday night! Explore our
stunning galleries, or hit the
dance floor with tasty food and
drinks, at Toronto’s favourite
social destination.
ROM.ON.CA/FNL
#FNLROM
ANNUAL VAUGHAN LECTURE
OF AFRICA: THINGS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Tue Feb 28, 7 pm
Silvia Forni, the ROM’s Curator of African Arts and Cultures, discusses recent
work to create a renewed sense of engagement between communities and the
ROM’s African collection.
ROM U (ADULT WORKSHOP)
EGYPTIAN KINGS &
SACRED COWS:
ROM EXCAVATIONS AT
DEIR EL BAHRI
Sun May 14, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Explore some of Ancient Egypt’s
greatest pharaohs through the lens of
this fascinating archaeological site.
Silvia visiting a carving workshop in Foumban, Cameroon, July 2012. Photo by Salifou Njambi.
Photo: Gayle Gibson
BABY & ME:
STROLLING THE ROM
ROMBUS
6-week sessions start Mon Apr 3,
Thu Apr 6, Fri Apr 7
Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday
with a tasty trip back in time
Tour the ROM and enjoy adult learning
and conversation in a baby-friendly
atmosphere while your little one
marvels at the new sights!
Tue Apr 25
Mon Mar 6
Explore Toronto’s historic firehalls
ROM.ON.CA/ROMBUS
KIDS
AND
FAMILIES
MARCH BREAK
OCEANS
Sat Mar 11-Sun Mar 19
Drop-in activities 10:30 am to 30 min. before closing
Mar 11-16, 18: Museum closes 7 pm
Mar 17: Museum closes 10 pm; activities end 5 pm
Mar 19: Museum closes 5:30 pm
Dive deep into the story of the blue whale
and its ocean home—and discover a
whole new realm of family fun! Lively
marine-themed activities for kids and adults
reveal more about our relationship with the
vast oceans and salty seas.
Did you know that some whales use
sound to learn what’s going on around
them? Hunt like a dolphin: try on custom
echolocation goggles and use this special
sense to track tasty fish.
ROM.ON.CA/MARCHBREAK
#ROMmb
FAMILY FUNDAYS
Sun Apr 23, Sun May 14, Sun Jun 18
Drop-in activities 11 am-4 pm
Packed with exciting experiences and
hands-on activities inspired by our
exhibitions and collections, Fundays
are special days of discovery—come
join us!
ENTS,
MORE EV D TICKETS:
N
A
S
IL
DETA
TSON
.CA/WHA
ROM.ON
MARCH BREAK CAMP
Mon Mar 13–Fri Mar 17
Power up young imaginations in this lively week of learning, movement
and making. Open up the Treasure Chest, experience the wild and wacky
in Weird Science and more. Age-appropriate activities for kids 5 to 14.
ROM SLEEPOVER
ROMKIDS JUNIOR
Your ultimate backstage pass! Explore galleries, meet ROM experts,
create a masterpiece, and show off at our PJ karaoke party.
8-week sessions start Sat Apr 1,
Tue Apr 4, Wed Apr 5
Fri Mar 3, 5 pm
Tonight, it’s all about whales! Get to know these giants of the sea and their
watery world.
Inspire your toddler’s imagination
and sense of discovery as you tour
galleries and meet other parents
and children during creative playbased activities. For ages 2 to 4,
accompanied by an adult.
SATURDAY CLUB
ROMKIDS DAY CAMP
Bunk down for the night and dream of prehistoric adventures while a
giant dino keeps watch.
Fri Apr 7, 5 pm
8-week morning, afternoon and
full-day sessions starting Sat Apr 1
Mighty Mariners, Close Encounters
and more! Get creative with
science experiments, art projects,
and hands-on educational
adventures. For ages 5 to 14.
SUPPORTED BY
Philip and Berthe Morton Foundation
Fri Jun 9
Looking for something for the kids to
do on school PA days? Drop them
off at the ROM for a day of learning
and fun. Extended care is available.
For ages 5 to 14.
SUMMER CLUB
2-week sessions start Tue Jul 4
and run until Fri Sep 1
Kids 5 to 16 will love exploring,
discovering and making new friends!
Dynamic programs inspired by
our collections and an outstanding
professional staff guarantee an
incomparable day camp experience.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
TICKETS
GETTING HERE
Support your ROM:
416.586.5660
[email protected]
FOR QUICK ENTRY,
BUY ADVANCE
TICKETS ONLINE AT
ROM.ON.CA
ROM.ON.CA/SUPPORT
With Toronto CityPASS, save
43% off admission to the ROM
plus four more top Toronto
attractions for one low price.
CONTACT US
ROM.ON.CA
416.586.8000
(after hours, recorded information
is provided)
MEMBERSHIP
Unlimited free admission,
exclusive previews, tours, lectures
and more—membership is the
best way to explore all the
Museum has to offer. With over
35,000 remarkable objects on
display, there are thousands of
reasons to come back. Join today!
ROM.ON.CA/MEMBERSHIP
#ROMmembers
REGULAR HOURS
Open daily 10 am­– 5:30 pm
Friday closing times vary;
check website.*
ACCESSIBILITY
The ROM is committed to
removing barriers to participation
for all visitors, with the ROM
Community Access Network
(ROMCAN), tactile tours, ASLinterpreted tours, described
audio tours and more.
ROM.ON.CA/ACCESS
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Bell Relay Service (TTY): 711
KEEP IN TOUCH
Open daily 10 am–4:30 pm
Friday closing times vary;
check website.*
Healthy and comfort foods for the
whole family: deli sandwiches,
salads, mac‘n’cheese, burgers,
pizza and more—with a sweet
table to die for.
ROM BOUTIQUE
Open daily 11 am–6:30 pm
Friday closing times vary; check
website.*
Nowhere else will you find such
unique treasures: home décor,
jewellery, clothing, and fun
stuff for kids, all inspired by
our collections.
After your visit to Out of the
Depths: The Blue Whale Story, take
home a memento. Our whale
exhibition boutique offers
unique gifts for the whole family!
*SEE ROM.ON.CA/VISIT
FOR TIMES, TICKETS AND DETAILS.
All images unless otherwise noted © ROM, 2017. Printed in Canada, 02/17. Please recycle.
The ROM is an agency of the Government of Ontario.
@ROMtoronto #atROM
royalontariomuseum
Royal Ontario Museum
romtoronto
rom.on.ca/newsletter
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AVIS AUX VISITEURS
FRANCOPHONES
Presque toutes les galeries du ROM
sont bilingues et la plupart de
nos expositions aussi. Des visites
commentées et des plans sont
également offerts en français. Pour
en savoir plus ou pour obtenir la
version française de cette brochure
(format PDF), nous vous invitons à
visiter notre site Web à l’adresse
ROM.ON.CA/FR