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Le quartier du Sud-Ouest de Montréal aura finalement un corridor culturel et patrimonial, en plus d'avoir son lieu de rassemblement collaboratif de l'art et de la culture avec MR-63. Nous étions plus de cent cinquante personnes invitées et rassemblées à l’Espace William Dow dans Griffintown lieu de résidence du projet MR-63. Parmi les personnes présentes à la conférence de presse, nous pouvions voir, élus et conseillés de la ville de Montréal, Monsieur Benoit Dorais maire de l’arrondissement du Sud-Ouest, Madame Erika Alneus conseillère et responsable de la culture et du patrimoine à la ville de Montréal, Monsieur Craig Sauvé conseiller de la Ville de Montréal dans le Sud-Ouest…. Au niveau provincial, la députée de Saint-Henri/Saint-Anne et la cheffe officielle de l’opposition Madame Dominique Anglade était aussi présente. Le fédéral était représenté par Madame Rachel Bendayan député de la circonscription d’Outremont et secrétaire parlementaire du tourisme et ministre associée des finances.Nous étions là pour finalement après plusieurs années de travail, consultation et persévérance/ténacité de la part de citoyens et des personnes du milieu des arts et de la culture, constater l’aboutissement de ces efforts. Le corridor culturel saura joindre le vieux Montréal à partir du PHI et nous fera découvrir dix-huit points d’intérêts culturels et patrimoniaux au tour du canal Lachine.Pour ajouter un soupçon de festivité, un premier festival sous le signe de la culture coréen et de la découverte gastronomique aura lieu du vendredi 19 août au dimanche 21 août à l’Espace William Dow, coin rue Ottawa et la rue Peel. Plusieurs autres événements et festivals auront lieu dans le corridor culturel pendant l’année. Ceci saura satisfaire les citoyens du Sud-Ouest de Montréal et des visiteurs qui trouverons finalement une liste d’activités sachant répondre à tous les goûts et pour lesquelles SpotEv s’assurera de communiquer aux internautes toutes les informations des activités et vous garder à l’affut des nouveautés à venir.Nous devons mentionner, les organismes et les personnes du milieu qui se sont mobilisées et qui ont été des acteurs clés directement impliquées dans la création et la réalisation du corridor culturel. Les instigateurs de tout ceci et les fondateurs de l’espace collaboratif MR-63, messieurs Frédéric et Étienne Morin-Bordeleau. Il y a aussi l’immense collaboration du PHI et l’implication directe de Mme Myriam Achard cheffe partenariats nouveaux médias chez PHI. Sans oublier Monsieur. Paul-Hugo Baptiste directeur du corridor culturel. La SDC Quartiers du Canal et Monsieur Cyrille Bodiot et particulièrement l'énergie et l'engagement de Madame Manon Dubreuil.Il ne faut pas aussi passer sous silence tous les bénévoles qui ont été impliqués dans la réalisation du projet. Un gros bravo et merci à tous. D’autres informations suivront indiquant notamment les horaires des diverses activités à venir.

Museums to Immerse yourself in the City's Past and its creativeness - Mapped to Discover them Easily Even as a fairly young city of 380 years old. Museums can bring great understanding of Montreal, the people, the first nations and the beginnings of a country, Canada. Time machines exist - they are also known as museums. And to visit one of these magnificent collections of culture is to reminisce the golden past that laid the foundations for this present. Add to that the rich legacy of the First Nations and the French & English settlers, and you get a series of some of the best museums in the world, that offer deep insights into a bygone era through paintings, art, photographs, and a lot more. Walking into these Montreal museums will broaden your understanding of the city's culture & story.So, without any further delays, let us get on with our list of some of the best museums in Montreal.1. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Spread across five pavilions, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts combines various artistic disciplines. The pavilions comprise international art, decorative arts, design, contemporary works, world cultures, and Quebec and Canadian Art. Boasting of being the 18th largest museum in North America in terms of size, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts houses over 45,000 paintings, multimedia installations, sculptures, graphic artworks, & photographs.It’s also the most visited museum in Quebec and the second most visited museum in Canada. The museum is also one of Canada’s foremost publishers of art publications, both in French and English, that are distributed internationally. It also hosts the Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy. Here, you can partake in various innovative wellness, educational, and art therapy programs.2. McCord Museum Founded in 1921 by David Ross McCord, the museum started with his family collection. Since then, the museum's holdings have expanded significantly. Today, the museum focuses on being a public research center, dedicated to the preservation, study, and appreciation of Canadian history. This is one of the many reasons why museums are significant. The McCord Museum celebrates Canada’s past and present life in Montreal through its extensive collection. Their exhibits include historical objects, artifacts, textiles, photographs, paintings, and documents. If you want to dive deep into the country’s history, this is the place to be.3. Écomusée du fier Monde The museum is housed in a beautiful old public bath building called Le bain Généreux built 1926-1927 and property of the city of Montreal since (French heritage page). You'll also like to know. The museum is located on Amherst Street, which was renamed in 2019, due the controversial figure that was J. Amherst. To Atateken, which means in Mohawk, fraternity.The Écomusé du fier Monde defines itself as a history and a community museum. Its permanent exhibition, speaks of the hardships, the joys of a popular neighbourhood (Centre-Sud of Montreal) from its the industrial revolution era to the present day. Discover the impact of the industrial era on workers, the daily lives of their families and the de-industrialization effects on the community.The museum develops an approach aimed to be an education centre for the community. The museum creates very close collaborations with the district partners for participatory projects. It is also implicated in reflections that have present and future stakes on the neighbourhood. All this to say. You want to discover Montreal and the creative mind sets in finding innovative solutions to needs of a community. Visit Le Musée du fier Monde!4. Château Ramezay Built in 1705 as the residence of then-governor of Montreal, Claude de Ramezay, the Château Ramezay is the province's oldest private history museum. A museum and historic building located in Old Montreal, the Château Ramezay’s collection constitutes around 30,000 objects, that include manuscripts, numismatic items, ethnological items, printed works, works of art, paintings, prints, and furniture.The historic building has also undergone many changes over the past centuries, making it one of the most unique museums in Canada. In 2003, the museum also earned the National Award of Excellence on behalf of the Landscape Architects of Canada. Not just the artifacts, but even the building is historic!5. La Guilde 1906 Focused on the preservation and education of Inuit & First Nations art, La Guilde 1906 is a non-profit organization that was established in 1906. The museum supports Inuit, First Nations, and Fine Crafts artists, in a way that provides viability to their artistic expressions. La Guilde’s exhibits include over 1500 artifacts and works of art, from the end of the 19th century until today. Their collection constitutes one of the most historically important selections of Inuit art in Canada. They also offer a wide range of exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural activities.These help develop knowledge and also raise awareness about indigenous Canadian art. La Guilde offers a variety of artifacts on display, such as wall art, jewelry, paintings, photographs, letters, and pamphlets. The organization also holds workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and guided tours, to help visitors understand Canadian culture even better. A visit to La Guilde, becomes a dialogue between the visitors and the institution, which makes the learning process even more interesting.As you walk through the halls of these interesting spaces, you shall get to witness an amalgamation of Indigenous & European cultures, that have co-existed for centuries. The items on display tell you a thousand stories, that you won’t be able to find in books and libraries. To make sure that your experience is even more rewarding, don’t forget to use SpotEv’s discovery service - Spot&Go, to find everything from theatres, cafes, and restaurants around these areas.Here is a list of the museums in Montreal, under the umbrella of Musée Montréal. Take a look at the list to get a better idea of the various kinds of museums to experience in Montreal. You can click on the Map to locate them easily!Centre Marius-Barbeau | Biosphère – Montréal Space for Life | Tohu | La-Prison-des-Patriotes Exhibition Centre | Montréal Holocaust Museum | Château Dufresne, musée et lieu historique patrimonial | Biodôme – Montréal Space for Life | Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex | Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal | Redpath Museum | PHI Centre | Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier, musée et site archéologique | Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada Museum | Jardin botanique de Montréal – Montréal Space for Life | MUMAQ, musée des métiers d’art du Québec | Dorval Museum of Local History and Heritage | Écomusée du fier monde | Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan - Montréal Space for Life | The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site | Museum of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal | Maison Saint-Gabriel, Historic Site and Museum | Jardin de sculptures de Lachine | Site du Musée de Lachine et Parc René-Lévesque | Montréal Science Centre | Insectarium – Montréal Space for Life | SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art | MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises | Musée des ondes Emile Berliner | Montréal Museum of Fine Arts | Site historique Marguerite-Bourgeoys | McCord Museum | Musée de Lachine | Château Ramezay Historic Site and Museum of Montréal | Centre d’exposition de l’Université de Montréal | PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art | Cinémathèque québécoiseAnd don't worry... We'll be covering these museums in our upcoming articles as well. So, don't forget to follow our blog for all the latest updates!Until next time!La joie de découverte de Montréal.

Theatres to visit in Sherbrooke! The small town of Sherbrooke, in the province of Quebec, may not be that famous, in comparison to its elder brother Montreal or Quebec city. But the green, little city has big places for theatre lovers who adore the visual spectacle of artistic performances. In this article, we shall be exploring some of the best venues in Sherbrooke that host awe-inspiring artists. The theatres and venues in this list are of the highest quality and have had the privilege of hosting world-class artists and performers.So, without wasting any more time, let’s start exploring the magnificent theatres of Sherbrooke! 1. Salle Alfred-DesRochers The Salle Alfred-DesRochers is a versatile and professional auditorium with excellent acoustics. Having the capacity to accommodate 460 guests, it is used for musicals, dance performances, theater shows, and film screenings. The Salle Alfred-DesRochers is a part of the Cégep de Sherbrooke, which is well recognized for the quality of its education, all over the country and the world. Surrounded by green spaces, the campus covers an area of nearly ten hectares. Therefore, if you are planning to spend time in nature, before or after a show, this place would be perfect for that.2. La Petite Boîte Noire Founded in 2013 by enthusiasts who wanted to dedicate a venue to the alternative music circuit, La Petite Boîte Noire is a collective of volunteers who truly care about the music. A must-see venue in Sherbrooke, La Petite Boîte Noir has also been nominated at GAMIQ for the performance hall of the year. They broadcast more than 140 shows each year. With focused attention to detail, this venue is perfect for those who are looking for an intimate and warm experience of fresh, undiscovered music.3. Salle Maurice O'Bready Québec’s fourth-largest performance hall, Salle Maurice O'Bready can accommodate more than 1,500 guests. In addition to the hall, the cultural center also includes foyers and a lobby, that’s perfect for corporate events, press conferences, launches, shows, and other activities. The Salle Maurice O’Bready hosts big-league events. Their infrastructure and equipment are of the highest standards, which make this hall unforgettable.4. Centennial Theater Inaugurated in January of 1967, Centennial Theatre provides a cultural stage for dance, drama, education, and music. Located on the beautiful campus of Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke. The theatre has played a significant role in the cultural life of Sherbrooke City, over the last 40 years. Designed to bring together artists and audiences in an ambiance of visual ecstasy and acoustic superiority, this excellent theatre can house more than 500 people. Centennial Theatre has presented artists such as Al di Meola, Natalie MacMaster, Christopher Plummer, Marc-André Hamelin, Margie Gillis, Gary Burton, and groups such as O Vertigo and Marie Chouinard, I Musici de Montréal, and the Penderecki and Keller Quartets.5. Salle Québecor The highlights of the Salle Québecor would be its superior sound quality and its humongous stage. The facilities of this venue make all of its performances a magical experience. Salle Québecor can house more than 400 patrons. 6. Granada Theatre Granada Theatre was built as an atmospheric theatre in 1928 by United Amusement Corporation Limited. The venue is perfect for presenting conventions, meetings, banquets, birthdays, weddings, parties, brunches, fashion shows, film screenings, etc. They also offer personalized technical and promotional support, which makes all of their events a great success. With a capacity of more than a thousand seats, this theatre is sure to amaze you with its marvelous scale and exuberance.7. La Belle Chapelle La Belle Chapelle is a renovated chapel that now hosts various cultural and performance-based events and shows. La Belle chapelle is an important part of the city’s heritage and the local community is continuously striving to keep this architectural jewel alive, through various projects. La Belle Chapelle has been hosting meaningful and stimulating performances and activities that can be categorized into three distinct themes: - Spirituality & Religion - Expressive art through exhibitions, tourist visits, and concerts - Social justice and awareness This venue is an intricate expression of the city’s roots and cultural heritage. The magnificent venues of Sherbrooke will make you want to stay here longer. Eventually, they’ll even make you wonder why you did not visit this beautiful city earlier.If you want to keep discovering hidden gems all over Canada and the entire world, please don’t forget to follow SpotEv’s blog. We believe that travel makes our lives richer. And here at SpotEv, we strive to take savvy travelers to their next life-changing experiences.Until next time…Enjoy the discoveries!

Some of the most popular comedy clubs in the city of Montreal for Side-Splitting Laughs Who doesn’t like a good laugh? Especially, at a time when we all need a break from our everyday lives. Therefore, what better way to have a good laugh than by visiting some of the biggest comedy clubs in the country? A good set at one of these comedy clubs can lift your mood, reduce stress levels and even change your opinions on a subject. That’s the magic of humor. And the cultural capital of Canada, Montreal is a mecca for stand-up comedy in North America. Montreal was the birthplace of the Just for Laughs Festival (JFL) or Le Festival Juste pour Rire (JPR) in French. The Festival grew with the comedian tours, and the gags and saw many young comedians gain international acclaim.Our list will take you through some of the most popular comedy clubs in the city. This will make your search for the perfect laugh, much easier.1. La Comédie de Montréal First, on our list, we have La Comédie de Montréal - a small theatre dedicated to French stand-up and Vaudeville comedy. This friendly venue follows the tradition of the cafe-theatre culture, with an intimate 119-seater setting. Moreover, you can also enjoy a drink at their bar, while you enjoy one of their productions or a stand-up gig.2. Mtlcomedyclub One of Montreal’s premier destinations for comedy, the Mtlcomedyclub offers great food as well. Presenting five shows a week, the club hosts open mics on Mondays & Wednesdays. The club has also hosted some of the biggest names in comedy like Aziz Ansari, Sugar Sammy, Eman & DeAnne Smith, to name a few.3. The Comedy Nest The Comedy Nest is an internationally renowned English stand-up comedy club, with an intimate, cabaret-style setting. This venue has hosted some of the funniest comics in the world. It’s also surrounded by lots of restaurants. The Comedy Nest has been named one of the top 15 comedy clubs in North America.4. Le Bordel Comedie Club This club is situated in a building, that used to be a brothel, thus the french name Le Bordel. Le Bordel Comedy Club offers two rooms with an intimate experience for French comedy lovers. Here, you can enjoy five stand-up comedians in a single evening, without any interruptions. It’s also a great place to discover upcoming comedians.5. The ComedyVille A club that specializes in theme-based acts & professional comedy events, the ComedyVille is the perfect place to catch seasoned comics present their best. Planning to organize a show for corporate or personal events? These guys can link you up with the best comics in Montreal. as well. They also offer great pizza, pasta, and a wide variety of Pub-style preparations. So, if you’re hungry for tasty treats & a good laugh, the ComedyVille is the place to be.If you're looking for a fun-filled evening with laughter and unique insights, Montreal has a lot to offer. But starting on this journey of discovering comics can seem intimidating at first, especially if you are new to the city. We understand this very well. This is why we, at SpotEv continuously bring the best venues and events in the country, to the forefront. That's because we believe that exploring a place should be as easy as tapping your phone screen.Peace & Laughter!

Which venues should you visit in Quebec City? If you’re like most people, whenever you plan to visit the province of Quebec. You usually think of Montreal as your desired destination. And there is a good reason behind it too! Montreal is a cultural paradise that has something for cinephiles, foodies, architecture lovers, and art enthusiasts alike. But what people don’t realize is that there’s another gem that’s just two and a half hours drive from Montreal. And this city is an equally important one that has a distinct culture of its own.We are talking about the capital city of Quebec - Quebec City. Founded in the 1600s by French settlers, the city’s winding cobblestone streets and imposing cathedrals will give you the impression that you’re in a quaint European town. But you aren’t. You're in Québec City - a UNESCO World Heritage site that’ll charm you for sure. The birthplace of New France will make you feel like you’re in a 17th Century European painting. And to help you with your discovery of the city’s nooks and corners, we’ve compiled a very short list of venues. These would be great additions to your itinerary.So, without having to make you wait any further, let’s get on with the list.1. Théâtre Capitole Situated in a grand complex called the Capitole, Le Théâtre Capitole is a venue that has been hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other cultural events for over a century. This magnificent structure was constructed in 1903 based on designs by American architect Walter S. Painter. Being right in the heart of Quebec City, this venue boasts of having hosted some of the greatest in arts and entertainment. Le Théâtre Capitole is a magical venue with magnificent stairways, and luxurious decor.2. Musées national des beaux arts de Québec A highly respected art museum, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is a complex consisting of four buildings. This expansive building was inaugurated in 1933. Its collection includes over 40,000 works from the 16th century to the present day. Their collection primarily consists of works that were produced in Quebec, or by Quebec artists. It also includes works from other areas of Canada and the world. History buffs will be enthralled by this enigmatic structure.3. l'Antibar Bar & Spectacles If you are looking for a more personal experience, head over to this edgy music venue that hosts indie bands and offers some great cocktails. l'Antibar Bar & Spectacles is perfect for those who plan on unwinding over a few mugs of beer with friends and discovering fresh sounds from the city. Check this place out, if you are looking for venues with live music. The perfect example of the saying: ‘Good things come in small packages.’4. Centre Vidéotron When you visit the second-largest stadium in Quebec and witness the colossal venue which can house more than 18,000 people. You cannot but admire the sheer scale of this magnificent structure. Primarily built for ice hockey, the engineering marvel was inspired by the extreme weather conditions of Quebec. This majestic building is a multidisciplinary amphitheatre a must-visit for sports fans, with a soft spot for hockey, but also a great venue for music fans. Take the time to visit the surrounding grounds of Expocité. Expocité hosts over 400 events of various yearly. You'll find in this great site, Le Grand Marché. At Le Grand Marché, you can find local producers of great authentic Quebec produces and recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!5. Théâtre Premier Acte An intimate 80-seat theatre, this venue offers astonishing discoveries in terms of, current and meaningful subjects, crafted by talented Quebec artists. This cozy theatre will take you on spell-binding visual journeys through its plays and productions. Perfect for a night out in Quebec City, and if you’re looking for venues for small events. 6. Morrin Centre Cultural Centre A nationally recognized heritage site, the Morrin Centre is a leading English-language cultural center located in the heart of the historically significant Old Quebec City. Built over 200 years ago, this grand, architectural marvel was one of the city’s first jails. But it now houses one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. You can browse through hundreds of books in this charming Victorian-style library. They also offer a diverse range of events that include an annual writers’ festival, multiple concerts, readings, and lectures. The Centre’s mission is to provide rich and engaging programs in the domains of cultural heritage, education, and the arts. The Centre’s history is directly linked to the intellectual development of Quebec and Canada as well.7. Le Bal du Lézard A small, warm, and friendly bar in the heart of Limoilou, one of Québec City's loveliest neighborhoods, this venue is par excellence and is closely knit with the local community. Meet friends, make new ones, or just enjoy a few drinks by yourself! Here is an active player for local information of Limoilou and other neighborhoods of Quebec city.8. Citadel Museum (La Citadelle De Québec) The museum at La Citadelle De Québec aims to acquire, conserve, and showcase artifacts and historical documents that recount the history of the Royal 22e Régiment as well as the Citadelle of Québec. This historical gem is an important carrier of Canadian military history. Through their tours, the museum aims to educate visitors about the Regiment's military feats and its history in Quebec, Canada, and the world over. If you want to better understand the French history of Canada, and specifically Quebec, the Citadel Museum is a great starting point.The venues and buildings of a city store a thousand stories that are just waiting to unfold themselves to the savvy visitor. The venues mentioned in our list are but a small set of a multitude of buildings that inform you about the province and the country. Once you visit these venues, they will leave you with sweet memories, and hopefully, bring you back for more. If you want to know about other such venues. Keep following SpotEv’s blog, which will help you make well-informed travel decisions.Cheers enjoy the visits!

Which theatres should you visit in Montreal? Aah… Theatres!The sound of live music. The dialogues of a soul-stirring play. The inimitable experience of a new culture, a new point of view, or a novel visual experience. Theatres have been bringing together people, in a celebratory commune, for centuries. Long before movies had taken center stage.But what are theatres like today, you might ask? And should you enter theatres without vaccines? Well, the answer to the latter question is ‘No’. But to answer the first one, we have compiled a list of theatres in Montreal, to help you quench your thirst for a live, audio-visual treat. So, if you are looking for theatres for plays, music, and other vibrant productions to treat your senses, this list should give you some direction.1. La Place des Arts A major performing arts center in the City, Place des Arts happens to be the largest cultural and artistic complex in Canada. The complex is also home to Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Opéra de Montréal & the Orchestre Métropolitain. This Place des Arts was inaugurated in 1963 and has hosted a wide variety of cultural shows and spectacles over the years, such as opera, ballet, symphony orchestras, theatre, films, etc. The complex also hosts a museum of contemporary art, shops, and rehearsal halls.2. The Centaur Theatre Founded in 1969 by The Centaur Foundation for the Performing Arts, the Centaur Theatre boasts of being the largest English-language theatre in Montreal. The theatre also gives you the opportunity to experience the old-world charm of this historic part of Montreal, laden with cobblestone streets. If history and culture are what you are looking for, the Centaur Theatre is the perfect place to be at.3. The Segal Centre for Performing Arts Looking for theatres downtown? The Segal Centre for Performing Arts should satisfy the seekers of creative expression if they are in this part of the city. The venue is a rich artistic resource & hub for Montreal’s diverse theatre community of both independent, as well as emerging artists, who wish to create, explore and grow. 4. DUCEPPE The DUCEPPE theatre company, founded in 1973 by Jean Duceppe, and is one of the city’s busiest French-language theatres. They present international, national, and Québec playwrights through their productions. So, no matter what your preference, the DUCEPPE theatre company will have something for everyone.5. Théâtre Denise Pelletier Built in 1928, the Theatre Denise Pelletier began as a 1,685-seater cinema, which was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. The company changed its name to become Théâtre Denise-Pelletier in 1997. Since then, it has been offering classical and contemporary plays drawn from national and international works. They offer matinees for school groups and evening performances for the general audience.6. Théâtre du Rideau Vert Established in 1949, the Théâtre du Rideau Vert was the first professional French-language theatre in Canada. The theatre's seating capacity of 426 provides a warm and intimate atmosphere to its audiences. The theatre puts out outstanding drama for theatre lovers. It has been the favored venue for some of the most iconic French plays.7. Théâtre du Nouveau Monde - Le TNM Primarily a French-language theatre, this venue, which was founded in 1951, in the historic vaudeville theatre - The Gayety, presents classics from the past as well as the present, from Shakespeare to Michel Tremblay. If you’re looking for a theatre nearby Sainte-Catherine in Montreal, this venue will be the right place for you. A favorite among Montrealers!8. La Maison Théâtre Montréal’s leading youth theatre, La Maison Theatre has been offering a rich and varied program since 1984. Their focus is mainly shows for children and teens between the ages of 1 to 17. If you are a family who wants to introduce their little one to the magic of theatre, this is a great place to start.9. Espace Go With a strong aim to present contemporary theatre, Espace Go is quite vocal about ongoing trends. They have prioritized putting the spotlight on the contribution made by women in this field. The theatre acts as a place of creation & research, dedicated to the evolution of theatre.Whether you like concerts, plays, comedies, or drama… the city of Montreal has something for everyone. As people start visiting theatres and covid takes a backseat, the world of arts and entertainment is slowly making a strong comeback. We have created this list, keeping in mind the ever-curious connoisseur of the performing arts, because we know how much they missed theatres during the pandemic.We hope this list takes you to a theatre, where the performing artists continue to take your breath away!De belles découvertes théâtrales to all of you!

Which museums are open in Toronto, & why should you stop by them? As you walk past the sky-scrapers, and towers of the bustling metropolis of Toronto, it might never occur to you that, even this futuristic, modern marvel has its history tucked away, somewhere in the city. Although, it might not be apparently visible to you. To go through the pages of the past of Toronto, you will have to plan a visit to one (or many) of the marvelous museums that offer a unique window into the antiquity of not only Canada & Ontario but various places across the globe.But before you start your journey, there can arise several questions in your mind like: ‘What museums are open in Toronto?’, ‘Can museums open in the city?’ or ‘Which museums in Toronto are safe to visit now?’It’s but natural to have these questions, given the conditions of the pandemic that we overcame. But the good news is that Canada is well on its way to normalcy, thanks to the combined efforts of health officials & residents. To help you on your quest for history, SpotEv has created a list of the best museums in Toronto. This list will save you a lot of time, and pinpoint you in the right direction.So, let’s start our journey down history lane, with the following museums in Toronto. 1. Royal Ontario Museum Canada’s largest museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, showcases a world-class collection of 13 million artifacts and artworks, which are featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. Founded in 1914, this colossal museum exhibits artistic, cultural, and natural relics from across the globe and through various timelines. It is also one of the largest museums in North America. The museum sees a footfall of more than a million visitors each year, making it the most-visited museum in Canada. The Royal Ontario Museum’s diverse collections of world culture and natural history make it an institution of international repute. Expect to see a massive collection of dinosaurs, meteorites, & minerals, Canadian, and European history as well as African, and East Asian art collections. You will also find an extensive collection of design and fine art, that includes clothing, interior design, and art deco.2. Art Gallery of OntarioThe Art Gallery of Ontario is an art lover’s paradise. It is one of the largest art museums in North America, that houses a collection of close to 95,000 works ranging from cutting-edge contemporary art to European classics and emerging Indigenous Canadian art. Their remarkable photography collection is of great importance, too. The Art Gallery of Ontario presents various exhibitions and programs that provide a platform for underrepresented artists as well. Such efforts made by organizations, to put the spotlight on deserving artists, are why museums are significant. The museum's permanent collection has over 120,000 works that span a range from the first century to the present day. Anyone who is passionate about art must visit this grand museum for sure. It is bound to be a life-changing experience.3. Aga Khan MuseumIf you want to delve deeper into the world of Islamic art and Muslim culture, take a trip to the Aga Khan Museum. This organization collects and presents artwork from historically significant Muslim civilizations and contemporary Muslim communities from around the world. Their collection spans a vast geographical area, that covers art from Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and China. The Aga Khan Museum was North America’s first museum dedicated exclusively to the Islamic arts. The museum houses approximately 1,200 rare objects assembled by Aga Khan and Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan. It presents an overview of the artistic, scientific, and intellectual contributions of the Muslim civilizations to world heritage. They also host educational programs and performing arts events, that foster a greater understanding of the Islamic world at large.4. Spadina MuseumNamed from an Anishinaabemowin word ishpadina, which means ‘highland’ or ‘ridge’, the Spadina Museum sits on top of a ravine, overlooking Toronto. This magnificent mansion will transport you to a time of victories and tribulations of the city from 1900 to the 1930s. Visit this lovely museum to get a glimpse of life in Toronto, during testing times. You can also relax in their six acres of restored garden. Through their guided tours, lectures, workshops, school programs, special events, and changing exhibits, the museum aims to keep the stories alive, that shaped the city of Toronto, in the 20th century. 5. Ontario Science CentreThe Ontario Science Centre offers several hundred interactive and permanent exhibits, featuring geology, natural history, astronomy, music, human anatomy, and many more sciences, that will leave you spellbound. Guests get to choose from over 500 interactive displays, live science demonstrations, a real-life rain forest, a science arcade, a Space Hall, and many such mind-boggling presentations. As a matter of fact, it houses Toronto’s only public planetarium. The Ontario Science Centre aims to make science more accessible and fun, through its easy-to-understand and guided exhibits. We are sure that you will walk out of this center with a higher appreciation for science. You will also have a more firm understanding of scientific concepts.6. Fort York National Historic SiteA military fortification built in the early 19th century, Fort York stands tall even today. It used to house members of the British and Canadian militaries. This historic site features stone-lined earthwork walls and eight historical buildings. Apart from the fort, the 41-acre site also includes the Garrison Common, military cemeteries, and a visitor center. Today, the fort houses multiple exhibits, which include restored period rooms, galleries and displays that explore Ontario's glorious military history. They also conduct public programs, tours, and events.7. Hockey Hall of FameDedicated to the love & history of ice hockey, the Hockey Hall of Fame contains exhibits about teams, memorabilia, trophies, players, and National Hockey League (NHL) records. The museum was founded in 1943, in Kingston, Ontario, and was later shifted to Toronto. The Hockey Hall of Fame constitutes 15 exhibit areas that cover 60,000 square feet. You also get to learn about every Hall of Fame honored member through portraits and biographical information.8. MZTV Museum of TelevisionThis museum contains the most comprehensive collection of North American Television Receivers. The MZTV Museum and Archive aims to tell the story of the medium and how it impacted the world. The museum contains related magazines, discs, original papers, toys, and other ephemera related to television. They also exhibit around 10,000 objects to the visitors. A visit to this museum will open up your mind to the long journey that the invention has gone through and how it has affected generations of people. Or take a virtual tourWhether you are an art buff, have an inclination towards natural history, or like to browse through Indigenous artifacts, Toronto’s museums are ready to blow you away. All you have to do is take the first step towards exploring these magnificent palaces of history’s remnants. If you want to know more about the historical venues to visit in Canada, do check out our Blog. SpotEv’s extensive list of valuable resources is there to make your explorations much more enjoyable and richer.Do keep following SpotEv’s blog to stay updated on the latest events, restaurants, and venues. We are sure it will make your travel experiences interesting and unforgettable.Where there’s a passion for culture and art, there’s SpotEv!

A great way to discover a city, such as Toronto. Going to the theatre! By that, we mean to explore the culture, the food, and the multidimensional entertainment venues of the City. Any visit to Toronto would seem incomplete without experiencing one of the many theatres in the city. They will leave you spellbound by its performances and events. And to help you narrow down your list, and save you loads of time, we’ve compiled a must-visit list of some of the city’s most iconic theatres, where you get to experience some of the best performances in the world, by influential artists. But before we get on with our comprehensive list, it’ll be a good idea to clear off some doubts you may be having.You might be wondering: ‘When are venues opening?’, ‘Are venues requiring vaccinations?’ Or ‘What venues require a covid pass?’. To keep audiences safe and healthy, most venues are still operating with utmost caution. But that is not to say, that the City isn’t opening up again. As the country makes a fast comeback from the aftermath of Covid, theatres and venues have started welcoming guests and patrons again. And to make sure you visit all the right places, you can go through SpotEv’s exhaustive list of venues across the city, including the ones we’ll cover in this list.So, without any more delays, let’s get on with our list of some of the most prestigious theatres in Toronto. 1. TIFF Bell LightboxLocated within the first five floors of the Bell Lightbox and Festival Tower, TIFF Bell Lightbox is a cultural epicenter for cinema, in Toronto. They house five cinema theatres, two restaurants, multiple galleries, and several learning studios. It also serves as the headquarters for the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as a venue for other film screenings and more intimate film festivals, throughout the year. If cinema is your religion, then the TIFF is bound to astound you.2. Princess of Wales TheatreA modern 2000-seat theatre, The Princess of Wales Theatre opened to the public in 1993. It was the first privately built theatre in North America, in over five decades, and the only one in the country after the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. This theatre is one of the premier locations to witness classic and contemporary musical productions. It’s one of the most prestigious venues with live music. 3. Roy Thomson Hall The Roy Thomson Hall was built with the aim of being a not-for-profit charitable organization, to showcase the world’s greatest performers from many disciplines.The Hall is also a prominent venue for a diverse range of activities, in the business and entertainment district of downtown Toronto. Inaugurated in 1982, the theatre can accommodate more than 2,600 attendees. 4. Royal Conservatory of MusicFounded in 1886 by Edward Fisher, the Royal Conservatory of Music is a non-profit institution and performance venue aimed at the education & appreciation of music. The venue became the first institution of its kind in Canada where singers and musicians were trained. Anyone who has an ear and a heart for music should visit this one-of-a-kind theatre.5. Royal Alexandra TheatreConsidered to be a national historical landmark, the Royal Alexandra Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in North America. Built in 1907, the theatre is one of the best examples of beaux-arts style architecture.It also holds the distinction of being Toronto’s first steel-framed structure. The theatre’s stage has witnessed more than 3000 performances since its opening and has had the honor of hosting world-renowned, legendary performers such as Mary Pickford, Paul Robeson, Edith Piaf, and the Marx Brothers… to name just a few. With a seating capacity of 1,244, it's an architectural masterpiece that hosts the world’s best artists. The Royal Conservatory features a wide range of music genres such as western classical, jazz, and pop music.6. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing ArtsA venue built specifically for opera and ballet performances with the highest quality of acoustics, The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts takes the live performance experience to the next level. The meticulous design of the theatre allows the performance of three productions in concurrence. The venue also houses a large orchestra pit that offers presentations of classical music’s most well-renowned compositions. It's a 2,000-seat theatre in Toronto that is also the home of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada.7. The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres are the last surviving Edwardian stacked theatres in the world. Originally built as the flagship of Marcus Loew's theatre chain in 1913, both theatres were built to show vaudeville acts and the silent cinema of that time. In 1928, the lower theatre started showing films with sound. A visit to this uniquely structured theatre is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.8. The Massey HallKnown worldwide for its outstanding acoustics, the Massey Hall is a jewel in the crown of performing arts theatres, in Toronto. Established in 1894, the venue was originally designed to seat 3,500 patrons. Following extensive renovations in the 1940s, the current seating capacity stands at 2,765 people. The hall has an extensive history of concerts by artists of many musical genres. It has hosted everything from boxing matches, symphony orchestras, operas, and speeches to rock concerts. Not just sky-scrapers, Toronto has so much more to offer through its theatres that host multi-cultural events and performances. These venues are not just places to be entertained at, but also a part of the country’s rich history as well.So make sure you see the real parts of Toronto, by booking a show at these magnificent buildings.Until next time… Bonne journée!