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Adventure at the Royal Ontario Museum

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Royal Ontario Museum - ROM

Something quirky.
I decided to take a trip to the ROM, better known as the Royal Ontario Museum, here in Toronto. It had been years since I had visited and I heard the place received a massive facelift. It was stunning!

(ROM logo is registered to the Royal Ontario Museum)

Located at 100 Queen's Park, Toronto Ontario Canada

I've photographed my day-long adventure while I trotted through the jungles of Africa, the ancient cities of China, a pharaoh's tomb in Egypt and spent most of the afternoon running from out-of-control dinosaurs.

My journey began on the subway, as so many do these days. The Museum Station was redecorated with pillars in the shapes of totems and sarcophagi to prepare you for your museum experience. My excitement peaked and I found myself rushing up to ground level and heading for the main entrance!

So come with me now and relive my adventure!

(All photos by MelonyVaughan)


Table of Contents

Links

Royal Ontario Museum ROM
ROM official website.
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All your favorite crime and detective shows from the 80s!

Books Recommended at the ROM

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The Pharaoh's Tombs in Egypt

Before me was an archway cut from stone by human hand. I walked through and on every wall were hieroglyphs depicting a story of many ages past. This scene was simply breathtaking as you could run your hand across the stone and feel for yourself that which a civilization long gone had wanted to communicate to future generations.



This exhibit was decorated in colors of sandstone with period symbols strewn everywhere. There were jewelry and trinkets, canopic jars, recreations of tombs, miniature models of great temples and cities and yes, even a mummy in a sarcophagus.




I stopped at a section which portrayed a typical high-born Egyptian lady grooming and putting on her jewelry and make-up. It's funny how little things have changed over thousands of years. I saw myself sitting in the same position doing the same thing only hours before arriving at the museum.


The ancient Egyptian exhibit contained far more information than I could possibly relay, but let me say that I could spend hours just in this exhibit alone.

The Egyptian Book of the Dead

The Book of Going Forth by Day

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Rome and Greece

I decided to put the ancient Rome and Greece sections together since they were right next to each other in the museum. Much of the artwork and sculptures were extremely similar. For example, the Greek King of the Gods was called Zeus while the Romans called him Jupiter.

With busts and sculpted heads of nearly all our favorite Gods, including Heracles (Hercules), Cupid, Aries, and even lesser beings like Satyrs, the exhibit was a visual feast.


There were helmets and weapons from the period, dented and worn from years of use.


There were detailed sections where you could look at ancient coins and even gold wreaths.



This beautiful recreation of the Acropolis of Athens had stunning detail. It was a 3-dimensional model that seems to be one of the ROM's greatest strengths because you can walk around and see it from every angle. I am so glad that they include these models everywhere.

Egypt, Greece and Rome

Civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean

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Ancient Asia

Japan and China

These exhibits were joined together, displaying wonderful art, architecture, craftsmanship and historical relics. There were by far more statues in this exhibit than any other. The detail was extraordinary and I spent nearly 2 hours in this section alone.







Life in Ancient Japan and China

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Bat Cave

On my way to Europe from Asia, I found myself trapped in a bat cave!


The entrance to the cave was dark with stalactites hanging and dripping noises to be heard from within. Cautiously, I walked in, bracing myself with my hand against the side of the cave. I took photos in the pitch darkness with my flash only revealing what was inside during those brief glimpses. Leaning into crevices and cracks in the wall, I could see nesting bats everywhere, some hanging from the ceiling, others in mid-flight. Upon reaching the center of the cave, a swarm of crickets scurried on the ground only to be swept up as a meal for some lucky bat.

No, there were no live animals in the cave, but it was designed so beautifully that kids were jumping and squealing themselves. It was great!



I nearly fainted at this sight, but like everything else here at the museum, they pull no punches in relaying fact and truth.

Bats of the World

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Europe

Knights and Royalty

As was expected, a good part of the European exhibit dealt with knights, armor and swords.





However, the entire exhibit did not deal with just the knights. There were rapiers from a more modern era and many duelling pistols and early firearms.



Let's not forget European fine culture and royalty.

European Knights

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Animal Kingdom

The Animals I Encountered During My Adventure

The animal exhibits had life-size recreations of many wondrous creatures. From the ostrich and the albatross to the giant sunfish and the anteater, they were all here in full-size glory.



I couldn't help it, I giggled every time I walked past this guy:


This fish was disturbingly large. It looked like a giant grey goldfish from a distance.



Wait! Let's not forget the rest!

Ordinary Extraordinary Animals

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Dinosaurs

From behind, I could hear a deep methodical breathing. A chill ran across my spine and so I stopped in my tracks. Turning over my shoulder to look back, I could see nothing, but the feeling that I was being watched was ever present. I started to walk faster, moving through tall trees and thick brush from many years past. I felt a tremor on the ground that caused me to freeze in place. It was followed by another and another and when I looked back again, there it was standing mouth agape with fangs at the ready. It stretched out its clawed arms and...

Well, it sounded good, didn't it?

The dinosaur section was just incredible.



Can you believe that this guy was actually a sloth!





History of Dinosaurs in a Museum

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The Maya Exhibit

With the greatest of disappointment, I was not allowed to take ANY pictures within this exhibit. So let's all close our eyes (after you finish reading this paragraph, of course) and imagine the Mayan temple city states, each ruled by its own king. The people settled around the outskirts of the city and moved from one to another depending on the city's prominence and regard. These were people who had organized worship, irrigated land for farming and created complex art and tools. Truly a remarkable people!

Mayan Books on Amazon

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Beauty of the ROM

The Building

The Royal Ontario Museum had received a makeover recently. A new facade and entrance way was the primary change. One would think that a modern artistic front composed of glass and steel would clash with the building's regal stonework, but it actually works. The design is brilliant!













And let's not forget that the ROM is very strict when it comes to details, as you can see in the next photo:

More Information on the Royal Ontario Museum

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Other Snapshots From My ROM Adventure

There were many more sections that I did not mention and even more that I didn't have time to visit during my expedition, but I did manage to snap off a few shots in various exhibits as I rushed through while the museum was closing.






Miscellaneous Books From My Adventure

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The Bottom Line

I say THUMBS UP for the ROM

Having traveled quite a bit in my life, I would like to say that the ROM is truly an exceptional museum with wondrous exhibits and astounding collections suitable for all ages!

There was even a section where children could try on clothing from different countries and eras. I even snuck in to try a few on myself. Nothing fit :(

The gift shops were great, the food was superb and in general I had fun.

In my opinion, a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum is a great time for all ages. Whether you are alone, with a significant other or going with your entire family and the kids, it just works!

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About MelonyVaughan

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Please Leave a Comment

  • WriterJanis May 21, 2012 @ 2:37 am | delete
    You have such gorgeous pictures of this place. I would love to visit. Blessed!
  • MiaBellezza May 8, 2012 @ 9:23 am | delete
    Next time I'm in Toronto, which is rare, I must visit this museum. Well done!
  • GypsyPirate May 7, 2012 @ 12:16 pm | delete
    I absolutely adore museums and love to go whenever I have a chance. Thank you for sharing one with me that I haven't been too. And for whetting my appetite to visit it!!
  • Tipi May 4, 2012 @ 11:49 am | delete
    This is so stunning as you say. I came back to post this lens to FaceBook for you. If I could bless it again I would. :)
  • orange3 Apr 11, 2012 @ 12:26 pm | delete
    Great photos. I've never been to the Royal Ontario Museum but would love to someday.
  • flycatcher Apr 5, 2012 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    I always enjoy visiting the ROM when I'm in Toronto, but it's going to take me a few more decades to get used to the new exterior. :)
  • Sylvestermouse Apr 5, 2012 @ 5:07 pm | delete
    This looks like a really fun adventure! I love all of the pictures.
  • Richard3331 Mar 26, 2012 @ 6:51 pm | delete
    Great Museum
    ROM are my initials for my name in Irish that I use on my Art - interesting - Risteard O' Marcahain
  • grega85 Mar 26, 2012 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    I have never been there, but if I will get chance I will take a look.
  • Tipi Mar 24, 2012 @ 12:21 pm | delete
    I agree with you, a definite thumbs up to the Royal Ontario Museum...you had me paging up and down on this feast for the eyes and soul!
  • Lauriej1 Mar 16, 2012 @ 1:39 pm | delete
    Wow! Great pics! This has inspired me to go see this place one day! Thanks for sharing! :)
  • Rob3 Mar 15, 2012 @ 4:30 am | delete
    I love museums, there is so much we can learn about of great interest. I try to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London whenever I can. Thank you for commenting on my African Birds, Yes, it was a wonderful country to be brought up in.
  • AnthonyAltorenna Mar 14, 2012 @ 10:27 pm | delete
    This is a great tour of the Royal Ontario Museum. I've spent many days at the Museum of Natural History in NYC and if I ever get to Toronto, I'd really like to visit this museum.
  • mamabush Mar 14, 2012 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    I love history museums...this one looks beautiful! Great pictures! :)
  • nightcats Mar 12, 2012 @ 12:43 pm | delete
    This looks like a great museum. I am embarrassed to admit this, but I have never been in Toronto, other than the airport. Maybe some day.
  • aesta1 Mar 10, 2012 @ 8:02 am | delete
    I always love to visit each time we get home in Canada.
  • JaguarJulie Mar 9, 2012 @ 2:55 pm | delete
    So many amazing exhibits! We were fortunate enough to vacation in Athens and Crete, Greece and see some interesting sights. There is so much we can learn from museums and history.
  • sukkran Mar 6, 2012 @ 10:54 am | delete
    looks like a great place to visit. stunning photos and well displayed. ~blessed~
  • keetykaa Mar 6, 2012 @ 2:57 am | delete
    Wow great work :) and all of these pictures look really amazing ! :)
  • poddys Mar 2, 2012 @ 2:51 pm | delete
    Sounds like a wonderful day out, almost more to see than you can manage in a day. I have been fortunate enough to visit real Mayan cities in Guatemala and Honduras, and they are truly amazing. I would love to go to Egypt and Greece though one day. Nicely done.
  • TheLifestyleChanger Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:54 pm | delete
    Blessed!
  • TheLifestyleChanger Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:54 pm | delete
    Looks wonderful - obviously worth a visit and something for a local to be very proud of.
  • Craftyville Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:28 pm | delete
    I haven't been to the rom in ages, I should definitely go again soon.
  • pantankmoondoor Feb 28, 2012 @ 11:29 pm | delete
    That was great adventure..
    I like it very much..
  • ---Chazz Feb 25, 2012 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    Thanks for such an extensive tour of the ROM. Very impressive.
  • sousababy Feb 24, 2012 @ 7:33 am | delete
    I love the ROM and visit it with my daughter a few times a year. It's important to see and learn about things that you wouldn't normally encounter in books or at school. Great photo selection here too.
  • daria369 Feb 23, 2012 @ 1:35 pm | delete
    Nice photo tour of the Royal Ontario Museum. Now I feel like I've been there myself, thank you! :)
  • blackspanielgallery Feb 21, 2012 @ 10:37 pm | delete
    Nice lens.
  • GramaBarb Feb 20, 2012 @ 1:46 pm | delete
    Wow - very impressive collection of photos. Would love to visit there with my Grandkids especially. Blessed.
  • alwaysjules Feb 17, 2012 @ 11:19 am | delete
    With all of your pcitures and descriptions, I almost feel like I've been tehre myself! Great lens! Thanks for sharing it!
  • karmicchristian Feb 17, 2012 @ 1:01 am | delete
    Wow! This is an awesome virtual guided tour to he Royal Ontario Museum. Thanks for being a generous guide! Enjoyed the pictures! :)
  • fanfreluche Feb 16, 2012 @ 3:55 am | delete
    I visited the Royal Ontario Museum in 1985! My aunt used to live in Toronto and I went there 3 weeks to learn English. I spend a entire day at the ROM (but I couldn't see everything). It's a beautiful museum, and if I ever go back to Toronto I will visit again.
  • Edutopia Feb 14, 2012 @ 11:52 am | delete
    The ROM looks like a pretty awesome museum to visit and one that would take more than one trip through to really see it all.
  • WordCustard Feb 13, 2012 @ 7:12 am | delete
    The R.O.M. looks like a great day out for just about everyone, and this fun visual guide will be useful to anyone planning a visit.
  • OhMe Feb 12, 2012 @ 3:01 pm | delete
    Your photos are amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed coming along on your adventure at the Royal Ontario Museum.
  • MiaBellezza Feb 11, 2012 @ 3:28 pm | delete
    Next time I'm in Toronto, I'll be sure to visit the Royal Ontario Museum. I'd love to see the Egyptian museum artefacts.
  • smsr0100451 Feb 9, 2012 @ 7:37 am | delete
    Wonderful. I like history and mystery and both are available here. Thanks.
  • CruiseReady Feb 7, 2012 @ 9:05 am | delete
    Well done! Stunning photos, too.
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by

MelonyVaughan

The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada is the largest and most beautiful museum in Canada. The exhibits are stunning, there are many act... more »

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