Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum at 77 Wynford Drive in the Don Mills area of Toronto, Ontario, is dedicated to the arts of Islamic civilizations and Muslim cultures. The building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, is clad in white granite and set beside the Ismaili Centre and a formal park designed by Vladimir Djurovic, with reflecting pools and a geometric garden. Inside, the permanent galleries display manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, scientific instruments and paintings spanning centuries and regions from Spain to South Asia, while rotating exhibitions explore contemporary themes and artists. The courtyard under a glass-covered atrium offers a quiet place to rest, and the museum also runs concerts, film screenings, family workshops and cultural events. A typical visit lasts around two hours, with an additional hour for the park and surrounding gardens in good weather. The museum is calm on weekday mornings and busier at weekends and during popular exhibitions. Wednesday evenings, when hours are extended, are a popular time with a quieter and more relaxed feel, and ticket prices for evenings can differ, so checking the website is wise. Photographers favour the clean lines of the building from the park and the light in the atrium courtyard. The museum is not on a subway line; visitors usually take TTC bus 100 Flemingdon Park from Broadview station, or drive and use the on-site parking, with a taxi from downtown costing around CAD $20. The museum shop and Diwan restaurant provide food and gifts. Audio guides and guided tours add context to the collection, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Islamic art history.