New to the Museum?
Founded in 2014, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Ontario is home to a growing Permanent Collection of over 1,200 masterpieces, including manuscripts, paintings, ceramics, and textiles from the 9th to the 21st century.
Through its innovative online and in-person programs, the Museum reaches millions of people worldwide, fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding through the arts.
Location and Grounds
The Aga Khan Museum is located at 77 Wynford Drive. Wynford Drive is located one light north of Eglinton off Don Mills Road.
In designing the Aga Khan Museum, the late Professor Fumihiko Maki, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, used light as his inspiration. He ensured not only that light is ever-present in the building, but that, depending on the time of day or season, light will animate the building in myriad ways: throwing patterns on the exterior walls of Brazilian granite, enhancing interior spaces, or illuminating the open-roofed courtyard.
The building’s compact footprint — 81 metres long and 54 metres wide — contains an impressive variety of spaces, including two exhibition galleries, areas for art conservation and storage, a 350-seat theatre, and two classrooms. Within an unmistakably contemporary design, Maki incorporates historical elements originating in Islamic cultures, building bridges between eras as well as civilizations.
Across from the Museum is the Ismaili Centre Toronto, designed by renowned architect Charles Correa. The Centre incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement, and spiritual reflection. Its crystalline frosted glass dome roof, which marks the highest point of the 6.8-hectare site, is mirrored in the five granite-lined pools of the formal gardens — designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic — which are part of a landscaped park. The Aga Khan Park connects the Centre with the Museum and provides a place equally suited to tranquil reflection and dynamic programming.
The Aga Khan Park
Aga Khan Park is a paradox to Toronto’s hustling metropolitan centre. It covers 17 acres of land while connecting two majestic buildings through a pathway of green spaces, gardens and water features. It brings tranquillity to a large city and offers a place of respite from the activities of modern life. Together with the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre Toronto, the Park is where nature, art and spirit culminate as one.
A central feature of the Park is the Persian and Mughal-inspired garden, known as chahar bagh (four-part garden). Designed by the Lebanon-based architect, Vladmir Djurovic, the formal gardens sit within a natural geometry created by the careful placement of trees and water features.
Since its opening in 2015, Aga Khan Park has hosted a number of events that bring together the community. From film screenings in the Park to health and wellness activities, to celebrations and festivals, the Park offers a variety of events for everyone in the family.
Together, these three projects will symbolise the harmonious integration of the spiritual, the artistic and the natural worlds, in keeping with the holistic ideal which is an intimate part of Islamic tradition…at the same time they will also express a profound commitment to inter-cultural engagement, and international cooperation.”
— His Highness the Aga Khan
Director’s Welcome
As we celebrate the remarkable milestone of the Aga Khan Museum’s 10th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude and pride in reflecting upon our journey. Over the past decade, the Museum has served as a beacon of cultural exchange, fostering understanding and appreciation of the rich tapestry of Muslim civilizations and their interconnectedness with the world.
The artworks housed within the Museum are not just objects on display, they are vessels of history, culture, and humanity. Each artifact, textile, and ceramic artwork tells a story of exuberant creativity and resilience, showcasing the diverse voices and experiences of those who have shaped and been shaped by the vast and dynamic landscape of Muslim cultures. These stories, woven into the fabric of our past, continue to echo through time, resonating in our present, and reminding us of our shared experiences.
At the heart of the Museum’s mission and vision lies the belief in the transformative power of the arts to spark intercultural wonder, curiosity, and understanding beyond differences. Our work, using the arts of the Muslim World as conversation starter and catalyst, aims to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. Today, the Aga Khan Museum’s role as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and peacemaking is more relevant than ever. In an increasingly complex world, building bridges between cultures is not only crucial in transcending boundaries but creating space for empathy and mutual respect.
Looking forward to the next chapter of our journey, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the future of the Aga Khan Museum. A future where the Museum continues to be a space where people of all backgrounds can come together to learn, explore, and connect with the shared humanity that unites us all.
Dr. Ulrike Al-Khamis
Director and CEO
Museum Etiquette
We kindly ask that all visitors follow these rules when visiting the Museum. Please:
- Refrain from touching any of the artifacts or works of art.
- Do not consume food and drink inside the galleries and the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium.
- Turn mobile phones to the vibrate setting in the galleries, and turn devices off in the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium.
- Turn camera flash off in the galleries.
- Sketching with pencil is permitted in the galleries
- All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver while visiting the Museum.
- Refrain from visiting the Museum if you are feeling unwell.
Security at the Site
The Aga Khan Museum and Aga Khan Park are closely monitored by video surveillance 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Security guards patrol the grounds regularly, and can be contacted at any time at the Museum entrance. For your safety, emergency call boxes are located throughout the grounds, identified by a blue light.
Photography
The Aga Khan Museum is renowned for its impressive architecture and pristine landscaping, making it the picture-perfect location for taking photos.
Before your visit, please review our photography guidelines to ensure the best possible experience for you and other guests. A permit may be required.
Outside The Museum
The Aga Khan Museum is renowned for its impressive architecture and pristine landscaping, making it the picture-perfect location for taking photos. Before your visit, please consult our photography guidelines to ensure the best possible experience for you and other guests.
Inside The Museum
Visitors can take photographs inside the Museum, but the use of flash is not allowed in the galleries. Selfie sticks and tripods are also prohibited in the galleries.
Photography is sometimes restricted in the second-floor gallery. Please read the signs or consult a Museum representative to see whether any temporary restrictions are in place.