Regular day at camp: 5 year olds trying on chain like a mediaeval knight. 
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Regular day at camp: 5 year olds trying on chain like a mediaeval knight. 

Museums: Dinosaurs and all the OTHER Awesome Things They Hold!

Let’s be real, probably one of the greatest parts of a museum is it’s dinosaur collection. In fact, if it wasn’t for the ROM’s dinosaur collection, I’m uncertain if my 4 year old self would have fallen in love with museums in the same way.

In a recent article from the Toronto Star, Vice President of the Royal Ontario Museum, Dan Rahimi, spoke with Paul Irish about the magic of galleries OTHER than the dinosaurs. And it’s true. The ROM, and all museums, have such incredible galleries that sometimes are overshadowed (and rightfully so, cos dinosaurs are HUGE) by the dinosaur collections.

“Yes, popular culture sometimes directs what people go looking for (like dinosaurs),” he says. “But the history of culture is no less important and this museum is dedicated to it. Really, there is something for everyone here.”

-Dan Rahimi

Now, to be truthful, here and on twitter, I’ve been pretty upfront about my love for dinosaurs. In fact, I actually had a sit down meeting with myself (that’s not weird is it?) and said I would post a more diverse range of photos and articles. And for the most part, I think I’ve succeeded. It’s actually helped me expand the dinosaur tunnel vision I sometimes exclusively see in and explore the wide variety of other interests I hold.

The Museum has such a wonderfully dynamic range of galleries, specimens and artefacts that deserve a bit more of the spotlight. With this said, I’ve pulled together a full set of swell photos from NOT THE DINOSAUR galleries. Enjoy (click the photos for more)!

Outside of the dinosaurs, of course, what are your favourite museum exhibits and galleries?

I can just imagine some ancient human makin’ a home out of the Glyptodon’s shell. Reminds me of the Tauntauns scene from Empire Strikes Back.
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I can just imagine some ancient human makin’ a home out of the Glyptodon’s shell.


Reminds me of the Tauntauns scene from Empire Strikes Back.

Infinity Gauntlet? Or just really awesome touchable from the @romtoronto education department?
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Infinity Gauntlet? Or just really awesome touchable from the @romtoronto education department?

We had a ton of fun at last weekend’s @ROMToronto Mediaeval Fair. Honestly the best part  was hanging out with Hector the Protector, but that’s the easy choice. So instead my favourite moment would be seeing so many families come out for both days. That was really special.

Relive the weekend, or check out what you missed, with these photos (click above for captions, sometimes witty, most of the time not..)!

This fall we got a great lineup of weekend programs, check ‘em out here! See you next time!

Shame to ruin such beautiful armour in war.
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Shame to ruin such beautiful armour in war.

There’s actually just tons of shelves like this in @romtoronto’s curatorial. So many awesome things NEVER SEEN!
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There’s actually just tons of shelves like this in @romtoronto’s curatorial. So many awesome things NEVER SEEN!

#5Reasons for @ROMToronto’s Mediaeval Fair

#5Reasons @ROMToronto’s Mediaeval Fair (September 29/30) is going to be awesome!


My Mediaeval look.

The Mediaeval Fair at the ROM has become a bit of a tradition over the years. It’s just fun. ROM staff and Medieval reenactors get all dressed up and talk about all things Mediaeval - The way of life, swords, why knights are so cool, more about swords. Great stuff. 

Here are FIVE reasons why I’m so jazzed about this event.

5. Falconry. There will actually be a falcon in the ROM and we’ll be talking about Mediaeval hunting and their use of animals. Turns out falcons - kind of a big deal. 

4. All the performances, workshops, and hands-on tables. There are so many. And if you have fun Mediaeval questions, this is the perfect time to ask them! 


So what’s better for a sword? Valaryian Steel or Adamantium?

3. Mediaeval dancing. Because it starts off kind of funny. And then all of sudden you’re in it too, having a jam. And let’s be real, the ROM staff working this have been taking their lunches off to practice since they’re so excited. Will be QUITE the jig. And not only will they be doing performances IN the ROM, they will also be outside (weather permitting) for Culture Days! 

2. Trying on armour, holding swords, just being a regular ol’ knight.

Moms, dads, yiayias, guardians - this is an EXCELLENT photo opportunity. Nothing like a li’l kid in a steel helmet WAY too big for them.

1. Shooting arrows… in a museum. #nuffsaid

See you this weekend! And join us on twitter and tumblr for all the action!

The real question here is, what would you use if the zombie apocalypse happened while you were in the @ROMToronto Mediaeval Gallery?

This joy of learning!

A few of our 6 to 7s exploring the Mediaeval era by trying on armour.

Photos by Gabriel Broderick, digital edits by Kiron. Gabriel is a @ROMKids assistant and is currently wrapping up grade 12. He’s a sweet talking, future archaeologist, who is also awesome.