Taking you on a cultural tour around Toronto, here are some of the best up-and-coming exhibitions in Ontario this fall...

Art Gallery of Ontario

Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde

October 18, 2011 - January 15 2012

The Art Gallery of Ontario is not only an architectural masterpiece, it is a cultural icon within of Toronto. Designed by none other than Frank Gehry, a man whose resume is as impressive as the works his buildings house, a trip t0 Toronto would be amiss without paying a visit to its cultural heartbeat. For a limited time only, the AGO presents Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde, a mythical journey into the topsy-turvy, wonderfully romantic world of the beloved Belarusian, Marc Chagall. Known for his embattled relationship with movements in Russian art history, he is featured along side Russian modernist artists such as Wassily Kadinsky, Natalia Goncharova and Vladimir Tatlin.

Royal Ontario Museum

Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World

November, 19, 2011 - April 19, 2012

The Royal Ontario Museum never fails to disappoint and is the perfect anecdote for a rainy day. Conveniently located in the uber-trendy Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood, you have no excuse not to visit one of the city’s newest and most fascinating exhibits. In partnership with Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History and the Canadian Museum of Civilization, visitors are taken on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the one of the greatest known civilizations on earth, the ancient Mayans. Featuring over 200 artifacts from the Classical Mayan period, take an afternoon to explore a civilization shrouded in mystery, marvel at their impressively complex agricultural technology, and admire the some of the most elaborate art works archaeologists have ever excavated. Revel in all the riches this culturally diverse civilization brought to the ancient world and get lost in the mystery of why it all ended!

The Gardiner Museum

The Tsars’ Cabinet

October 13, 2011 - January 8 2012

If you’re feeling extra artsy, after you’ve marveled at the fabulous Mayan exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum, stroll across the road to this little gem. Before you wander around Canada’s largest collection of Earthworks, grab a bite at the exclusive Gardiner Cafe featuring one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Jamie Kennedy.  This fall, the Romanov’s have brought their exquisite opulence to the Gardiner in what critics are calling one of the most exceptional traveling exhibits of Russian Imperial artworks. The Tsars Cabinet is a comprehensive presentation of Faberge mounts, gilded dinner services, imperial porcelain eggs and historic photographs, giving you a glimpse into the extravagant life and tragedy of the Romanov family.

Textile Museum of Canada

Veiled

October 12, 2011 - February 12, 2011

Chic, unique and full of surprises, this little museum is packed full of historic collections of traditional fabrics, ethnic garments, beadwork and basketry from all over the world. Interactive, tactile and engaging, don’t be fooled by its simple exterior, step inside and indulge your inner fashionista. Small, yet intimate enough to explore for a couple of hours, nip down after lunch on Yonge street and revel in the artistic delights of Andrew McPhail, Grace Ndirtu and Tanzeen Qyuum. Their collaborative exhibit “Veiled” is a new and provocative look at the symbolism behind the veil and all its social, artistic and cultural implications.

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art

Ineffable Plasticity: the experience of being human

November 18, 2011 - December 31, 2011

Beloved by the locals and revered as Canada’s largest and most impressive collection of Canadian works, the MOCCA is centrally located in one of Canada’s most eclectic neighborhoods, West Queen West. After browsing the racks of Toronto’s most interesting and exclusive designers, give your plastic a bit of a rest and check out the latest exhibit at MOCCA. Ineffable Plasticity poses complex concepts about the interrelationship between human attributes and how they are expressed in nature, a central idea that is woven into the fabric of Canadian culture.

Ontario Science Centre

Leonardo Di Vinci’s Workshop

October 13 2011 - March 18, 2012

Hey parents, stop the press, here’s an outing the whole family will love! Kids can enjoy countless hands-on displays, experiments and endless creative projects at KidSpark, a vast space specifically designed for little ones 8 and under. The OSC’s wildly popular exhibit,Leonardo Di Vinci's Workshop gives us a rare glimpse into the whimsical world of Leonardo and his fascinating inventions. Ever wondered what a 15th century Mechanical Lion, Robot Soldier or Self-Propelling Cart looks like?  Interactive displays, touch screens and scale models entertain visitors of all ages.

The Bata Shoe Museum

 Beauty, Identity, Pride: Native North American Footwear

Ongoing Exhibit

Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik were all put through their paces early on in their career infancy. Ever wonder what inspired their wallet-piercing show-stoppers? This quirky little museum takes us through the evolution of shoes. A wonderfully featured exhibit features creations by Indigenous peoples from diverse regions of North America. Ninety different pairs of shoes, boots and moccasins showcase exquisite craftsmanship, and distinct regional patterns. Lokota, Huron and the Apache are just a few of the featured nations.

The Hockey Hall of Fame          

Induction Weekend

November 11, 2011 - November 14, 2011

If you spend more then five minutes in Canada, a few things become very apparent. We love great food, great beer and for us, hockey is not just a sport, it’s a state of mind. Toronto is a vibrant hockey town, so round up the family, and spend the afternoon testing your hockey trivia. Come pay your respects to the official home of the games’ proverbial Holy Grail, the Stanley Cup. Boasting the most extensive collection of hockey memorabilia in the world, coupled with interactive exhibits and games, if you didn’t know a thing about hockey before, you’ll be an expert by the time you leave! If you’re in town November 11 - November 14, be sure to go down, snag an autograph or two and help celebrate hockey heroes, Ed Balfour, Doug Gilmour, Mark Howe and Joe Nieuwendyk as they become 2011 inductees!

Jordana Manchester, My Destination Ontario
November 2011