Kandice VincentWhen I’m off from work, I just love hitting up hip cafes and top-rated eateries in the 6ix. But when it comes to feeding my soul, Toronto’s art galleries are a must-visit.
What’s even sweeter is that you don’t have to spend anything for a visual and spiritual treat. Some of the most amazing art galleries here don’t charge you a single penny!
And as a true-blue Torontonian (and hardcore bargain-hunter), it comes as no surprise that I’ve been to every single one. Read on, and I’ll hook you up with the coolest art galleries in the city that you can visit for free.
Art Gallery of Ontario
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Website: https://ago.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agotoronto/
Address: 317 Dundas St W
Hours: Tue, Thurs: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Wed, Fri: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Sat – Sun: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact: (416) 979-6648
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)’s collection has more than 120,000 art pieces just sitting there, waiting for your visit.
It has a ton of Canadian art, with a focus on art from Toronto and Ontario. I enjoy viewing local Indigenous art from the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis here, as well as global pieces from the Torres Strait Islands, Africa, and Australia.
Before visiting, check their website for current and upcoming exhibitions and events. Who knows? Maybe your favorite artist’s collection will make an appearance soon.
There’s a catch—AGO is only free for everyone on Wednesdays, from 6 PM to 9 PM. On any other day, only visitors 25 and under, as well as Indigenous peoples (and of course, AGO members) can enter for free.
Pro Tip:
If you’re gunning for their free admission on Wednesdays, make sure to check out AGO Bistro as well. Located on the 1st floor, this spot offers 50% off wine bottles every Wednesday, from 5 PM to 8 PM. See you there!
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
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Website: https://www.thepowerplant.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerplantto/
Address: 231 Queens Quay W
Hours: Wed – Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (416) 973-4949
If I’m in the mood for cutting-edge contemporary art, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is my go-to. Unlike AGO, this gallery is always free, so you can drop by anytime.
The best time to visit, however, is when there are special events or exhibit openings—you can check out their events calendar online. Don’t miss their cool artist talks, where the creators explain their own views about their works.
But if you’re after a more serene vibe, go here on weekday afternoons to avoid crowds.
We also love its location, which is right on the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre. Watching the glowing sun set over the horizon after a soulful visit? Priceless.
Pro Tip:
Feeling a bit peckish after all that art? Then, head over to Boxcar Social Harbourfront or Amsterdam Brewhouse for beer, casual bites, and gorgeous waterfront views!
Museum of Contemporary Art
Media credit: mocatoronto
Website: https://moca.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mocatoronto
Address: 158 Sterling Rd #100
Hours: Wed – Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (416) 530-2500
If you’re looking for a low-cost Friday night date, then, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is your spot. They offer free admission every Friday from 5 to 9 PM, so feel free to hit up MOCA before or after dinner.
You could even have a pre-dinner snack at Forno Cultura, an Italian cafe and bakery onsite. Located in the lobby, it offers yummy pastries and sandwiches.
Now, if you’re a student, you don’t have to wait for Friday—just bring a valid ID and you can get in anytime.
And to make sure you make the most out of your visit, we recommend checking out MOCA’s socials. They periodically hold artist talks, workshops, or performances.
Pro Tip:
In addition to Fridays, you can also get in for free on TD Community Sundays. Held every first Sunday of the month, you can enjoy free art viewing and family-friendly activities—just make sure to register beforehand!
401 Richmond
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Website: https://401richmond.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/401richmond/
Address: 401 Richmond St W Studio 111
Hours: Mon – Sat: 8 AM – 6 PM
Contact: 416) 595-5900
Some of the coolest free art galleries I’ve been to are housed in 401 Richmond, a warehouse that’s been transformed into an art and cultural hub.
Inside, you’ll find several independent galleries showcasing different art forms. For instance, visit Gallery 44 for photography, Open Studio for prints, and Red Head Gallery for amazing avant-garde pieces.
Exhibitions are always changing, so keep an eye out for fresh pieces or new artists. Visit on a weekday, and you might even see some of the artists in action.
In addition to these fun galleries, you can also check out bookstores, cafes, and even an insanely gorgeous rooftop garden, complete with a green roof and courtyard.
Pro Tip:
To fuel your art trip, we recommend grabbing a cup of coffee at Dark Horse Espresso Bar or dropping by Impact Kitchen for a healthy meal.
The Image Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University
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Website: https://theimagecentre.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagecentreto
Address: 33 Gould St
Hours: Wed – 12 PM – 8 PM
Thurs – Sat: 12 PM – 6 PM
Contact: (416) 979-5164
If you’re a photography junkie, visit The Image Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University. It houses over 375,000 photographs and related media, including works from the legendary Black Star Collection.
We do appreciate the themes in their exhibitions, which typically cover activism and social change. Plus, their displays are rotating as well, featuring Canadian and international artists.
Aside from being free to visit, they offer free 45-60 minute guided tours that come with debates, discussion, and even a Q&A at the end.
A bonus for students and adult scholars is their amazing research facility, which houses rare books, publications, and archives.
Pro Tip:
Since it’s located in a university, there are, of course, tons of food spots nearby. Check out delicious coffee at their onsite cafe, Balzac’s, or addicting dumplings at Delhi Momos, just a few minutes away.
Onsite Gallery at OCAD University
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Website: https://www.ocadu.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocaduniversity
Address: 199 Richmond St W Ground Floor
Hours: Wednesday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Thurs – Sat: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 977-6000
Whenever I’m in the mood for really good Thai food and even better socially engaged art, I head over to the Onsite Gallery at OCAD University to hit two birds with one stone. This free gallery not only houses thought-provoking art but is also near PAI—yum!
Because it’s a college gallery, many exhibits highlight student and faculty work in addition to Indigenous artists and emerging talents all over the country. You can check the current exhibitions on their website if you’re looking for something specific.
For those into digital media art, don’t miss exhibits held in collaboration with the Inuit Art Foundation. They typically highlight digital murals made by Inuit artists.
It’s best to visit during the school year since it would be buzzing with creative energy.
Pro Tip:
If you (or someone you know) are a business owner, consider hiring an OCAD U student. These cool artists and designers—some of whom have been featured at the gallery—are great hires for branding, various art projects, or content creation.
Nicholas Metivier Gallery
Media credit: metiviergallery
Website: https://metiviergallery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metiviergallery/
Address: 190 Richmond St E
Hours: Tue – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 205-9000
Located downtown, Nicholas Metivier Gallery is home to contemporary painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media art. It’s free to enter, but you can also arrange for private viewings or consultations.
This spot showcases Canadian artists such as John Hartman and Landon Mackenzie, alongside international ones like Sebastião Salgado and Joachim Bandau.
Beyond artwork, they also host panel discussions, artist talks, and art fairs. The key is checking their website for upcoming events.
As a bonus, it’s right across The George Street Diner, a cozy, retro-style eatery known for their scrumptious classic Irish breakfast. They open at 8 AM, so it’s a perfect spot to grab some coffee and breakfast before the gallery opens at 10 AM.
Pro Tip:
Nicholas Metivier Gallery is near AGO and 401 Richmond, so are you thinking what I’m thinking? Time to go free art gallery hopping!
The Stephen Bulger Gallery
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Website: https://www.bulgergallery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenbulgergallery/
Address: 1356 Dundas St W
Hours: Tue – Sat: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (416) 504-0575
Stephen Bulger Gallery is another free art gallery you should visit if you adore fine art photography like me. They feature black and white pieces, in addition to photojournalism, and experimental artwork.
This gallery has represented powerful artists through the years. An example is Reva Brooks, named by the San Francisco Museum of Art as one of the top 50 women photographers in the world.
The venue also has a bookstore, lounge, and screen room, which is pretty cool.
And after your visit here, you could pop over to Sam James Coffee Bar, a local fave, for a quick coffee and pastry.
Pro Tip:
If you love what you see, then check out the gallery’s limited edition prints (as well as other inventory) for sale at FFOTO.com.
Arts Etobicoke Storefront Gallery
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Website: https://www.artsetobicoke.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsetobicoke/
Address: 4893a Dundas St W, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (416) 622-8731
Arts Etobicoke Storefront Gallery is part of Arts Etobicoke, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts. This cheerful, welcoming space highlights a mix of local artists and community-driven projects.
You’ll see fun, rotating exhibits here, with a focus on community storytelling and diverse voices. We just love seeing bold paintings, photography, mixed-media installations, and youth artwork.
Make sure to visit on Wednesday nights, during which artists hold development talks.
For munchies, you can drop by Dundas Street Grille, a few minutes away, known for American breakfast fare such as bacon, waffles, and poached eggs.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to sign up for the gallery’s free art workshops and programs all throughout the year (e.g. painting sessions, community art projects, etc.). Not only will you learn, you’ll also have fun and meet local artists too!
Gallery Arcturus
Media credit: galleryarcturus
Website: https://arcturus.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galleryarcturus/
Address: 80 Gerrard St E
Hours: Tue – Sat: 12 PM – 5:30 PM
Contact: (416) 977-1077
Gallery Arcturus is an artist-run, nonprofit gallery that has nine exhibits over four floors. It’s very fun to explore, and I never get bored of this spot since the displays are always evolving with new works and arrangements.
We like how the pieces are not always focused on finished work; they also highlight the artistic process, showcasing how artists develop their work. Resident and guest artists are featured, blending fine art with found objects or even abstract ideas.
What’s fun is that they even have an online collage workshop—participating artists will be mailed featured images, which they’ll turn into their own collages. Then, they’ll email the finished pieces to the gallery, and they’ll be displayed online. Cool, right?
After working up an appetite running up and down those floors, go for a light snack at Page One Café or even a full sit-down dinner at GEORGE if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tip:
If you want to be alone with your thoughts, even for just a little while, then make sure to check out the gallery’s meditation room.
