2024 Yearin Review

From stunning new exhibitions to paradigm-shifting research papers, 2024 proved to be a banner year for ROM. Yet, among all the Museum’s myriad activities, one towered above them all: the launch of OpenROM, a transformative project that will both literally and figuratively open ROM up even more, creating a thriving cultural and civic hub in the heart of the city.

Catalyzed by a $50-million donation from the Hennick Family Foundation, OpenROM is built on three pillars. The first is the architectural reinvention of ROM’s ground floor, introducing a fully redesigned Bloor Street entrance to the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal; 6,000 additional square feet of gallery space; and the new sweeping, sunlit heart of the Museum: the Hennick Commons. The second pillar is ongoing main floor performances and programs, which will include everything from live music to hands-on learning. The third pillar is access. For ROM to be a true cultural and civic hub, it must be inclusive and reflective of the diverse province in which we live. So, through OpenROM, we will be making our reimagined main floor free all year round, once the project is complete.

Since construction began immediately following the public announcement of OpenROM on February 14, 2024, progress has been swift. Initial strategic demolition has set the stage for core construction. The expansion of the Bloor Street entrance has begun. And over the spring, the focus will shift to installing new mechanical and electrical systems and constructing the Bloor Street entrance's expansive canopy. 

That we have already accomplished so much is rewarding. That we have done so while keeping ROM open, with a full slate of programming and minimal disruption to the visitor experience, is even more so. 

Of course, I would be remiss not to include some of our many other accomplishments over 2024, which you can read about in more detail below. Among the highlights: the return of the Free Main Floor pilot program, the discovery of a long-extinct aquatic reptile, and the success of the ROM-original exhibition Quilts: Made in Canada. 

These achievements are not just a testament to the creativity and talent of our staff and volunteers. They are a testament to the outstanding support of our community, from longtime members to government partners and donors. To them, and to everyone else who make the essential work we do possible, thank you for an incredible year. 

— Josh Basseches, ROM Director & CEO

Building on four decades of steadfast support for ROM, TD Bank Group (TD) made a new gift to the Museum in late 2024 supporting 'Third Tuesday Nights Free' as well as the 'Strengthening the Now' initiative that bolsters the important work the Indigenous Learning and Programs team began since forming two years ago. 

As the name implies, Third Tuesday Nights Free (TTNF) enables everyone to enjoy ROM, free of charge, on the third Tuesday of each month. And each month, TTNF brings as many as 6,000 visitors a night—many of whom would not have otherwise been able to attend. Thanks to the donation from TD through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank's corporate citizenship platform, tens of thousands of more visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the Museum for free over the next two years. 

While TTNF is a long-established program, Strengthening the Now is brand-new. Developed by Leslie McCue, the Manager of Indigenous Learning and Programs at ROM, the initiative will help support Indigenous staff emotionally and spiritually, so they can continue to take on the emotional labour required in their roles. Strengthening the Now will also provide accessible, dynamic, and engaging Indigenous-led programming throughout many galleries at ROM. This programming will include everything from interactive installations to hands-on workshops—all informed by extensive consultations with Indigenous Peoples throughout Ontario. 

With the launch of Strengthening the Now, ROM will become an even more dynamic environment for learning about and connecting with Indigenous Peoples and communities—a place where those same communities will better see themselves, their cultures, and their histories more accurately reflected. What’s more, ROM is thrilled to collaborate on this initiative with TD, a decades-long supporter of the Museum with a deep commitment to amplifying diverse voices in arts and culture. 

Without our donors, volunteers, staff, and the support of the Government of Ontario, none of this would be possible.

For a full donor list, click here.