New ROM Family Weekends

Live performances, special tours, storytelling and much more included FREE with admission every weekend at the ROM

(Toronto, Ontario – January 11, 2008) The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is proud to announce new ROM Family Weekend programming every Saturday and Sunday offering a wide array of family-friendly activities, including live performances, guided tours, storytelling and much more. These entertaining events are available FREE with Museum admission, beginning January 12, 2008.

“We are pleased to provide free cultural entertainment as part of ROM Family Weekends,” said William Thorsell, Director and CEO of the ROM. “ Busy families can spend a Saturday or Sunday together exploring the galleries and participating in fun educational programming at a time that is convenient.”

Every Saturday and Sunday visitors can participate in energy-filled and educational programming geared towards family fun. Musicians perform every week and feature some of the best and brightest talent across Canada. Galleries and exhibitions come alive as solo artists serenade guests in a variety of world musical styles as they stroll through the Museum. As well, every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. visitors can relax and lounge in Canada Court as a unique musical group takes the stage and engages the audience in classical and world music varieties.

Kids can delight and learn about different cultures as knights, samurai warriors and other exhibit-based characters draped in authentic garb greet them at the Museum’s main entrance. The characters will also be able to provide insightful and interesting facts about the exhibits to engage young visitors. Families will be inspired and entertained with special whirlwind tours of the ROM’s galleries guided by the Crystal Piper, at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Visitors can also sample delicious fare from the special menus at both, C5 Restaurant Lounge and Food Studio. The market-fresh Food Studio offers simple meal solutions perfect for families or a quick bite, while C5 hosts an elegant brunch service. Each restaurant offers a bountiful selection of mouth-watering dishes catering to the most discerning taste.

ROM Sunday Concert Line-Up Winter/Spring 2008

Jan. 13
Sharlene Wallace on the harp and George Koeller on the bass

Jan. 20
The Madawaska Quartet – A children’s chamber music concert

Jan. 27
Ensemble Polaris – A Scandinavian octet

Feb. 3
Chinese New Year Celebrations – including traditional music, activities and cultural rituals

Feb. 10
Black History Month Celebrations
Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale

Feb. 17
Irshad Khan - sitar and tabla music from India

Feb. 24
Event To Be Announced

Mar. 2
Tafelmusik - Tafelmusik is a world-famous Baroque orchestra based in Toronto

Mar. 9
Event To Be Announced

Mar. 16
Event To Be Announced

Mar. 23
Continuum Music Ensemble

Mar. 30
Iran Narwuz

Apr. 6
Event To Be Announced

Apr. 13
Tokai String Quartet

Apr. 20
Event To Be Announced

Apr. 27
Intra Brass

May 4
ROM China Month

The Goddess - is a classic Chinese silent film that will be shown in the Signy & Cléophée Eaton Theatre, co-presented with PBS affiliate WNED, with film scholar, Richard J. Meyer

May 11
Event To Be Announced

May 18
Event To Be Announced

May 25
Hong Xu, pianist – Honene laureate piano recital

Jun. 8
Toronto Sinfonietta - a Polish program

Programming is subject to change.
For up-to-date information about ROM Family Weekends, visit: https://www.rom.on.ca/programs/family_weekends. Admission Prices Adults: $20; Students and Seniors (with ID): $17; Children (5 to 14 years): $14; Children (4 and under): FREE; ROM Members: FREE

All entertainment and activities as well as access to all galleries and exhibitions are included FREE with Museum admission during ROM Family Weekends.