Every Thursday at 10 am on Instagram we chat with a different ROM expert ready to answer your burning questions on a different subject. This week we’re talking to Bryan Hansraj, who joined the ROM in 2014. He is one of the ROM’s Visitor Experience Leads. This team works to ensure our visitors and members have a memorable experience during their visit through the interactions between the public and ROM Staff. With a portfolio overseeing the Admissions Desks, Exhibitions, Contact Centre, Feedback, Coat Check, Membership and more, the Visitor Experience Leads play a vital role in the relationship between the ROM and the public.
Bryan just might be our resident expert on Instagramable spots and must see’s at the ROM. Though he majored in Political Science and International Studies at Glendon Campus, York University, he considers his time at the ROM a compliment to his education as he continues to learn and grow from the collections and exhibitions.
Bryan strives to deliver a memorable experience for visitors and members at the ROM alongside the Visitor Experience Team.
Q. What do people get most excited to see at the ROM? In your opinion, is there something they should be more excited about?
A. The ROM has something for everyone! Usually, our featured special exhibitions are the most asked about as they join us from other Museums. In our permanent collections, I would have to say our Dinosaurs and our Minerals and Gems get everyone excited.
Q. What is your favourite exhibition?
A. Our Blue Whale Exhibition has been my all-time favourite exhibition at the ROM. To walk alongside a Blue Whale was mind-blowing. I learned a lot from the exhibition and loved the storytelling.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year that joins the ROM annually is also a personal favourite. The images are emotionally stirring, thought provoking, and are reminders of the natural world that exist outside of our City.
Q. What do you recommend as a “must see” part of the museum?
A. Our historical Weston Entrance is a must see. Entering through this entrance is truly magical with the mosaic ceiling above, the marble floors and pillars. The architecture is truly stunning!
When it comes to galleries, for Natural History, you can’t miss our Dinosaurs or Minerals and Gems. For our Ancient Civilizations, Ancient Egypt, Chinese Temple Art, and Asia, The Americas and Asia-Pacific. I love taking a stroll through these galleries.
Q. What’s your favourite spot for Instagram pics in the museum?
- The Weston Entrance front steps
- The second floor overlooking the Weston Entrance with the Mosaic ceiling. Great for a silhouette shot!
- With our T-Rex on the second floor
- The Vairocana Buddha in Currelly Hall
- Our Winnie-the-Pooh entrance wall
Q. If I was a tourist in the city with limited time, what 1-2 exhibits would you say I have to see?
A. I recommend that you ask me on arrival, and I can recommend spaces that you would be interested in.
I personally think of Dinosaurs and Ancient Civilizations when I think of museums, so I’d have to recommend our Gallery of Dinosaurs, Minerals and Gems, Ancient Egypt, Chinese Temple Art, and Asia, The Americas and Asia-Pacific. If you’re visiting with children, I would also include our Gallery of Biodiversity.
Our special exhibitions are always a favourite of mine. Currently, Egyptian Mummies and Winnie-the-Pooh!
To ensure you don’t miss anything, I’d say start on the top floor and spiral your way down to the first, going through the galleries.
Q. How has your job changed over the last 7-8 months, with new COVID policies in place?
A. My job has evolved into working some days at home and some days at the ROM. I’ve also had to work with our teams on developing and ensuring that the visitor experience was safe, enjoyable, and enjoyable while living in a pandemic. I have had to grow and look at the world with a different lens to include what the visitor experience looks during a pandemic.
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