YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDESPRING 2017

OUT OF THE DEPTHS:THE BLUE WHALE STORY

+ MARCH BREAK

+ ANISHINAABEG: ART & POWER

+ THE FAMILY CAMERA

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OUT OF THE DEPTHSTHE BLUE WHALESTORYIn 2014 nine rare blue whales died tragically in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. ROM scientists worked with local communities to recover two of them,

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ROM SPEAKS: NATURE ALLAN BAKER BIODIVERSITY LECTUREFROM LAND TO WATER: THE WALKING WHALESTue Apr 4, 7 pmDid you know that whales evolved from forest-dwelling creatures that resembled tiny deer? Whale palaeontologist Hans Thewissen reports on his discoveries.

Mark Engstrom, the ROM’s Deputy Director, Collections & Research, holding the eye of one of the beached whales. Photo: Jacqueline Waters.

and one of these gigantic mammals will be on display starting March 11. Discover the evolution, behaviour and mind-blowing biology of Earth’s largest animal—ever.ROM.ON.CA/BLUEWHALE #ROMBLUEWHALE

BEHIND THE SCENESWe spoke with the ROM team that went to Newfoundland to recover the whales.

How rare are these whales?

Human hunting in the early 1900s reduced the global blue whale population by 98%. Today, there are about 20,000 animals living in our oceans, including about 250 in the Northwest Atlantic.

What was it like working on the whale?

A slippery, cold, malodourous mess—and absolutely awesome! It was a daunting job, but we took it one bone at a time, disassembling the whale from back to front. What kept the team motivated was the scientific and public value in salvaging the remains from these sad deaths.

What will visitors experience in the exhibition?

They will come face to face with the whale’s skeleton, hear and feel its call, stand in its mouth, and help catch its prey. They will discover how whales evolved from their land-based ancestors and learn what is being done to save these magnificent creatures.

ROM DAYTIMETHE RENAISSANCE OF THE BLUE: THE ODYSSEY OF THE ROM’S GREAT WHALEThu May 11, 11 amJacqueline Miller, leader of the team responsible for preserving the whale’s heart, shares her once-in-a-lifetime experiences.PROGRAM PARTNER ROM Friends of Canadian Collections

ROM U (ADULT WORKSHOP)THE LIVES OF WHALESSun May 14, 10:30 am-3:30 pmCurious about cetaceans? Dr. Christoph Richter explores how these magnificent creatures live and interact. Includes a visit to the ROM’s largest object—our new Blue Whale!

ROM SPEAKS: NATUREBLUE: AN UNORTHODOX WHALETue May 30, 7 pmMarine conservationist Asha de Vos examines the significance of blue whale populations to the global ecosystem.PROGRAM PARTNER Oceana Canada

ROM SPEAKS: NATUREBLUE WHALES OF THE NORTH ATLANTICTue Jun 20, 7 pm Richard Sears and Christopher Clark weave stories from their combined 70 years studying blue whales.

ANISHINAABEG: ART & POWER

OPENS SAT JUN 17

Explore the life, traditions, and sacred stories of the Anishinaabeg, as told through their powerful art over the last two centuries.ROM.ON.CA/ARTPOWER #ArtPower

Barcelona chair, designed in 1929 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, made by Knoll Associates. © Royal Ontario Museum 2016. Acquisition made possible with a grant from the Mona Campbell Endowment Fund.

Ellen, Christopher, Ruth, and Spurgeon. Unknown photographer. Gelatin silver print. Windsor, Ontario, December 25, 1961. 8.9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of Dr. Kenneth Montague.

Jackson Beardy, Fisher with a Broken Tail, 1972

GALLERY OF MODERN DESIGN NOW OPENFrom Frank Lloyd Wright to Arne Jacobsen, our new gallery showcases works by leading European and American designers of the 20th century. Interactive kiosks offer a closer look at styles, designers, and exquisite objects.

LEARN MORE ROM SPEAKS: CULTUREMONA CAMPBELL DESIGN & DECORATIVE ARTS LECTUREMEN OF MODERN DESIGNTue May 16, 7 pmArt historian Martin Eidelberg discusses how a group of visionaries centred around New York’s Museum of Modern Art and architect Philip Johnson introduced America to modern art and design.

LEARN MORE ROM DAYTIMETHE FAMILY CAMERA Thu Jun 29, 11 amThe exhibition’s curators share insights about the exhibition and related projects.

SEE FEATURED EXHIBITIONSAND RELATED EVENTS

THE FAMILY CAMERAOPENS SAT MAY 6See family photographs through a Canadian lens and discover the role they play in shaping our sense of self, family, community, and nation.

#ROMFAMCAM

EVENTSROM SPEAKSEngaging and thought-provoking, ROM Speaks presents compelling voices on hot topics. Experience our world, discussed.

IN PURSUIT OF THE ANTIQUE: COPIES, FAKES AND FORGERIES IN CHINESE PORCELAINThu Mar 30, 11 amPROGRAM PARTNER Bishop White Committee

Vase, Meiping (porcelain, glaze), Jingdezhen, Qing Dynasty, China, 1736-1795 CE

DESERT TORTOISE CONSERVATION IN THE LIGHT OF GENOMICSThu Apr 13, 11 am

ROM DAYTIMEOur experts share their research results and the latest advances in art, culture, and nature. After the talk, relax at a coffee reception.

WESTERN INDIA’S TEXTILE ARTS, THEN AND NOWThu Jun 15, 11 amPROGRAM PARTNER ROM Friends of Textiles & Costume

ISAAC JULIEN: OTHER DESTINIES SERIESMIGRATION, PEOPLE, PLACES & POLITICSTue Mar 7, 7 pmOur panel of experts discusses transnational migrations, and their historic and current economic and political causes.

ANNUAL LECTURE ON CHINESE ART & CULTURE JADE: CHINA’S IMMORTAL STONETue Mar 28, 7 pmInternational scholar Dr. Jenny F. So examines the multi-layered meanings of jade, and why it has been an integral part of Chinese culture for over 5000 years.

THE CHALLENGE OF BUILDING A NATIONAL MUSEUMTue May 23, 7 pmOpened in 2016, this new museum seeks to understand American history through the lens of the African American experience. Hear from Founding Director Lonnie G. Bunch III.

ROM CONNECTSCANADIAN FASHION ICONSFri May 12, 6 pmHear the unique perspective of the ROM’s Alexandra Palmer, Curator of Textiles & Costume, honed through a career of research and curation.

Alan Karchmer/NMAAHC

Jade feline pendant from the Warring State period, 5th–3rd centuries BCE, China. Carved in the outline of a crouching tiger whose claws form open rings.

MORE EVENTS, DETAILS AND

TICKETS: ROM.ON.CA/WHATSON

ROM WINTER FRIDAYSFri Feb 10–Fri Mar 17, 5:30-10 pmPROGRAM PARTNER Women in Music Canada

ROM SPRING FRIDAYSFri Mar 24–Fri Apr 28, 5:30-10 pmWinter and Spring, discounted general admission for all ages. Talk with experts in our galleries, or head up to the welcoming c5 Lounge for drinks, live music, and a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline.

ROM FRIDAY NIGHT LIVEPRESENTED BY Ford of Canada

Fri May 5-Fri Jun 30 Doors open 7 pm#FNLROM is back for nine weeks with live entertainment, DJs, and fresh themes to excite every Friday night! Explore our stunning galleries, or hit the dance floor with tasty food and drinks, at Toronto’s favourite social destination.

ROM.ON.CA/FNL #FNLROM

BABY & ME: STROLLING THE ROM6-week sessions start Mon Apr 3, Thu Apr 6, Fri Apr 7Tour the ROM and enjoy adult learning and conversation in a baby-friendly atmosphere while your little one marvels at the new sights!

ROMBUSMon Mar 6Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a tasty trip back in time

Tue Apr 25Explore Toronto’s historic firehalls

ROM.ON.CA/ROMBUS

ROM U (ADULT WORKSHOP)EGYPTIAN KINGS & SACRED COWS: ROM EXCAVATIONS AT DEIR EL BAHRISun May 14, 10:30 am-3:30 pm Explore some of Ancient Egypt’s greatest pharaohs through the lens of this fascinating archaeological site.

ANNUAL VAUGHAN LECTUREOF AFRICA: THINGS, PEOPLE AND IDEASTue Feb 28, 7 pmSilvia Forni, the ROM’s Curator of African Arts and Cultures, discusses recent work to create a renewed sense of engagement between communities and the ROM’s African collection.

ROM U (ADULT WORKSHOP)ROME: BRILLIANCE AND BARBARISM Sun Apr 23, 10:30 am-3:30 pmFrom Caesar to the Colosseum, explore ancient Roman history and culture, brought to life with a gallery visit and touchable objects.

We offer several flavours of Friday fun so there’s always something new to see and do!

YOUR FRIDAY STARTS HERE

Photo: Gayle Gibson

Silvia visiting a carving workshop in Foumban, Cameroon, July 2012. Photo by Salifou Njambi.

KIDS ANDFAMILIES

MARCH BREAKOCEANS Sat Mar 11-Sun Mar 19

Drop-in activities 10:30 am to 30 min. before closing

Mar 11-16, 18: Museum closes 7 pm Mar 17: Museum closes 10 pm; activities end 5 pm Mar 19: Museum closes 5:30 pm

Dive deep into the story of the blue whale and its ocean home—and discover a whole new realm of family fun! Lively marine-themed activities for kids and adults reveal more about our relationship with the vast oceans and salty seas.

Did you know that some whales use sound to learn what’s going on around them? Hunt like a dolphin: try on custom echolocation goggles and use this special sense to track tasty fish. ROM.ON.CA/MARCHBREAK #ROMmb

MARCH BREAK CAMPMon Mar 13–Fri Mar 17Power up young imaginations in this lively week of learning, movement and making. Open up the Treasure Chest, experience the wild and wacky in Weird Science and more. Age-appropriate activities for kids 5 to 14.

FAMILY FUNDAYSSun Apr 23, Sun May 14, Sun Jun 18Drop-in activities 11 am-4 pmPacked with exciting experiences and hands-on activities inspired by our exhibitions and collections, Fundays are special days of discovery—come join us!

MORE EVENTS,

DETAILS AND TICKETS:

ROM.ON.CA/WHATSON

ROM SLEEPOVERYour ultimate backstage pass! Explore galleries, meet ROM experts, create a masterpiece, and show off at our PJ karaoke party.

Fri Mar 3, 5 pmBunk down for the night and dream of prehistoric adventures while a giant dino keeps watch.

Fri Apr 7, 5 pmTonight, it’s all about whales! Get to know these giants of the sea and their watery world.

SATURDAY CLUB8-week morning, afternoon and full-day sessions starting Sat Apr 1Mighty Mariners, Close Encounters and more! Get creative with science experiments, art projects, and hands-on educational adventures. For ages 5 to 14.SUPPORTED BY Philip and Berthe Morton Foundation

ROMKIDS JUNIOR8-week sessions start Sat Apr 1, Tue Apr 4, Wed Apr 5

Inspire your toddler’s imagination and sense of discovery as you tour galleries and meet other parents and children during creative play-based activities. For ages 2 to 4, accompanied by an adult.

ROMKIDS DAY CAMPFri Jun 9Looking for something for the kids to do on school PA days? Drop them off at the ROM for a day of learning and fun. Extended care is available. For ages 5 to 14.

SUMMER CLUB2-week sessions start Tue Jul 4 and run until Fri Sep 1

Kids 5 to 16 will love exploring, discovering and making new friends! Dynamic programs inspired by our collections and an outstanding professional staff guarantee an incomparable day camp experience.

TICKETS

FOR QUICK ENTRY, BUY ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE AT ROM.ON.CAWith Toronto CityPASS, save 43% off admission to the ROM plus four more top Toronto attractions for one low price.

MEMBERSHIPUnlimited free admission, exclusive previews, tours, lectures and more—membership is the best way to explore all the Museum has to offer. With over 35,000 remarkable objects on display, there are thousands of reasons to come back. Join today!

ROM.ON.CA/MEMBERSHIP #ROMmembers

REGULAR HOURSOpen daily 10 am –5:30 pm Friday closing times vary; check website.*

ACCESSIBILITYThe ROM is committed to removing barriers to participation for all visitors, with the ROM Community Access Network (ROMCAN), tactile tours, ASL-interpreted tours, described audio tours and more.

ROM.ON.CA/ACCESS

GETTING HERE

Open daily 10 am–4:30 pm Friday closing times vary; check website.*Healthy and comfort foods for the whole family: deli sandwiches, salads, mac‘n’cheese, burgers, pizza and more—with a sweet table to die for.

ROM BOUTIQUEOpen daily 11 am–6:30 pm Friday closing times vary; check website.*Nowhere else will you find such unique treasures: home décor, jewellery, clothing, and fun stuff for kids, all inspired by our collections.After your visit to Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story, take home a memento. Our whale exhibition boutique offers unique gifts for the whole family!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Support your ROM: 416.586.5660 giving@rom.on.ca

ROM.ON.CA/SUPPORT

CONTACT US

ROM.ON.CA

416.586.8000 (after hours, recorded information is provided)Bell Relay Service (TTY): 711

KEEP IN TOUCH

@ROMtoronto #atROM

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AVIS AUX VISITEURS FRANCOPHONESPresque toutes les galeries du ROM sont bilingues et la plupart de nos expositions aussi. Des visites commentées et des plans sont également offerts en français. Pour en savoir plus ou pour obtenir la version française de cette brochure (format PDF), nous vous invitons à visiter notre site Web à l’adresse

ROM.ON.CA/FR*SEE ROM.ON.CA/VISIT FOR TIMES, TICKETS AND DETAILS.All images unless otherwise noted © ROM, 2017. Printed in Canada, 02/17. Please recycle. The ROM is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

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