Station Spotlight: Museum Station
Every TTC station has a story to tell. In our Station Spotlight series, we take a deeper look at the TTC's stations by exploring their history, design, interesting facts, and more.
In this edition, we will explore Museum Station.
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City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 589, Item 217.
Since its transformation in 2008, Museum Station has served as an immersive gateway to some of Toronto's most celebrated cultural landmarks reflecting the surrounding world-class galleries and historic institutions waiting to be discovered above ground.
History
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City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1567, Series 648 - TTC and subway construction photographs by Eric Trussler.
Opened in 1963 as part of the University subway line expansion, Museum Station originally featured a minimalist, mid-century modern design with simple tiled walls and standard signage. That changed in 2008, when a collaborative revitalization project involving the TTC, the Toronto Community Foundation, Diamond Schmitt Architects, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Gardiner Museum completely transformed the platforms into what we see today.
Take a look back at the transformation in this video produced by the Toronto Community Foundation almost 20 years ago.
Art and Architecture
The 2008 renovation replaced the previous simple tiles with custom-fabricated, floor-to-ceiling columns representing diverse eras and cultures from around the world. The walls feature contemporary aluminum panels with themed typography, including backlit hieroglyphs embedded into the station's name while display cases offer a preview of museum exhibits. Each design tells a different, unique story turning an ordinary transit platform into a space of history and culture.
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City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1567, Series 648 - TTC and subway construction photographs by Eric Trussler.
Ancient Egyptian columns modeled after pillars from the Osiris Temple.
Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum
Toltec Warrior columns modeled after stone warrior statues in Tula, Mexico.
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Bear House posts inspired by the traditional Bear House Posts of the West Coast Wuikinuxv Nation on British Columbia’s West Coast.
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Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt
Ancient Chinese architecture modeled after the imperial columns of Beijing's Forbidden City.
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Doric columns modeled by classic fluted columns found in Ancient Greek architecture.
The transformation was recognized beyond our borders by earning international recognition. In a global architecture feature, British newspaper The Guardian recognized Museum Station as one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world.
Beyond the Station
Stepping out of Museum Station puts you in the centre of Toronto’s premier arts and academic districts, allowing you to explore and discover some of the finest architectural and educational treasures in Toronto. Head up the steps to iconic neighbouring destinations like the Royal Ontario Museum, the Gardiner Museum, and the historic Royal Conservatory of Music to take in an exhibition, explore ceramic art, or enjoy an evening concert.
Looking to explore further? Museum Station connects you directly to the scenic Philosopher's Walk, the lawns of Queen’s Park outside the Ontario Legislature, and the historic architecture of the University of Toronto St. George campus.
Then and Now
Look below to see how much Museum Station has changed through these before-and-after photographs.
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City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1567, Series 648 - TTC and subway construction photographs by Eric Trussler.
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City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 589, Item 217.
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City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1567, Series 648 - TTC and subway construction photographs by Eric Trussler.
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City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1567, Series 648 - TTC and subway construction photographs by Eric Trussler.
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