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The Royal Ontario Museum is a museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada. It attracts more than one million visitors every year, making the ROM the most-visited museum in Canada.

Along with fresh new exhibits, ROM’s permanent collection includes around one million objects of art and culture gathered from around the world. With objects dating back to a range of time periods, from prehistoric civilization to present-day, visitors can explore the artwork, archaeology, fashion, and decor of ancient Asian, European, Greek, Roman, African, and Indigenous culture.

ROM holds Canada’s largest collection of natural history specimens, giving visitors the chance to explore an extensive treasure trove of findings. Perhaps the most alluring is the collection of gems that sparkle and shine as you walk through the gallery. Diamonds aside, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have the fossil of a 200 year-old dinosaur tower over you, or what it’s like to walk through a bat cave, check out ROM.

Don’t forget to enjoy the views and look up when you’re at the museum—you just might find the ROM’s gorgeous mosaicked ceiling!

Fun facts about the ROM

• ROM was founded in 1914
• ROM is located on ancestral lands of several First Nations
• ROM’s courtyard is a public space where Torontonians can enjoy a garden and a view of the crystal-shaped facade
• ROM is the biggest museum in Canada
• ROM is the fifth biggest museum in North America
• The museum is home to more than 13 million objects, including artwork, fossils, cultural items and more
• The museum’s dinosaur fossils span hundreds of millions of years

What is an escape room?

An escape room is an exciting and adventurous game in which participants are “locked” into a themed room with their team (usually 8-10 people), and they must solve riddles, puzzles, and clues in order to find their way out of the room before the time runs out.

Do I have to be a master puzzle-solver?

No, but it helps. The great thing about escape rooms is that if you don’t have a certain skill (or skills), one of your team members probably does. It helps to have a team that is either multi-skilled or one in which each member is particularly skilled at something.

Do I need to do anything to prepare?

No, not really, but one hint: go to the bathroom before you enter the room. Nothing like being in a “locked” room for an hour with your team counting on you and you squirming because you forgot to go to the bathroom! And wear comfortable clothing. No need to dress up — unless you want to!

Are escape rooms scary?

Escape rooms can be intense, exciting, mysterious and even chaotic, but because they are for a wide range of people and ages, such as whole families, escape rooms are not terrifying or disturbing. But since some are based on horror movie themes, images and characters, they can be scary for young children. And some people can become claustrophobic in small spaces with several people. But be aware that you are never truly trapped in a room. You will be let out at any point you desire. Escape rooms are meant to be fun, so no one is going to make you stay if you get uncomfortable.

Will I be locked in?

Yes, some escape rooms are locked for the sake of excitement and adventure, but most rooms have safety features, including camera surveillance systems and hidden secondary doors. But many escape room doors are simply closed, not locked to allow participants to leave for a variety of reasons. Just call and ask what features your local escape rooms have!