The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is embarking on a new initiative, OpenROM, estimated to cost $130 million, to reimagine the museum experience and foster a deeper connection with the community.
Backed by a $50 million donation from the Hennick Family Foundation, the three-year project, led by the architect Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects, is set to begin construction this year. OpenROM features a revamped main floor and a redesigned Bloor Street entrance, connecting the museum to the city. The architectural design will expand the main floor by 7,690 m2 (86,000 sf) and introduce 557 m2 (6,000 sf) of new gallery space on the second and third levels.
According to Siamak Hariri, the project aims to turn the museum “inside out,” bringing daylight and views deep inside and creating new connections with Bloor Street. Key features include a showcase water feature around the heritage facade and a fully accessible Bloor Street entrance sheltered by an expansive bronze canopy. Inside, a bright, open foyer with a giant circular portal in the ceiling, the oculus, will lead to Hennick Commons—a sunlit four-story atrium featuring a 223-m2 (2,400-sf) forum for performances, programs, and hands-on experiences. A major highlight is the introduction of year-round free access to the main floor, building on the success of the ROM’s Free Main Floor pilot program.
OpenROM marks the latest step in ROM’s multi-year renewal plan, following the Weston Entrance reopening in 2017, the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and Reed Family Plaza in 2019, and the Willner Madge Gallery, Dawn of Life, in 2021.
