An Invitation to Explore Senses, Life, and Consciousness

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada has announced its 2026 exhibition lineup. From the world's first exhibition exploring the tactile elements of Japanese art to a major exhibition examining the cultural history and scientific significance of psychedelics, ROM will welcome visitors this year with four major exhibitions spanning art, natural history, and science.

In a press release, ROM stated, "These exhibitions explore the wonders of the world and the power of human creativity, offering inspiration to visitors of all ages and interests."

World's First 'Touch-Based' Japanese Art Exhibition

Running from April 4 to September 7, 'Shokkan: Experiencing Japanese Art Through Touch' is the world's first exhibition illuminating how Japanese art has been appreciated and circulated not only through sight but also through touch.

The exhibition features over 80 works including textiles, armor, paintings, lacquerware, ceramics, prints, and contemporary art, with interactive sections allowing visitors to physically touch some pieces. ROM emphasized the exhibition's originality, stating, "Japanese artworks were designed not simply to be viewed, but to be experienced through handling and touch."

Admission is included with general museum entry.

Bees' Survival Story: A Fusion of Art and Science

From May 16 to October 18, 'Bees: A Story of Survival' will greet visitors. This exhibition was created in collaboration between the National Museums Liverpool in the UK and award-winning artist Wolfgang Buttress, and is sponsored by Canada's Desjardins Financial Group.

The exhibition invites visitors into the world of bees by merging nature, art, music, and architecture. Comprising eight sections, the exhibition richly visualizes bees' anatomical structure, hive life, crucial role in ecosystems, and the threats they currently face.

ROM explained, "Bees are essential pollinators for sustaining life on Earth," adding, "This exhibition will help visitors understand why we need to help bees."

Admission requires general museum entry plus an additional $13 for adults.

Psychedelics: Journey from Taboo to Treatment [AI Analysis]

Running from June 6 to December 6, 'Psychedelics' is a groundbreaking exhibition re-examining decades of prejudice surrounding hallucinogenic substances.

This ROM-originated exhibition explores the cultural, historical, and scientific significance of psychedelics from a balanced perspective. Visitors will discover how psychedelics emerged in Western culture, their historical use in Europe and the Americas, and how these substances work and their potential applications in mental health and medicine.

Psychedelics were regarded as symbols of 1960s counterculture before being classified as controlled substances for decades, but recently have garnered medical attention as positive effects have been reported in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and addiction. This exhibition is considered a timely initiative reflecting the scientific re-evaluation and changing social perceptions of psychedelics.

Admission requires general museum entry plus an additional $9 for adults.

Evolutionary History from Dinosaurs to Birds

ROM also announced it is preparing a ROM-originated dinosaur exhibition exploring the connection between raptors (predatory dinosaurs) and modern birds. Specific dates will be announced later.

The exhibition plans to show how raptors, among the most iconic dinosaurs, evolved into today's birds, presenting the process and evidence.

World Wildlife Photography Exhibition Returns

From November 21 to April 4, 2027, the annually popular 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' exhibition returns to ROM. World-class wildlife photographs capturing nature's wonders will be on display.

Future Outlook [AI Analysis]

ROM's 2026 exhibition lineup demonstrates the museum's evolution beyond simple viewing to combine sensory experiences with social discourse. The psychedelics exhibition, in particular, has high potential to fulfill the role of an educational institution that broadens public understanding of controlled substances by presenting scientific evidence and historical context.

The tactile-centered Japanese art exhibition can be evaluated as an attempt to expand art accessibility to diverse visitors including the visually impaired, aligning with the museum's direction toward strengthening inclusivity.

The bees exhibition is expected to serve as a case emphasizing the museum's social responsibility as an environmental education platform, raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation in the climate crisis era.