Opened in 1984, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is the only showcase of its kind in North America dedicated solely to pottery and porcelain.

Skillfully displayed, the collection traces the history of ceramics, with a detailed focus on its principal developmental stages. These starts with Pre-Columbian pottery, and the museum has fascinating displays of ancient pieces from Peru and Mexico that incorporate several grimacing fertility gods. Examples of brightly colored maiolica (glazed, porous pottery), includes painted pots made first in Mallorca, then Italy, from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Cheerfully decorated everyday wares are complemented by later Renaissance pieces relating classical myths and history. English delftware (tin-glazed earthenware) is also well represented in the collection.

The Renaissance pieces gathered from Italy, Germany, and England are superb – particularly the collection of commedia dell’arte figures.

These are derived from the Italian theatrical tradition of comic improvisation with a set of stock characters, notably the joker Harlequin. Intricately decorated in rainbow colors, these figurines were placed on dinner tables by the aristocracy to delight, impress, or even to woo their special guests. Porcelain here is stunning, with many examples of exquisite Meissen from 1700 to 1780. Packed in its own specially made leather carrying case to accompany a fine lady owner on her travels, a special feature is the embellished tea and chocolate service dating from the early 18th century. Each tiny cup has individual, intricate sailing scenes surrounded in gold. The porcelain collection also contains over 100 carved or molded scent bottles from all over Europe.

Address: 111 Queen’s Park.

Tel: 416 586 8080

Timings: 10am–6pm Mon, Wed, Fri; 10am–8pm Tue & Thu, 10am–5pm Sat & Sun

Holidays: Jan 1, Dec 25, 31.