The art of Yorkville extends far beyond whatever is happening in the Anthropologie display window. Yorkville is actually home to some of Toronto’s best art galleries, which make the perfect palate cleanser between luxury retail shops.

Start with the Royal Ontario Museum (better known as the ROM), the largest museum in Canada. It houses beautiful art, culture and natural history. In short, it’s equal part education and entertainment. Don’t forget to visit the dinosaurs!

Also see the Gardiner Museum, Canada’s national ceramics museum. It has close to 3,000 pieces and showcases temporary exhibits throughout the year. Then, stop by Gallery Gevik, a gallery that focuses on Canadian artists and historical pieces.

To see works from the famed Group of Seven, hit up Canadian Fine Arts. This gallery also has works from other Canadian artists and many emerging contemporaries too.

Check out the Ingram Gallery, a huge contemporary gallery founded in 1988. Composed of lots of figurative works, abstract paintings, and urbanscapes, prepare yourself to spend an entire afternoon lost in beautiful and provocative pieces.

If you’re still discovering what kind of art you prefer, take a trip to Odon Wagner Gallery. Around since 1969, this space is actually split into two galleries, one that emphasizes contemporary art, and one that focuses on historic European works.

Check out our Local Guide to Toronto. Make this big city feel small and start exploring.