As the post-holiday rush fades and winter settles in, Toronto’s arts and culture scene comes alive in more intimate, immersive, and often more affordable ways. From bold new theatre productions and gallery openings to film festivals, live music, and thought-provoking exhibitions, January offers a chance to experience the city’s cultural heartbeat without the crowds.
This guide brings together several must-see arts and culture events happening across Toronto this January, highlighting what’s new, noteworthy, and worth braving the cold for.
Gardiner Museum’s New Landmark Exhibit
Linda Rotua Sormin: Uncertain Ground
Gardiner Museum has debuted Linda Rotua Sormin: Uncertain Ground, the largest and most ambitious project to date by internationally acclaimed artist Linda Rotua Sormin. Coinciding with the reveal of the Gardiner’s transformed ground floor, its biggest renovation in 20 years, this immersive ceramics and mixed-media installation explores ancestry, spirituality, and belonging through an extraordinary convergence of clay, sculpture, video, sound, painting, and digital fabrication.
Commissioned by the Gardiner, Uncertain Ground invites audiences to journey through three realms: the underworld, earth, and sky, each layered with echoes of colonial history, spiritual practice, and contemporary life. It’s a deeply personal and poetic installation that marks a milestone moment for both the artist and the museum. The exhibition is available now and runs until April 12, 2026.
When: Now until April 12, 2026
Where: Gardiner Museum
Admission: $18 for adults, free for students, free on Wednesdays after 4 pm
Museum of Toronto’s Extension of “The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto”
Museum of Toronto is pleased to announce the extension of its groundbreaking exhibition, “The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto”, now running until May 2026. Three years in the making, this multidisciplinary exhibition and live theatrical experience offers an unprecedented exploration of 52 women whose contributions have shaped Toronto’s cultural, political, scientific, athletic, and civic landscape. The exhibition aligns with the 2026 theme of the National Women’s History Alliance, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, and illuminates the many extraordinary women across science, arts and culture, politics, sports, technology, business, and civic life.
When: Now until May 2026
Where: 401 Richmond St West
Tafelmusik Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos
Tafelmusik launches the new year with a euphoric celebration of Bach in Bach Brandenburgs!, featuring Concertos Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, running January 29 to February 1 at Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. Led by the incomparable Rachel Podger, the ensemble delivers an invigorating interpretation of these iconic works, highlighting the sparkling virtuosity, expressive balance, and intricate architecture that define Bach’s music. The program also includes the Toronto premiere of Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in E-flat “St. Anne,” newly arranged for orchestra.
When: January 29 – February 1
Where: Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre.
Nia Centre for the Arts – Glo’d Up: Glow in the Dark Paint Night
Kick off the new year at Glo’d Up: Glow in the Dark Paint Night on Jan 22. Hosted by Nia Centre and facilitated by Artbox Studio x Gallery, Glo’d Up introduces participants to luminous painting techniques in a fun, accessible environment that celebrates creativity, play, and community.
No painting experience needed- all materials are provided. Come relax, connect with the community, and leave with a glowing masterpiece of your own.
When: January 22
Where: Nia Centre for the Arts
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