The Toledo Museum of Art

Address:	2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620, USA
Phone:	+1 419-255-8000
Site:	toledomuseum.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	Closed 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Bill Jones

Three separate buildings. Original looks like a replica of the Parthenon with its classical look from Monroe Avenue. Note the ethereal green color of the steps nearest the entrance which comes from the copper trim or gutters around the buildings roof line leaching off. Sculptures abound around the garden setting on the Monroe Avenue front. On the eastern end of the building is the Frank Gehry designed addition which is totally different and ominously (for me) blockhouse looking. Across the street is the glass collections building which is, of course, totally glass and very well designed. In fact, one of the best parts of the Toledo is the architecture of all three buildings. The complex is located a few blocks from I-75 with super easy access. Entrance to the complex is usually by car and from the parking lot which is in the back of the original building. The lot entrance is on the western end of the original building; dont miss the easily overlook garden on that end, too. Nicely done parking lot with carport like structure with solar panels on top and shade or cover for your vehicle. You enter on the lower level of the original building where you pay your (currently) $5 parking fee. Museum entrance is free. Note the extraordinary large sized Matisse tile "painting" on the wall before the stairs to the main level. Layout here is quite spacious and easy to explore. When thinking about the entire complex, Id say this museum more than most is all about sculpture though there are plenty of paintings. Cant say enough superlatives about the glass portion of the museum. For example, where else in the world would you ever find a number of Chihuly works that are set amongst his contemporary glass artists of renown. Seattles got more Chihuly works by far but not with the context you get here. And where else can you buy Chihuly works in the museum gift shop. Lastly, be sure to take in the sculpture on the entire complexs grounds. I loved actual Paris Metro entrance (from 1900) installed on the Monroe Avenue area.

Crystal Ziegler

Ive gone to the TMA at least once a year my entire life. I love the TMA, and its been there through many moments of my life. Ive seen so many amazing exhibits ... but Ive never been treated as horribly as I was during our visit today. I felt discriminated against and afraid of the security guards who kept constantly following me in a very obvious fashion, Im assuming because I have an alternative appearance (recently dyed my hair purple) and there was some confusion when we first entered because my bag (which adjusts from a shoulder bag, to a messenger bag, to a backpack, depending on my needs) was being worn as a backpack, which are not allowed (which I didnt realize.) I felt like I was being treated as a threat, which is frankly absurd. We were dressed elegantly and on an outing with our children, not trying to pull off an art heist. When I had to run out to our car to get a different shirt for my 2-yr-old after eating lunch in the restaurant, I felt fear under the accusing glares of the guards at every turn (many of them the same guards, who were walking circles several feet away from me through the entire museum the entire visit) that I would be stopped, questioned, and searched or something absurd. I feel that perhaps you need to give your guards some cultural sensitivity training so they dont harass a perfectly innocent stay-at-home Mom just trying to have a nice time with her homeschooled kids at an educational exhibit. I was considering buying a membership and bringing my children to the classes, but now I will be hesitant to ever return to the TMA.

Peter Tobiessen

I did not expect an art museum of this size and quality in Toledo. It was far and away the best thing we did in the city! The ancient section was wonderful. The religious section even had part of a monastery/convent in it. I usually dont like the "modern" sections, but this one was interesting. There are really just too many things to mention! We should have done it first, but we did the glass pavilion last, and although its very nice, it was a bit of a disappointment after the rest of the museum. The main thing I didnt like was that a lot of the pieces still dont have labels. I suggest fortifying yourselves with a cup of coffee and a muffin while sitting in the comfy chairs at the pavilion cafe. Youll have a great view of the sculpture garden and front steps as well as interesting glass pieces. I really wish wed been there at the right time to see the glass demonstration! Be sure to schedule your visit for a day and time when theyre having it. (Check the website for the schedule.) One thing I did learn was how important glass-making in various forms is to the region. I hope Ill have a chance to return to this fascinating museum soon!

Erin Traynum Cameron

Toledo native here and TMA was always a field trip highlight when I was a girl. I have since lived in other, larger American cities, but have found that no other museum can match the quality of TMA in my opinion. The fact that it is free just cannot be beat by most major museums outside of Washington DC (who has their share of great, free museums). I remember being so excited when I lived in Atlanta that TMA had loaned the High Museum some of their Impressionism collection, as I was looking forward to seeing the great works of Monet and Manet but was thoroughly disappointed that I would have to pay $25 plus an additional $10 to see the Impressionism pieces. I was like, ummmm, Ill be going home to visit Toledo in a few months and I can see them there for free! LOL. So I passed on the High. TMA spoils Toledoans who are art fans. Very rarely can you find such a great museum that wont cost you a utility bill to take the spouse and kids to go and visit. Glad to see so many visitors also loved TMA and now that I have moved back to Toledo, I am enjoying TMA more than I did as a kid and so are my kids.

Sunny Flyer

I have been a member for a few years now. This is going to be my last year. The membership goes up about $10 each year. It really isnt worth it to have a membership anyway. It doesnt really get you anything since the museum is free. You do get free parking with a membership. You also get free parking if you work at the University, they keep that a well hidden secret though. I am always very uncomfortable when I walk around the galleries. The security people stare and follow you from room to room. That is part of their job to protect the artwork but it seems they like to stalk everyone as well & everyone is treated like an escaped convict. There was one time one of them actually talked to me & was very friendly. I guess he quit because he was the only one that has ever been nice. The restaurant is very good. They have the type of food you see on the Travel Channel. Something ordinary paired with something you wouldnt think of putting it with. Never had anything I didnt like at the restaurant. The menu does change frequently so dont get hooked on anything because it will be the next thing to go.