MZTV Museum of Television is a specialist museum at 64 Jefferson Avenue in Toronto‘s Liberty Village. It is devoted to the history and technology of television. The museum grew from the private collection of Moses Znaimer, the broadcaster who co-founded Citytv and MuchMusic. It now holds more than 10,000 receivers, artifacts and documents. Travelers come to see rare pre-war sets that trace the medium from 1920s mechanical experiments to the colour consoles of the 1970s.
What to Expect at MZTV Museum Of Television
The gallery is compact and dense, arranged as a chronological timeline. It begins with early mechanical television, when spinning discs produced tiny, flickering images. It then moves through the electronic sets that made their public debut at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Next come the postwar boom, when television entered living rooms across North America, and the space-age designs of the 1960s and 1970s.
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable docents. A companion app guides you through the displays with stories behind each set. The museum also rotates temporary exhibits, listed on its exhibits page. Expect a focused, information-rich visit rather than a sprawling one.
- Pre-war receivers: One of the world’s strongest collections of 1930s televisions, many extremely rare.
- RCA Phantom Teleceiver: A transparent cabinet built to show World’s Fair crowds that television was no trick.
- Mechanical television: Early disc-based sets from the medium’s experimental 1920s era.
- Space-age designs: Spherical and futuristic sets such as the JVC Videosphere and Philco Predicta.
- Docent tours and app: Guided commentary in person or through the museum’s interactive app.
MZTV Museum Of Television at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 64 Jefferson Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y4 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Liberty Village, West End |
| Operating Hours | Tue–Fri 2–5PM; Sat 10AM–6PM; closed Sun–Mon |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid admission ($); current rates on the official site |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | 504 King streetcar; Exhibition GO station; paid street and lot parking nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | mztv.com · +1 416-599-7339 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday hours are short, so arrive close to 2PM to leave time for docent conversations. Saturday offers the longest window, from 10AM to 6PM. Check the Plan Your Visit page for tickets and any group tour bookings. Download the museum app before you arrive.
By transit, take the 504 King streetcar to King Street West near Jefferson Avenue and walk a few minutes south. Exhibition GO station is about a 10-minute walk away. Call ahead to confirm step-free entry and current mobility arrangements. Afterward, explore Liberty Village’s cafés and restaurants along Liberty Street. You can also stroll to Exhibition Place, or walk to Trinity Bellwoods and Queen West in about 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is MZTV open?
It opens Tuesday to Friday from 2 to 5PM and Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Saturday mornings are the most relaxed time to visit.
How much are tickets?
Admission is paid and budget-friendly. Confirm current prices and book through the official website.
How long should I plan?
Most visitors spend 45 to 90 minutes. Allow longer if you join a docent-led tour or are a serious technology fan.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. School-age children enjoy the strange vintage sets and the app-guided storytelling. Phone ahead about accessibility needs.
When planning your Toronto travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Toronto, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Market Gallery, The Distillery Historic District, Little Canada, and Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection (1.0 km away).
