For familyday I went downtown to see the new ROM. They recently invested alot of time and effort into the new Lee-Chin crystal.
Unfortunately I was not the only one who had this idea as the museum was packed (& the line went down the street)
I thought at first it just hadnt opened yet, but soon realized there really were that many people there
The second level was jam packed (as the kiddies mainly went to see the dinosaurs and biodiversity exhibits) which worked well for me as the rest of the museum was not so crowded.
I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of some of the newer exhibits (in particular the Native & early century Canadiana) which exceeded my expectations
I did really enjoy the Asian exhibits, although there was a definate bias towards later period Chinese artifacts. The Japanese was good, and the Korean (although small) I found really impressive.
At this point I realized the extent of the renovations as there were no more exhibits open currently on the 1st floor. Pity.
The second floor was a zoo (literally) but I still enjoyed it. Almost half the second floor is still undergoing renovations (minerals, gems, earth & early life, life in crisis) all being closed tended to cram the kids into a smaller area.
They had a nice (although small) area devoted to early typewriters of all things.
Next up were the dinosaurs! The new displays had some definate pros and cons. Having them in the open like that really gives you a better chance to walk around and see them from all angles (which when contrasted with the crystal gives some really photos). On negative side, there really is no flow (between distinct eras) and I really do miss the posed dioramas they had previously.
The mammals exhibit is pretty much a corner of the dinosaur area and needs work.
Next up was the birds & discovery gallery which still looks good (although dated) its the first "original" area I came upon. Same with the reptiles, bat cave & biodiversity areas (although I think they disabled the cave due to so many younger viewers).
The third floor features a beautiful European area. Featuring the Renaissance era, the Modern era, the Medieval ages this themed area has all kinds of things to look at. From primitive man to ultra modern designs. Suits of armor to primitive toilets. Jewels and glassworks. And some stunning furniture and designs.
The American & Asian Pacific gallerys were closed (boo) as was most of Africa.
The Middle East (Iraq) & South Asia (India) had some interesting pieces, but both were too small.
The Egypt (Africa) area is awesome (mummies and pyramids and all).
Nubia is not yet opened (but there was a small exhibit on slavery).
Rome is also closed, as were Byzantium & 20th century design.
Cyprus had some interesting ancient pieces, but I found the Bronze Age Aegean & Greece exhibits only average.
Fourth floor is mainly unfinished, as Textiles & Costume were closed.
They had a small display in the institute for Contempory Culture which featured some odd pieces (including a "dinosaur" built in a post modern style from plastic.
The only thing I missed was the Gloria Chen court which apparently had some odd resting area in entrance.
Which brings me to the crystal itself.
Although Im not the biggest fan of the new layout, I respect the idea behind it. There is no doubt it has sparked interest in the museum itself (evidanced by the huge crowds) and anything that helps support the museum (and culture in general for the city of Toronto) is a huge success.
I feel once the museum is "finished" it will be a good thing and wish them all the best.
I will probably want to visit again next year :)
Oh I have some pics here if interested
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2predator/sets/72157603937651835/ 
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