Curious Minds

We continue our joyous exploration of Broadway’s biggest shows with this new series from Michael Rubinoff, the Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated producer of <em>Come From Away</em>. 

In this series from historical educator James Thompson, we will take a lively tour through the world’s great repositories of art and artifacts, from the Uffizi in Florence and Moscow's Hermitage to the Louvre, the MOMA and more.

Follow the magical city of Venice through its evolution from maritime republic to a site of pleasure and decadence for generations of visitors. Led by Dr. Kenneth Bartlett, Professor of History and Renaissance Studies at the University of Toronto.

Examine six great plays that have left their mark on history, and the ways they can still hold meaning for spectators of our own day. Led by Robert Fothergill, an award-winning playwright and the former chair of the Theatre Program at York University in Toronto.

University of Toronto's Dr. Diana Fu offers a revelatory portrait of one of the world’s most fascinating countries during a moment of profound transformation. Diana Fu is an associate professor of political science at the University of Toronto. Her research and commentary has appeared in the BBC, CBC, The Globe and Mail, and The New York Times, among others.

Canada’s leading architecture critic examines a fascinating, often underappreciated, dimension of our buildings and our cities: the effect they have on our inner thoughts and emotions. Led by Christopher Hume, who was the architecture critic and urban issues columnist for the Toronto Star from the early 1980s until his retirement in 2016.

From Susan Sontag to James Baldwin to Philip Roth, explore the revolutionary writers, books and debates that defined the 1960s, a time when authors pushed the boundaries of what we could print, say and think. Led by Ira Wells, an assistant professor of literature at the University of Toronto. His writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, The Walrus, and more.

Examine the extraordinary works and legacy of Pablo Picasso in relation to his artistic influences, the key events and ideas of his time. Led by art critic and historian Barbara Isherwood, the host of ArtSync TV and a frequent lecturer at the School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto.

Explore the many ways Indigenous artists and their visual art traditions have shaped the cultural bedrock of our land in this timely and thought-provoking series led by Dr. Gerald McMaster, one of Canada's most distinguished scholars and curators of Indigenous art.

Ella, Judy, Peggy, Barbra, Nat, Ray. Pianist and music educator Jordan Klapman hosts a virtual music festival celebrating the lives and timeless songs of six legendary singer-entertainers. Jordan Klapman has taught over two dozen courses on 20th century popular music at universities, colleges, and continuing education centres since 2003.

After his popular series on The Renaissance, celebrated academic Dr. Kenneth Bartlett returns to explore the rich cultural traditions, the stunning art and architecture, and the dramatic political history of one of the world's most enchanting cities. Dr. Kenneth Bartlett is a Professor of History and Renaissance Studies at the University of Toronto.

Survey the influential people, movements and ideas that defined the 1970s—an era of new social freedoms, enduring political divisions and lots of unfinished business from the swinging 1960s. Led by Dr. Peter Harris, the former Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science of the University of Toronto.

Learn about the cultural and political changes that emerged in the wake of WWII, and in the shadow of the Cold War—and their extraordinary impact on the modern world. Led by Dr. Peter Harris, the former Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science of the University of Toronto.

On the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, explore the life, times and music of the legendary composer. Led by broadcaster, writer and lecturer Rick Phillips, former host and producer of CBC Radio's Sound Advice®.

Meet the rebellious spirits and renegade thinkers who have shaped the City of Light throughout history. Led by Lisa Pasold, a Governor General’s Award–nominated travel writer and journalist.

A fascinating journey through the history and art that flourished in the South Asian kingdoms from the 16th to 18th centuries. Led by Professor Sudharshan Durayappah, who teaches in the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies at the University of Toronto.

From the aromatic kitchens of Julia Child to the mid-century modernist rooms of Frank Lloyd Wright, this series uses the houses of some of history’s most celebrated figures to explore the meaning of home. Led by architecture writer and consultant John Ota, writer of the popular book The Kitchen.

An insider’s guide to the biggest Broadway shows in history, from West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof to Dream Girls and Les Mis. Led by Michael Rubinoff, the Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated producer of Come From Away.