If you’re planning to visit Toronto this spring, you’re in for an extra treat on May 25-26. These days, Doors Open Toronto takes place. What is it and what to expect? Natasha, who has already introduced us to Toronto tours, will tell you more about it. You can learn more about them on the website 416walks.ca
Doors Open Toronto 25 – 26 May, 2024
The first Doors Open Day (La Journée Portes Ouvertes) took place in France in 1984. The idea soon spread across Europe: by 1991, most major EU cities were participating in the event under the slogan “European Heritage Days”.
Doors Open came to Toronto thanks to the initiative of a small group of people who were inspired by this idea during a visit to Scotland’s Heritage Days. The group, led by Karen Black, launched Doors Open in 2000.
The festival was a success and continues to attract tourists and locals. These days, over 150 buildings are open to the public for viewing in Toronto. Admission is free, but hours vary, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
To make it a bit easier to navigate – here are some unobtrusive sketches of possible options.
For first-time tourists, it makes sense to start with the iconic buildings of Toronto in the city center:
– Legislative Assembly of Ontario (you can actually get in there for free, but only on weekdays)
– Osgoode Hall (also in July-August on weekdays during the day they organize free tours)
– Toronto City Hall (there may be a queue and you may need to go through a security check)
– Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
– Metropolitan United Church
– St. James Cathedral
– St. Lawrence Hall
– Toronto’s First Post Office
– The Market Gallery
If you’ve already seen this “set,” the next level is also well-known, but not as touristy. This list includes buildings scattered throughout the city:
– St George Hall (Arts and Letters Club)
– St Andrew Church
– 401 Richmond (open on Saturdays only)
– Daniels Building (The UofT Faculty of Architecture and Design, open only on Sunday)
– Jarvis Street Baptist Church
– St Paul’s Basilica
– T.C.Harris Water Treatment Plan (Art Deco)
– DTAH (Design Studio) – if you love architecture from the 50s and 60s, open only on Saturdays
– Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
– St James Chapel and Cemetery
– St Peter Church
As for churches, you can visit them on other days as well, just come to the service, but on these weekends they often give tours and tell the history, if the church has a good music program, you will also be introduced to it.
For parents with children:
– Billy Bishop Airport (only on Saturday, May 27)
– His Majesty’s Canadian Ship YORK (HMCS York)
– Fire Station 334 (Fire and Marine Station)
– Toronto Railway Museum
All of these objects are in relative proximity to each other.
Many museums participate in Doors Open, but I would not recommend wasting time standing in line (if there is one): city museums are already free with a good excursion program, and others often have free days, but it’s up to you.
I’m interested in visiting new buildings this year or those that rarely participate that I want to get to:
The Carlu (Sunday only) – originally a dining hall/restaurant on the top floor of the former Eaton Centre on College Street.
Massey College – one of the few university buildings that does not allow visitors on regular days. Very interesting post-war architecture with a clear influence of Lloyd Wright.
Ontario Heritage Centre – I’ve walked by it many times, I hope the original interiors have been preserved (at least partially).
The University Club of Toronto – rarely participates, good collection of paintings.
Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts – you can’t just get in there either, but it’s an interesting place (a community of artists on the island).
Printed maps are available at City Hall and at the Tourist Information Centre inside Union Station while supplies last.
Download a printable map (2 MB):
Contact Information:
Doors Open Toronto
Phone: 311
Email: doorsopen@toronto.ca
