Doors Open Toronto, a celebration of the city’s architecture, history, and public spaces, will be held on May 25 and 26.
During the event, over 150 sites around the city will be open to view and explore, many of which are usually closed to the public or require admission. The event will also include talks and walking tours, according to the event website.
From art studios to churches to historic buildings and City Hall, Doors Open allows visitors an opportunity to see behind closed doors into some of the city’s hidden treasures.
The theme for 2024 is “hidden histories” and visitors are invited to “uncover untold stories” during the weekend event.
Participating locations include arts and culture spots, such as 401 Richmond Art Studio, the Clark Centre for the Arts, and the Toronto School of Art.
History fans can tour several churches and other religious sites, celebrate the style and development of footwear at the Beta Shoe Museum, or tour the oldest remaining home from the Town of York, the Campbell House, built in 1822.
Uncover the secrets of the city’s transportation department with a peak inside 433 Eastern Yard where vehicle fleets, including street sweepers and other service vehicles, are kept. Visitors can also tour one of the city’s fire stations, the old trading post, Fort Rouillé, the Fort York National Historic Site, or the HMCS York – Royal Canadian Navy Reserve.
Star gazers can view the universe beyond at the Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory at York University.
Chocolate lovers can learn more about the art of candy at QUEST XO Chocolate Lab, or discover the secrets of sugar at the Redpath Sugar refinery.
Find out how animals at the zoo are cared for with a tour of the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Health Centre, and find out how they contribute to a healthier planet at the ZooShare Biogas Plant.
Talk series include panel discussions on the Port Lands, architectural history, and the deaths of noteworthy residents. Another talk instructs residents on how to research the history of their homes and communities.
Toronto’s City Hall will also open its doors and provide residents an inside look at local government with tours of the Mayor’s Office, Council Chambers, and the views from the 27th floor Observation Deck.
Local guides will be offering free tours of some of the most vibrant Toronto neighbourhoods, such as the city’s aviation legacy, a double decker tour of Toronto murals, and the oldest neighbourhood of St. Lawrence.
Sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, unless otherwise indicated, the Doors Open Toronto website says.
Toronto’s first Doors Open event was the first in North America in 2000, according to the website.
