This year, Doors Open Toronto will be showcasing up to 150 venues of architectural, historic, cultural or social significance on Saturday and Sunday.
Among the 42 new sites on this year’s roster are many of the city’s finest churches, chapels, temples, synagogues and mosques. From architectural landmarks to hidden gems, doors will be open everywhere.
Review the listings, check hours and days of participation. The event officially runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. However, each building determines its own hours (and last admission times).
Look for a Doors Open Toronto banner at participating sites.
There are no tickets or pre-registration required. Admission is free. Program subject to change. And search the listings at toronto.ca/doorsopen. Here are but a few:
401 Richmond
401 Richmond St. W.; Sat. & Sun.: 10 to 5
Home to more than 140 cultural producers and micro enterprises. Tours at 1 p.m. include window restoration demonstrations. Visit organic roof garden. Eleven on-site art galleries open Sat. only.
Allan Gardens
19 Horticultural Ave.; Sat. & Sun.: 10 to 5
Tours of park and greenhouses, hands on environmental stewardship programs for families and story telling for children.
Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkeley St.; Sat.: 10 to 5 Sun.: 1 to 5
Formerly Toronto’s #4 Fire Station, converted into a theatre in 1971-72. Self guided tour; archives and costume display.
Archaeological Services
528 Bathurst St.; Sat.: 10 to 5 Sun.: not open
Rare artifacts on display. Aboriginal leaders discuss significance of archaeologists working with First Nations traditionalists. City’s archaeological Master Plan on display.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: MARBLE TEMPLE
61 Claireville Dr. (Finch Ave. W. and Highway 427); Sat: 10 to 5 Sun: 10 to 2
See breathtaking architecture created from 24,000 pieces of hand-carved stone and marble by 1,800 craftsmen and volunteers. Tours.
Chapel of St. James-the-Less/ St. James’ Cemetery and Crematorium
635 Parliament St.; Sat. & Sun.: 1 to 4
This small funeral chapel is a splendid example of High Victorian Gothic design. Tour chapel and Toronto’s oldest established cemetery.
Design Exchange (former Toronto Stock Exchange)
234 Bay St.; Sat: not open Sun: 10 to 5
Tour the ground floor, grand staircase and restored trading floor with spectacular murals by Charles Comfort. Exhibition on iconic 1960s Clairtone stereos.
