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This Spring, Toronto will once again welcome residents and visitors to explore its rich history through the annual Doors Open event. Taking place on the weekend of May 25 and 26, 2024, Doors Open offers free access to many of the city’s most iconic buildings, inviting everyone to uncover the storied past embedded in Toronto's landscapes and architecture.
This year, Doors Open Toronto explores the theme of "Hidden Histories," looking at the layers of untold stories that shape the city. Visitors can journey through forgotten pathways, behind the facades of buildings, and into the secret corners of Toronto. From tracing ancient Indigenous routes along the former shoreline of Lake Iroquois to uncovering the narratives of obscured rivers and historic social spaces, the event's open houses, guided tours, and discussions will offer a revealing look into the concealed chapters of Toronto's past.
Since its inception as a millennium project in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has inspired similar events across North America and continues to offer insightful tours, engaging talks, and fascinating exhibits. Here is a look at just three of the over 150 spaces and events to check out:
Explore the VEMU Estonian Museum Canada
New to the Doors Open roster this year is the VEMU Estonian Museum Canada, housed in Tartu College at 310 Bloor Street West. Designed by the Canadian Estonian architect Elmar Tampõld in 1970, Tartu College serves as a cultural hub for the Estonian community in Toronto. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore the building’s public spaces and normally restricted areas, such as the rooms used by Estonian academic organizations. The weekend also features a tour of VEMU’s extensive archives and the latest photo exhibit dedicated to Tartu, Estonia's 2024 European Capital of Culture. (Meanwhile, right next door, in the foreground of the image below, the KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre is currently under-construction.)
Touring Toronto’s Oldest Neighbourhood with Stories of St Lawrence
"Stories of St Lawrence" — a tour led by the Toronto Society of Architects — invites attendees to traverse Toronto’s oldest neighbourhood. This tour reveals hidden art pieces and architectural facets that tell the story of this historic area. Set against the backdrop of its enduring buildings, art, and streets, the tour will tell St Lawrence's tale along with spirited debates on urban development and vertical growth. The one-hour tour will run on May 25 at 11 AM and at 1 PM and on May 26 at 11 AM only, and start at Berczy Park's Dog Fountain. All tours are free and require advance registration.
A Returning Favourite: Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum at 77 Wynford Drive returns to Doors Open to showcase its architectural elegance and cultural offerings. Visitors can experience the museum’s serene courtyard, distinctive dome, and the Bellerive Room's exquisite ceramics collection. The day includes activities ranging from architectural tours to interactive sessions like "Truth or Tale," where guests can engage with the museum's artifacts. Additionally, family-friendly activities and musical performances add to the visitor experience.
You can learn all about the more than 150 sites and events this year by visiting the Doors Open website. Photos from the event can also be shared using our dedicated Doors Open Forum thread.
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