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Ever been curious to see what the inside of your favourite historical building in Toronto looks like? Want to know more about its history and significance? In that case, you will want to join the thousands of participants who annually enjoy Doors Open Toronto coming up at the end of this month!
Doors Open allows citizens and visitors free access to explore more than 150 historical, cultural and socially significant buildings and architecture in Toronto, while learning all about their past. This year's 14th annual event is presented by Great Gulf, and will take place on Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th. Of particular note this year, Doors Open is expanding the programming with a speaker series, an extended selection of walking tours, and increased programming at City Hall.
This year's theme - Creators, Makers, and Thinkers - will offer access to many older buildings that have been re-designed and modernized to fit 21st century culture. Great Gulf is also presenting a series of free weekend talks, which will complement the activities scheduled to occur throughout the weekend, and will feature some of Toronto's most recognized designers, architects, planners, and community leaders.
Doors Open Free Talks:
- Friday, May 24th - 6:30pm to 8:00pm: Will Alsop • The Art and Design of Will Alsop, at OCAD U's Sharp Centre for Design
- Saturday, May 25th - 11:00 am to 12:30pm: Rahul Barduwaj, Siamak Hariri, Sheldon Levy, Anna Simone, Wayne Swanton • Innovating to a Better Toronto, at St. James Cathedral
- Saturday, May 25th - 2:00pm to 3:00pm: Ian Chodikoff, Greg Colucci, Charles Rosenberg • Recent Trends in the Architecture of Wellness, at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Centre at St. Michael's Hospital
For those people who would rather delve deeper into the history and culture of Toronto's featured architecture, the expanded walking program will provide participants with the opportunity to hear the stories and past events surrounding Toronto's historical buildings, scenic parks and neighbourhoods. Harbord Village, Downsview Park, Yorkville, Rosedale and the Islington Village murals are a few examples of the sites on the schedule.
5 more examples of 16 Walking tours:
- Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th: Creating Toronto - The Story of the City in 10 Stops - 10:30am and 2:30pm starting at St. Lawrence Market
- Saturday, May 25th: Arts and Performance - 2:00 and 3:30pm starting at the Four Seasons Centre of the Performing Arts
- Saturday, May 25th: Campus Tour - U of T - 10:30am and 12:00pm starting opposite Robarts Library
- Sunday, May 26th: Guild Park - Where Art Meets Nature - 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 2:00pm
- Sunday, May 26th: Towers Tour - 11:00am and 1:00pm starting at Old City Hall
There will also be plenty of activities occurring at City Hall that the whole family can enjoy. Special exhibits and discussions, a scavenger hunt for the kids, as well as special access to the 27th floor observation deck, the council chamber and the mayor's office are just a few of the events which are scehduled to occur throughout the weekend. And for any origami or arts and crafts enthusiasts, there will be a special eight-metre long origami display of downtown Toronto - created by award-winning origami artists Yuri and Katrin Shumakov - which will be featured in the City Hall rotunda. Its neighbour will be a photo series that depicts Toronto as a miniature toy town, called "Toy-ronto", which will surely be entertaining.
The increased variety of events scheduled to occur during Doors Open Toronto this year offers plenty of choices to the public, and is certain to satisfy the different interests of citizens and visitors of all ages. Doors Open Toronto may just be able to put a fun, informative and engaging spin on your weekend, so be sure to check out at least one event if you're interested or have the opportunity to do so!
You can check out more listings of the walking tours here, and for more information about Doors Open Toronto, please visit their website.
