It’s time to unlock the doors and explore some of Guelph’s most iconic sites! The city is throwing open its doors for the Doors Open Guelph event this Saturday.
Guelph’s event is the kick-off to Doors Open Ontario, which is province-wide.
The public can visit the city’s most significant cultural, historical, and architectural sites for free guided tours and interactive experiences from 10 am to 4 pm on April 27th.
For those interested in Guelph’s urban flora, the Guelph City Greenhouses in Riverside Park provide a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s horticultural preparations. These greenhouses are instrumental in beautifying city streets and are located near the park’s other attractions such as the Enabling Garden and a children’s playground.
The Dublin Street United Church, celebrating its 150th anniversary, offers a peek into the past with its Gothic architecture, including a beautiful pipe organ and stained-glass windows that illuminate its rich history.
In contrast, the modern Guelph City Hall, which opened in 2009 and was designed by Moriyama Teshima Architects, incorporates parts of the city’s history, including the original firehall and a wall from the Provincial Winter Fair, showcasing sustainable building technologies.
The Guelph Little Theatre, now housed in a converted welding shop, represents the resilience of the city’s artistic community, with a 288-seat auditorium that emerged beautifully from the ashes of a 1993 fire.
Mystery and history collide at the Guelph Masonic Centre, which underwent a significant renovation in 2000. This site preserves the enigmatic allure of the Masons while maintaining its historical limestone structure.
Agricultural innovation is on display at the Guelph Research and Development Centre, where visitors can engage with scientists who are pushing the boundaries of food safety and agricultural sustainability.
Heritage Hall, a beacon of Guelph’s Black heritage, built in 1880 by former slaves, now serves as a cultural and social hub, featuring a mosaic tile quilt depicting the Underground Railway.
The Provincial Offences Court, originally serving as Guelph’s town hall and now repurposed as a courthouse, showcases Victorian Renaissance revival-style architecture, complete with original windows and crown moldings.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Rapids Sidetrail offers a scenic hike along the Speed River, highlighting local efforts to enhance this section of the Trans Canada Trail.
The Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, with its classical limestone architecture and intricate interior, invites visitors to tour both its public spaces and its operational crematorium.
404 York Road is an eclectic arts hub. Visitors can enjoy coffee at the Lost Aviators Coffee Co., catch original music performances by Adam Honsinger and Rain Bone at the Artworks Gallery Guelph, and explore creations at Ed Video media arts center and Azure Photography. This location is a perfect starting point or ending point for a day filled with diverse cultural experiences.
Trip Planning — Doors Open Guelph
What: Doors Open Guelph is a chance to discover the city’s hidden gems and rich history. With free guided tours and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When: Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: Various Venues, Guelph