Toronto 
Doors Open Toronto, Canada’s largest Doors Open event, is set to captivate visitors from May 23 to 24, showcasing over 160 architecturally and culturally significant sites that visitors can explore free of charge.
Credit: City of Toronto
Doors Open Toronto’s 2026 theme, “The World in a City,” focuses on Toronto’s diversity, highlighting how different cultures and communities have shaped its spaces. The event also comes as the city prepares to welcome global visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The program blends history with newer additions. First-time participants include Netflix Canada, Toronto Star, TVO Studios and Anishnawbe Health Toronto, while well-known sites like the Aga Khan Museum remain part of the lineup. City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square will again serve as the central hub, with access to areas such as the Council Chamber and Mayor’s Office.
There will be 14 guided neighbourhood tours, including 10 new ones this year. Among them is a behind-the-scenes CN Tower experience marking its 50th anniversary. Registration is required in advance.
A new highlight is the Lassonde Art Trail in Biidaasige Park. Ahead of its summer launch, visitors can join a tour of the site or attend a talk led by Executive Director Chloë Catán and Artistic Director November Paynter, offering a closer look at the project’s development.
Pre-registration is required for the informative tours.
There are more than 160 buildings and museums you can visit for free this weekend. Here are 30 of them:
CN Tower
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Netflix Canada
Perched high inside The Well, Netflix’s first Canadian headquarters opens its doors for a rare look inside. From this Toronto base, teams shape homegrown stories like North of North and Wayward. Visitors can explore interactive spaces, trace filming locations and see how Canadian content comes together, all set against sweeping city views. Details
Address: 8 Spadina Ave
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Textile Museum of Canada
Explore the Textile Museum of Canada, home to a 15,000-object global collection, through exhibitions spanning history and contemporary design. Highlights include Made By Many, Taking Shape and Always in Fashion.
Throughout Doors Open, guests can take part in hands-on textile activities, weaving demonstrations and interactive learning experiences, while also visiting the Textile Learning Hub, Reuse Program and gift shop, all showcasing the museum’s focus on creativity, sustainability and cultural exchange.s. Details
Address: 55 Centre Ave
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
TIFF Lightbox
TIFF Lightbox, a 175,000-square-foot cultural hub, serves as the year-round home of the Toronto International Film Festival. During Doors Open, visitors can explore behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities and the Setting the Scene exhibition on film production design. Guests can also access the Film Reference Library, which preserves Canadian and international film history, and view rare archival materials that highlight Toronto’s role in global cinema.
Building tours will run every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with each tour limited to 30 attendees. Details
Address: 350 King St W
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Toronto Star
Step inside the Toronto Star newsroom for a behind-the-scenes look at how journalism comes together. Founded in 1892, the Star remains a Canadian-owned institution with a long history in the city. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, explore archival photography and content, meet members of the team and take part in family-friendly newspaper crafts, with souvenirs to take home. Details
Address: 8 Spadina Ave
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA), located in the historic Auto BLDG in the Junction Triangle, showcases cutting-edge contemporary art in a space once used to produce aluminum for WWII. The 1919 building, a pioneer of flat slab concrete architecture, now houses dynamic exhibitions across three floors.
Explore all three floors of MOCA, featuring exhibitions by Kimsooja, Sara Cwynar and Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi. Visitors can join guided tours, learn about the building and neighbourhood, and take part in a hands-on “Paper Portals” activity with art educators.
Address: 158 Sterling Rd
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aga Khan Museum
Photo by Janet Kimber/Aga Khan Museum
Discover the rich culture and history of Muslim civilizations at the Aga Khan Museum. Marvel at the extensive Permanent Collection of masterpieces spanning from the 9th to the 21st century. Through innovative exhibitions and engaging programs, the museum aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Muslim cultures. Designed by renowned architects Fumihiko Maki and Charles Correa, the museum is located on a picturesque site with a landscaped park.
Visitors can explore the Museum through free architecture tours running every 30 minutes, offering access to its gardens, courtyard and the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium. Family activities include live object storytelling and arts and crafts sessions. Throughout the day, TD Pop-Up Performances bring the space to life with appearances by artists including Dr. Tara Kannan, Diar, Roa Lee and Illarra Riyad. Details
Address: 77 Wynford Drive
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Redpath Sugar
Since 1854, Redpath Sugar has been a staple of Canadian industry, settling on Toronto’s Harbourfront in 1959. As one of the harbour’s last industrial sites, Redpath employs over 300 people and takes pride in its community contributions.
Discover the world of Redpath Sugar with an engaging self-guided tour featuring interactive activities. Visitors will explore, learn and play as they immerse themselves in the fascinating process of sugar production, and take the opportunity to ask experts all their burning questions. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture this exclusive look inside the iconic Raw Sugar Shed. Details
Address: 95 Queens Quay E.
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Thornton-Smith Building
Designed in 1922 by renowned architect John M. Lyle for the Thornton-Smith Company, this Yonge Street landmark was created to elevate the architectural standards of the area’s retail corridor. The building earned the Ontario Association of Architects’ first gold medal in 1926 and international recognition. Its highlight, the Aperture Room, features original windows, skylights, and historic charm.
During Doors Open, visitors can explore the space, hear about its past and future, and photograph its period architecture and furnishings. Details
Address: #3 340 Yonge St.
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Recognized as a world-class airport, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport provides convenient travel connections to numerous destinations. Located on Toronto Island, this award-winning airport plays a crucial role in driving tourism, trade, and resident connectivity in the city.
Visitors can walk an underwater tunnel to explore the airport, view runway operations and discover public art. Families can tour the fire hall, see safety vehicles, meet partners like Air Canada and Porter Airlines, and enjoy live broadcasts, activities and giveaways.
Address: 2 Eireann Quay
Days Open: Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Toronto City Hall
Toronto’s City Hall, an architectural marvel and iconic landmark, emerged from one of the largest city-held architectural competitions, with 510 submissions from 42 countries.
Doors Open events will offer rare access and guided tours of this historic site. Visitors will gain special access to typically restricted areas such as the Council Chambers, Hall of Memory, and the 27th Floor Observation Deck. The site also features the new Spirit Garden, honouring Indigenous learning and community. Entry lines close at 4 p.m.
Address: 100 Queen St W
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Historic Don Jail at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital
The historic Don Jail, designed by architect William Thomas in the Italianate style, served as a reform jail for 113 years before closing in 1977. Now part of Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital’s campus in Riverdale, it has been repurposed as the hospital’s administrative building. Preserved through careful redevelopment, the jail offers a rare glimpse into pre-Confederation architecture.
During Doors Open, visitors can explore areas not usually accessible to the public through a self-guided tour. Due to limited capacity, early arrival is recommended.
Address: 1 Bridgepoint Dr.
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Toronto Water Operations Finch Yard
Finch Yard, one of six Toronto Water operations yards, will open its doors for Doors Open Toronto 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the city’s water and wastewater systems are maintained.
Visitors can explore heavy machinery and equipment such as a vactor truck, valve-winder truck, and backhoe, and view key infrastructure materials like hydrants and mainline valves. Staff will be on hand to explain the tools and technologies used to manage the city’s extensive water network, which includes over 6,000 km of watermains and more than 10,000 km of sewers.
Address: 1026 Finch Ave. W.
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TVO Studio Tour & Experience
TVO opens its doors for the first time, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the newly renovated William G. Davis Studio. Visitors move through production spaces, from the Green Room to the control room, while exploring how shows like The Rundown and TVOkids content are made. Interactive exhibits, архив displays from 55 years of programming and appearances by Polkaroo and TVO hosts round out the experience.
Address: #Main Floor 2180 Yonge St
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Estonian Museum Canada
Tartu College, designed by architect Elmar Tampõld in 1970, serves as both a student residence and a cultural hub for Toronto’s Estonian community. It houses VEMU, home to the largest Estonian collection outside Estonia.
As part of Doors Open, VEMU presents a program exploring Estonia and Ukraine’s shared history and present-day solidarity, alongside the exhibition Unissued Diplomas. The event also features performances by Estonian-Canadian comedian Olga Loitsenko and Ukrainian-Canadian artists.
Address: 310 Bloor St W
Days Open: May 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Visitors can step inside the century-old Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Toronto’s Annex, a landmark dedicated to documentary film. As the world’s largest documentary cinema, it hosts year-round screenings and major festivals.
During Doors Open, guests can explore the historic theatre, enjoy family-friendly films and get a rare look inside the projection booth.
Address: 506 Bloor St W
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. George’s Hall, The Arts & Letters Club
St. George’s Hall, built in 1891, stands as a designated heritage site with deep cultural roots in Toronto. Home to the Arts & Letters Club since 1920, it has welcomed figures like the Group of Seven and Marshall McLuhan.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour, meet volunteers, watch artists at work and view a photography exhibition.
Address: 14 Elm St
Days Open: May 23 & 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First People’s Gallery Royal Ontario Museum
As part of Doors Open Toronto 2026, visitors will have exclusive access to the Daphne Cockwell Gallery of First Peoples Art & Culture at the Royal Ontario Museum. Located in the Hilary and Galen Weston Wing, the gallery features over 1,000 objects reflecting Indigenous cultures across Canada and beyond.
Exhibits explore traditional and contemporary Indigenous life, spiritual practices, and artistic expression. The ROM Indigenous Learning Team will be present to engage with guests. Standard security measures, including bag checks and metal detectors, are in effect. Access to other ROM galleries requires a separate ticket purchase.
Details
Address: 100 Queens Park Ave.
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Osgoode Hall
Osgoode Hall, a Toronto landmark since 1832, houses the Law Society of Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Known for its historical architecture, including a fence with unique gates from 1867, the building features beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors can admire the Atrium’s geometric tile floor, 19th-century courtrooms, the Great Library, the 1829 Wing, and Convocation Hall, which doubles as the Osgoode Hall Restaurant. Details
Address: 130 Queen Street West
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Campbell House Museum
Step back at the John McKenzie House, a beautifully preserved heritage property built in 1913. The grand red brick house showcases Queen Anne Revival, Arts and Crafts, and Edwardian architectural styles. Explore the significant interior features, including art glass windows, panelled doors, and original radiators. As the provincial headquarters of the Ontario Historical Society, it stands as a testament to architectural preservation. Details
Address: 160 Queen St. W.
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City of Toronto Archives
Opened in 1992, the City of Toronto Archives building, designed by Zeidler Roberts Partnership, combines secure archival storage with a public research facility.
For one day only, go behind the scenes of Canada’s largest municipal archives. Tour the Spadina Records Centre, the secure, climate-controlled facility where 130,000 boxes of one-of-a-kind Toronto history are stored. Explore the digitization lab, and chat with staff. View feature exhibitions and speak with our archivists to discover more about the history of your Toronto home. Details
Address: 255 Spadina Rd.
Days Open: Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Foy-Smith House
Experience Toronto’s historic Foy House, a rare Victorian mansion with lavish interiors including a grand staircase and stained-glass windows. This heritage site, once home to Ontario’s Attorney General James Joseph Foy, displays both Victorian-style furniture and contemporary local art. Discover this multi-room mansion independently or through a guided tour, and delve into Toronto’s fascinating past. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a cup of tea, take photos and explore both the historic architecture and the contemporary, local art. Details
Address: 92 Isabella St.
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
Constructed in the 1930s, the R.C. Harris is the largest of the City’s four water treatment plants, providing an average of 400 million litres of safe drinking water. Visit the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, known as “The Palace of Purification,” and witness its stunning Art Deco architecture. Learn about the essential function of providing safe drinking water to Toronto and York Region.
City of Toronto
Address: 2701 Queen Street East
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bata Shoe Museum
Immerse yourself in the history and cultural significance of footwear at the renowned Bata Shoe Museum. Designed by Raymond Moriyama, this unique museum features thematic exhibitions, a retail shop, and a collection of over 15,000 shoes and shoe-related objects.
Visitors can take a self-guided journey through 4,500 years of footwear, exploring exhibitions from Roman-era designs to modern icons like André Perugia and the cowboy boot. The museum also offers family-friendly activities and a drop-in talk highlighting the building’s architecture.
Address: 327 Bloor Street West
Days Open: Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Village at Black Creek
Step into 19th-century Toronto at Black Creek, where costumed historians bring homes, workshops and community spaces to life.
Explore the Village’s 19th-century settings with costumed historians, heritage-breed animals, and heirloom gardens.
Visitors can try hands-on activities, meet heritage-breed animals and uncover stories often left untold, including through the “Changing the Narrative” program and an Ojibwe wiigiwaam experience. Details
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Steam Whistle Brewing
Step inside the historic John Street Roundhouse for a guided look at Steam Whistle Brewing, where past and present meet. The 30-minute tour traces the building’s roots as a railway repair facility and its careful restoration. Visitors can walk the catwalk for a sense of its scale and views of the turntable and tracks.
Afterward, guests can relax in the Tap Room, dine at the restaurant or enjoy food and drinks outside in Roundhouse Park. Details
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd
Days Open: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24 rom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dine Alone Records
Dine Alone Records, located in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood, is home to notable artists like City and Colour, Alexisonfire, and Tokyo Police Club. Founded in 2005, the indie label has grown into an internationally recognized hub for alternative music.
During Doors Open, visitors can tour its historic headquarters, browse records and merchandise at a discount, and enjoy rooftop city views. Details
Address: 864 Eastern Ave
Days Open: Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Churches
- St. James’ Cemetery and the Chapel of St. James-the-Less National Historic Site (635 Parliament St.): The Chapel of St. James-the-Less, located at the entrance of St. James’ Cemetery, is a mid-19th-century stone chapel recognized as a National Historic Site for its High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by Cumberland and Storm, it features a steep roof, tower, and a liturgically correct interior. During Doors Open, visitors can tour the chapel and cemetery, with both guided and self-directed options available. Notable burials include Premier John Robarts and architect Frederic Cumberland.
- St. James Cathedral (65 Church St.): Built in 1853 in the Gothic Revival style, it features a soaring spire and renowned bell tower. During Doors Open, visitors can explore the cathedral through guided or self-guided tours, attend music demonstrations, join a bell tower tour with the Guild of Change Ringers, and view a choir rehearsal on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Family-friendly activities include a printed scavenger hunt and opportunities to learn about the Cathedral’s community ministries.
- Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church (115 Bond St.) , originally built in 1897 as a synagogue, showcases rare Byzantine iconography by Mount Athos monks. During Doors Open, enjoy 20-minute guided tours, an iconography lab, and Greek pastries. A photo exhibit highlights the history of Greek immigrants in Toronto, presented by the Hellenic Heritage Foundation.
Other places that are free to visit (and are free year-round)
- The City of Toronto’s historic sites and galleries like Historic Zion Schoolhouse, Gibson House Museum, Scarborough Museum, Todmorden Mills, Montgomery’s Inn, Fort York National Historic Site, Mackenzie House, Spadina Museum and Market Gallery are free to visit year-round. They are also open this weekend with special tours and programs.
- Toronto’s First Post Office, 260 Adelaide Street East
- Legislative Assembly of Ontario, 111 Wellesley St West
- Scadding Cabin: 3 Alberta Cir.
