Toronto 
Doors Open Toronto is back on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Great Library, Osgoode Hall // Credit: City of Toronto
This year’s event will celebrate architecture and public spaces under the theme “Hidden Histories.” The event will feature free access to over 160 significant locations, including architectural, historical, and cultural sites across the city. ‘
Doors Open Toronto 2024 features several new sites like the University Club of Toronto, Massey College, the KITE Research Institute, and the Redpath Sugar Plant. Meanwhile, popular venues such as Osgoode Hall, the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, and Bay Lower Subway Station are making a return.
During the two days, you enjoy unique experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, and various outdoor activities. Special events will take place at the Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square, where visitors can participate in hourly tours, learn about the area’s history, and enjoy family-friendly programming.
The event will host a series of talks and guided tours focused on specific neighbourhoods and themes. These include new tours like “The Women of Park Lawn Cemetery” and “Hidden Queer Histories of Hanlan’s Point,” among others. Insightful discussions will be led by architects and urban designers, covering topics such as the history of the Port Lands and Toronto’s architectural evolution.
Participants are required to register in advance for the neighbourhood tours and themed talks.
Doors Open Toronto is part of Doors Open Ontario, and you can explore unique attractions and sites in more than 15 cities in Ontario for free.
Doors Open Toronto – May 25 & 26
Ismaili Centre Toronto. Photo by Yichen Wang/City of Toronto
Explore some of Toronto’s most architectural, cultural and socially significant sites for free during Doors Open weekend.
Programming at City Hall
- Visitors can see the Mayor’s Office, find out what happens inside Council Chamber, explore the Hall of Memory and enjoy remarkable views from the 27th floor Observation Deck.
- The Red Chair Sessions, a portraiture series by Toronto Photo Laureate Nadya Kwandibens, will also be on display.
- Visitors can take part in hourly guided drop-in tours of Nathan Phillips Square to learn about the historic neighbourhood called “The Ward” and the 1956 design competition that resulted in “New” City Hall.
Neighbourhood Walking Tours
17 free, guided walking tours will take place throughout the weekend, delving deep into the history and architecture of a variety of neighbourhoods.
- YZD: Downsview’s Aviation Legacy
- Toronto’s 12,000-Year History
- Double-Decker Bus – Guided BIA Mural Tour
- Everyone is Interesting
- Stories of St. Lawrence
- Riverside Roots
- Secrets of Rexdale
- Restoring the Canada Malting Silos
- Hoggs Hollow & Surrounding Area
- Hidden Queer Histories of Hanlan’s Point
- The Other Exhibition Place
- Finding Old Graydon Hall
- Stories of the Church-Wellesley Village
- Guild Park’s Hidden History & Lost Architecture
- The Women of Park Lawn Cemetery
- Big History, Little Italy: A Journey Through Time
- Welcome to the Rouge!
Doors Open Talks
The 2024 series of captivating talks will feature insights from architects, urban designers and thought leaders who have left their mark on Toronto:
• Doors Open Keynote: The Hidden History of the Port Lands on Thursday, May 23
• Toronto Book of the Dead & The City’s Morbid Past on Saturday, May 25
• Discover Your Hidden History with Heritage Toronto on Saturday, May 25
• Toronto Society of Architects Talk: Layered City on Sunday, May 26
Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits to over 800 locations across the city. The festival is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City in partnership with the community, and this year’s sponsors include Great Gulf, City Hall Hub, and Schlage.
