Doors Open Toronto
About - 2012 Doors Open Toronto
Doors Open Toronto May 26 & 27, 2012
Free Admission
City of Toronto is proud to present the annual Doors Open Toronto — one weekend, once a year — when close to 150 buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open their doors to the public for a city-wide celebration.
The program allows visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Many locations have organized guided tours, displays and activities to enrich the visitor experience.
From heritage landmarks to modern structures, hidden gems, places of worship, halls of learning, boardrooms, bedrooms, breweries, lighthouses, mansions, museums, theatres, national historic sites, centres of rail travel, cemeteries, factories, banking halls, architects' offices and more.
Doors Open Toronto invites you to get to know the city, whether you've lived in Toronto all your life or you're visiting for the first time. See Toronto like you've never seen it before!
Our Family loves Doors Open Toronto. We have always been proud of our city but this program has increased both our knowledge and appreciation.
– Doors Open Toronto Participant
I visited 2 sites in east end Toronto:The East Toronto Masonic Temple at 15 Chisholm Ave and Hope United Church at 2550 Danforth.
For 30 years I have lived within 3 blocks of both of these sites, and I have never been in either of them. Both were very interesting to visit. The volunteers who answered questions at both sites were friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable.
Thank you for including these sites in Open Doors.
– Doors Open Toronto Participant
My mom, who is 80 years young, has been coming [to Doors Open Toronto] with my husband and me every year. Even though she has lived in Toronto for most of her life she says she has never seen so much of this city.
– Doors Open Toronto Participant
I think the great success of Doors Open Toronto proves to the politicians, and to developers, that people do care about their heritage. They know that a city becomes a better place to live when the character of great old buildings is preserved.
– Margie Zeidler, Developer In Globe and Mail Article, Report on Business
These types of events bring the community together - there are some real architectural treasures and hidden gems to be explored.
– Doors Open Toronto Participant
Doors Open is not just about historical buildings, but also buildings that play an important or distinct role in the fabric of the participating community.
– Doors Open Toronto Participant
...We frequently wonder if Toronto architecture has any redeeming qualities. The answer, of course, is a resounding 'Yes!' and a weekend attending Doors Open sites provides all the proof you need.
– The Torontoist
...The real importance of Doors Open may be its ability to bring us all a little closer together, to expand the common understanding that transforms mere physical proximity into something approaching citizenship and shared identity.
– Christopher Hume, Toronto Star
...Doors Open is one of the best things to have happened to Toronto architecture so far this century or for any century for that matter.
– Christopher Hume, Toronto Star
...Had an amazing day today, had a first date, we did Doors Open Toronto: got a free beer sample at Steam Whistle and went sailing, 1st time ever!.
– Doors Open Toronto Tweet
Excellent. Absolutely excellent. I look forward to this every year! I loved and appreciated how informative and friendly every single person running the locations we went to were - this really is a great event in our city!
– Stephan Peleck, Doors Open Toronto Participant
May the Doors always be open.
– Christopher Hume, Toronto Star
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