One weekend a year dozens of buildings open their doors for Doors Open Toronto, a city-wide celebration recognized as one of Toronto’s most culturally significant events. Over the past decade demand has increased rapidly from building owners, architects and developers and the City of Toronto is excited to work with the community to showcase their buildings to residents and visitors.
If you’d like your building to be part of Doors Open Toronto, please review the building criteria outlined below and submit a Building Consideration Form by January 13, 2020.
If you have already submitted a Building Consideration Form before January 6, 2020, please contact event staff at doorsopen@toronto.ca to confirm they received your form.
Preference will be given to buildings that meet the following criteria:
In addition to the above criteria:
Doors Open Toronto receives hundreds of proposals; however there are a set number of buildings that can be added to the roster each year. Several steps and deadlines must be met to ensure your building will be considered.
The program’s success relies heavily on the support and pre-planning of each building’s representatives. The objective to provide a safe and enjoyable Doors Open Toronto experience for all visitors is everyone’s main priority.
Please consider the following planning checklist prior to replying to your “Agreement email” which you will receive if your building has been accepted. Review this list regularly.
Ensure your event plan has the following:
Safety and Security
Signage
Media
Post Event
Developed as a millennium project in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than 2 million visitors since its inception. People of all ages and backgrounds have had the opportunity to learn about Toronto’s history, become involved, and celebrate Toronto’s built heritage for free!
Toronto was the first North American city to offer a Doors Open program, and has inspired similar events across the continent. Many participants organize guided tours, exhibits, displays and activities to enrich the visitor experience.
In 2002, inspired by the successful Toronto program, the Ontario Heritage Foundation (now the Ontario Heritage Trust) launched Doors Open Ontario.
The inspiration for Doors Open Toronto came from Europe. France was the first country to launch its Doors Open program in 1984, followed by Glasgow in 1990. Currently, 48 European countries participate every September during European Heritage Month. In addition, Australia and the United States have also joined the highly successful Doors Open movement.