Doors Open Site Participation

Applications for consideration are now open for sites and guided tours. Review the criteria below and submit by January 8, 2027.

May 29 & 30, 2027

Each year, more than 150 buildings and sites participate in Doors Open Toronto, a city-wide celebration of architecture, design and urban exploration.

The 2027 theme, Behind the Scenes, invites visitors to discover the spaces, systems and people that keep Toronto running through rare access and unique experiences across the city.

The City of Toronto is excited to work with the community to showcase Toronto’s remarkable places to residents and visitors.

The public are invited to explore the hidden workings of Toronto – the spaces, systems, jobs and communities that keep the city moving every day.

Through guided neighbourhood tours, insightful talks and access to more than 150 buildings and sites, Doors Open reveals how what happens outside of public view shapes our everyday lives.

Celebrate the people and connections behind the spaces we use, the things we make and the communities we build.

Through rare access and unique experiences, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the city and the work that keeps it running.

Preference is given to sites that:

  • Are not usually open to the public or have areas not usually open to the public, but have some significant architectural features and/or have historical, social or cultural significance to the city
  • Are open to the public, but have some significant architectural features and/or have historical, social or cultural significance to the city, e.g. churches, banquet halls and theatres
  • Can commit to opening their doors for two full days, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Are celebrating significant anniversaries
  • Recognized by heritage, urban design and/or architectural awards
  • Have significant original interior features and/or successful adaptive reuse features
  • Feature contemporary design excellence and/or innovative green, sustainable or LEED elements
  • Located in destination clusters (several venues in one area)
  • Represent the cultural diversity of Toronto
  • Sites located throughout Toronto, including Scarborough, North York, York, Etobicoke and East York, as well as downtown
  • Can demonstrate enhanced or thematic programming

The deadline for submission is January 8, 2027.

Submit Your Site for Consideration

Tours must take place on the weekend of Doors Open, May 29 and 30, 2027. Proposals are welcome from Business Improvement Associations, arts groups, heritage professionals and organizations as well as architectural and design professionals and studios.

Preference is given to tours that:

  • Align with the 2027 theme, Behind the Scenes
  • Are 60 to 75 minutes in length, maximum
  • Can accommodate 40 to 60 people per iteration
  • Can be delivered a minimum of twice per day of Doors Open, i.e. four times over the weekend
  • Do not require attendees to go indoors
  • Represent the cultural diversity of Toronto
  • Are located throughout Toronto, including Scarborough, North York, York, Etobicoke and East York as well as downtown
  • Focus on unique neighbourhoods, stories, individuals and sites
  • Highlight multiple locations, sites and buildings, i.e. not just one building or site
  • Are accessible to a variety of physical abilities.

The deadline for submission is January 8, 2027.

Submit Your Tour for Consideration

Contact doorsopen@toronto.ca with any questions.

Developed as a millennium project in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits 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.

Doors Open International

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.

 
Date modified: August 31, 2026