Doors Open Site Participation

Under the streets, behind closed doors and in our own backyards lays another Toronto; a city filled with hidden histories. From ancient Indigenous footpaths along the shoreline of glacial Lake Iroquois to lost rivers to Canada’s oldest surviving queer space, the story of Toronto is one told through its many pasts and voices. For Doors Open Toronto 2024, visitors will engage with the forgotten or often-overlooked sites and stories of Toronto.

Join us May 25 and 26, 2024, for the buildings, as well as guided tours and engaging talks, and to share your site’s hidden history.

Preference will be given to sites that meet the following criteria:

• 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
• Sites that 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, theatres
• Sites that can commit to opening their doors for two full days, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sites that are celebrating significant anniversaries
• Sites recognized by heritage, urban design and/or architectural awards
• Sites with significant original interior features and/or successful adaptive reuse features
• Sites that feature contemporary design excellence and/or innovative green, sustainable or LEED elements
• Sites in destination clusters (several venues in one area)
• Sites representing the cultural diversity of Toronto
• Sites located throughout Toronto, including Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke and East York, as well as downtown
• Sites that can demonstrate enhanced or thematic programming

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.

• Ontario, Canada
• Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
• London, England
• Scotland
• Council of Europe Heritage Days
• Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
• New York City, New York, USA
• Denver, Colorado, USA