Applications for new sites to participate in 2027 open in September.
May 29 & 30, 2027
Each year, over 150 buildings and sites open their doors for Doors Open Toronto, a city-wide celebration of architecture, design and urban space. The City of Toronto is excited to work with the community to showcase their sites to residents and visitors.
Site Criteria
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
Guided Neighbourhood Tours Criteria
Preference is given to tours that:
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.
History
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.
