Today, the City of Toronto announced the lineup of buildings, city-wide walking tours and special programs for this year’s Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf. The free weekend-long celebration of architecture and public space taking place Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 will feature more than 100 sites for exploration, a talk series, walking tours and more. This year, Doors Open Toronto will incorporate both in-person and virtual experiences. Details are now available at www.toronto.ca/doorsopen.
This year’s theme “Renewal” touches on the world’s awakening to deeply-rooted social, cultural and environmental inequity, injustice and imbalance. Doors Open Toronto 2022 participating sites and programs are guided by their interpretation of renewal.
This year, visitors to the Toronto City Hall will gain rare access to the Mayor’s Office, Council Chambers, Podium Green Roof and the Hall of Memory.
Activities at City Hall will include:
Doors Open Toronto has increased outdoor programming at Nathan Phillips Square to provide additional ways for people of all ages to experience the event:
The Talks program provides an inside glimpse into the creative process and community building approach of architects, urban designers and social service organizations through a series of talks and panel discussions. Explore ground-breaking concepts for urban and social renewal through a curated program of four intriguing talks, including a featured opening night event on Friday, May 27, which will be livestreamed.
Nine free guided walking tours will take place throughout the weekend, delving deep into the history and architecture of a variety of neighbourhoods. Registration is mandatory as space is limited. Tour descriptions are available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/doorsopen. Reaching 140 Toronto neighbourhoods, self-guided neighbourhood tours are available through StrollTO.
The City has partnered with Driftscape, local community artists and arts organizations to curate free public art tours all across the City. Fifty ArtworxTO self-guided public art walking tours are available on the ArtworxTO website.
The Doors Open Toronto film series curated for the weekend event, showcases social change, architecture, urban design, diverse voices and more. The three full-length feature documentaries all consider this year’s theme of “Renewal.” Films include: From Earth to Sky; Magical Imperfection: The Life and Architecture of Raymond Moriyama; and There’s No Place Like This Place, Anyplace.
Doors Open Toronto can also be enjoyed from the comfort of home through virtual experiences from Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Conservatory of Music, Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, Myseum, AFROWAVETO, Ontario Science Centre, Honey Jam Canada, Shea’s Victoria, The ArQuives, Toronto Zoo, a 10-minute virtual tour of City Hall and more.
The City is grateful to presenting sponsor Great Gulf, Carpenters Union Local 27 and Schlage Canada for their support of Doors Open Toronto 2022. The City is proud to have the Toronto Star and ZoomerMedia as media partners.
Information about accessible barrier-free buildings and sites is available on the Doors Open Buildings & Sites webpage. Listings include information on whether buildings and sites are fully or partially accessible.
Quotes:
“Our annual Doors Open weekend has been a great way for residents and visitors to visit buildings across Toronto and to understand the architecture found within our city. This truly unique behind-the-scenes experience offers a chance to discover and explore our buildings and vibrant neighborhoods. I encourage everyone to, once again, experience Toronto’s hidden gems and to take part in all of the in-person activities we are ready to welcome back as a city.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Doors Open Toronto provides all Torontonians with a singular opportunity to explore charismatic, historic and architecturally significant spaces that are rarely available for public viewing. It connects visitors directly with rich architectural, cultural and heritage assets that formed the stage on which our city’s history has played out.”
– Councillor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“Great Gulf is excited to return as Presenting Sponsor of Doors Open. As one of Toronto’s premiere events, it showcases the city’s inspired architecture and enlightened design. A city’s soul and expression can be seen not only in its history, geography and culture, but also in the buildings most loved by its residents. We encourage all Torontonians to explore our beautiful city and the architecture that gives expression to its vibrancy.”
– Madeline Zito, Senior Vice President – Public Relations, Great Gulf
Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto, Canada’s largest Doors Open event, has attracted more than two million visits to 800 unique locations across the city. The event is dedicated to celebrating built heritage, architecture and design. It is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community. More information and updates will be available at www.toronto.ca/doorsopen, on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram. The event hashtag is #DOT22.
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.