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Doors Open Toronto

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Doors Open Toronto

Doors Open Toronto is an annual event when approximately 150 buildings of architectural, historic, cultural, and social significance to the city of Toronto open their doors to the public for this free city-wide celebration.

Contents

Doors Open Toronto was developed as a millennium project in 2000, by the City of Toronto (developed from a European model) and has since attracted over 1.7 million residents and tourists. Doors Open Toronto gives people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to learn about Toronto's history, get involved and celebrate Toronto's built heritage.

Doors Open Toronto was the first city in North America to launch this type of program, and it has inspired similar programs across Canada and in the United States. Many participating buildings organize guided tours, exhibits, displays, and activities to enrich the visitor experience.

Highlighted Buildings

Most buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday; however some only open for limited hours. The public is advised to check the "buildings to visit" section of the official website. The list of buildings is made public on May 1 of the calendar year. Some Doors Open Toronto highlighted buildings include: R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, Mackenzie House, and TTC carthouses.

Sponsors

Doors Open Toronto relies heavily on the support of sponsors. The Toronto Star releases the official Doors Open Toronto program guide in May of each year and has been a vital supporter of the program. In 2012, City TV and Omni Television also came on board as Doors Open Toronto media sponsors.

Volunteers

Doors Open Toronto is managed by the Cultural Services and Special Events Departments at the City of Toronto. Doors Open Toronto relies on the support, as well as enthusiasm of hundreds of volunteers.

Applications are available each fall and can be found on the Doors Open Toronto website.

Awards

  • 2009 Canadian Urban Institute at the Urban Leadership awards - City Soul Award
  • 2010 City Manager's Award for Toronto Public Service Excellence
  • 2010 The Canadian Museums Association Awards of Outstanding Achievement

    • Themes

    In recent years, each festival has had a theme.

  • 2007 Sustainability
  • 2008 Sacred space
  • 2009 Toronto's literature
  • 2010 Architecture
  • 2011 Photography
  • 2012 200 Years of Building Our City
  • 2013 Creators, Makers and Innovators
  • 2014 Secrets and Spirits; Exploring the Mysteries Behind the Door
  • 2015 Sports, Recreation and Leisure
  • 2016 Re-used, Re-visited and Revised

    • Dates

    The first Doors Open Toronto was held in May 2000. Since then, Doors Open Toronto has been held on the fourth weekend of May.

  • 2000: May 27, 28
  • 2001: May 26, 27
  • 2002: May 25, 26
  • 2003: May 24, 25
  • 2004: May 29, 30
  • 2005: May 28, 29
  • 2006: May 27, 28
  • 2007: May 26, 27
  • 2008: May 24, 25
  • 2009: May 23, 24
  • 2010: May 29, 30
  • 2011: May 28, 29
  • 2012: May 26, 27
  • 2013: May 25, 26
  • 2014: May 24, 25
  • 2015: May 23, 24
  • 2016: May 28, 29

    • Complete list of participating venues in recent years

    Sources for the above table:

    References

    Doors Open Toronto Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA