Toronto Landmarks On Display at Annual Door’s Open Event
One of my favourite events of the spring happened this past weekend: Doors Open – the chance to uncover the secrets of some of the Toronto Landmarks that I pass by almost daily.
If you’re not familiar, Doors Open invites visitors to discover first-hand your city’s hidden heritage treasures, some of which have never been open to the public.
Started in 1984 in France, the idea spread throughout western Europe by 1991. Toronto became the first North American city to participate in 2000, quickly followed by the launch of Doors Open Ontario – the first province-wide event of its kind in Canada in 2002. The idea continues to spread with events now being held in Newfoundland, Alberta, Massachusetts, Western New York State, New York City and Denver. (Click Here for more info on those locations).
Doors Open Toronto 2017
This year there were 150 Toronto Landmarks that participated. The Doors Open Toronto website provides a list and map-view to make planning your weekend easier. Simply pick an area of the city and create a route that visits your favourite buildings.
This year I was joined by my good friend, Scot, to explore part of the downtown core on Saturday, then went solo to discover a couple great spots in the west end of the city on Sunday:
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
This Modernist theatre was designed as a multi-use performance venue catering to artistic performances such as ballet, dance, and opera. opening in 1960, Sony Centre is Canada’s largest soft-seated theatre.
A guided tour through the building provided first-hand history of the building and allowed us to explore areas that are normally closed to the general public, including the stage and backstage areas.
Tom Jones Steak House
Now home to one of the oldest and most unique steakhouses in Toronto, this building was built in the 1830’s and was the home of the original Grand & Toy in 1882. There’s even a photo commemorating the 100th anniversary of G&T, given to the current owner from the grandsons of James Grand and Samuel Toy!
Tom Jones is best known for its hand carved oak entrance way, stained glass windows, and natural gas burning chandeliers. The second floor features a New York Style Piano Bar and dining room, while the third floor is home to The Conclave room with mahogany paneled walls, a wood burning fire place, and a mahogany board room table inlaid with bark walnut.
Ontario Heritage Centre
This rare Edwardian office building was built in 1908, and is a great example of a transitional period of urban commercial design combining historical style with modern technology. The Ontario Heritage Trust took over the building in the 1980s after completing a beautiful restoration.
A self-guided tour took us through 2 grand galleries, oak paneled Oval Board Room, and an original manually operated elevator!
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
Built in 1913, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre was the only double-decker theatre constructed in Canada and is now the last one operating in the world. The theatre was saved from demolition in 1981 and is now designated as a national historic site.
The elegant Elgin Theatre and whimsical Winter Garden Theatre are amazing examples of Vaudevillian era theatres. It’s easy to get lost for hours exploring the stunning detail. If you ever get the chance to explore, I highly recommend you start with the Elgin and work your way up to the Winter Garden. The Elgin is a beautiful example of what you’d expect from a theatre from that era, while the Winter Garden seems to appear from a dreamland.
Arts and Letters Club – St George’s Hall
This building was built in 1891 by the St George’s Society, and has been home to the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto since 1920. The club, formed in 1908, is dedicated to the celebration and enjoyment of the arts.
The self-guided tour included medieval dinning hall, visiting a life drawing class in session, and the opportunity to view their permanent art collection which includes several Group of Seven paintings!
Fold
I love visiting re-imagined spaces, and Fold definitely fits that bill!
This 100 year old former stable has been used as a garage and residence, but is now a co-working space for design professionals. It was a fun opportunity to meet some of the working designers, and learn how buildings go from ideas to reality.
St Paul’s Church, Runnymede
This west-end church was built in the architectural style of the Church of England, and has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in Toronto.
The personal tour of St Paul’s told all about the making, installation and upkeep of the stained glass windows. There was even an organist on-hand playing hymns. The absolute highlight for me was the chance to climb the stairs up the bell tower and ring the bell!
What a weekend!
Can you see why this one of my favourite events of the year? The chance to go behind-the-scenes at some of the amazing Toronto Landmarks throughout this great city is a great opportunity.
Will you be joining me next year? 🙂
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Be sure to comment below and let me know if there’s a Door’s Open event in your city!
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Resources
Here is a list of the resources mentioned in this post:
Doors Open Toronto – The Doors Open series invites visitors to discover first-hand your city’s hidden heritage treasures, some of which have never been open to the public.
Blogger’s Jumpstart Guide – Download my FREE guide outlining how to successfully start your own blog
Thanks for the info. One of the places that I would like to visit one day is Canada. Thanks for the “eye-opener.”
Definitely make that happen Gary! If you come to Toronto, be sure to let me know
Those look some great places to visit in Toronto. I particularly liked the look of the Tom Jones Steakhouse. Thanks for sharing.
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There really were a lot of fun to visit!
Looks like fun! I’ve been all over Montreal, but Toronto hasn’t happened yet. Thanks for sharing, Bruce!
Montreal is a great city too, but you’ll have to come to Toronto Larry! 🙂
Tom Jones Steakhouse caught my attention…
Dr. Lisa
We’ll go the next time you visit Dr. Lisa 🙂
Man I’ve really been kicking going to Canada on the back burner. Sad because they border me to the north (I’m in Washington state). I need to get up there now!
Yes, definitely go Joseph! And if you happen to come east let me know!
Wow, didn’t even know this existed in Toronto. And I am only 2 hours away. Thanks for sharing!
You’ll definitely have to come out next year! You can also check out the general Door’s Open site for other places doing this nearby
Toronto looks like such a fun city to visit! It’s on my travel bucket list 😀
Glad to hear that! There’s so much to offer here, it’s often underrated
I have only read about the wilderness of this country. It is a change to read about the cities. The Sony center looks like the place I would be.spending time at;
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Yes, there’s definitely a lot of wilderness further north, but the cities definitely have a lot to offer as well!
I love tour “behind the scenes” places like factories and public buildings. I can see why you love this tour!
Absolutely! Any time I visit somewhere I look for these tours, so the fact that there’s one in my hometown is amazing
Doors Open is such a good initiative. A good way to discover some hidden gems and learn more about the city we live in, Sounds like you really had a fun weekend!
You’re so right Nadine! It was a great weekend … one of my annual favourites
The Doors Open event is indeed a unique and fascinating concept. It always happens that many of us are not aware of the heritage and treasures of our own city, This is a lovely concept which creates awareness of the richness of the heritage which is right in your backyard.
Absolutely right Sandy! Any time we can get out and explore what’s in our own backyard is a plus
We have similar event in my hometown Asti and in the hilly area we are.
In town it’s “cortili aperti” (open yards): private owners welcome to visit they ancient buildings and serving traditional food.
in the country we have “castelli aperti” (open castles) and programmes of classical music in the beautiful little romanic churches.
In Toronto I would like very much to visit those beautiful Edwardian buildings you show in the pics:. It’s a slyle I don’t know so much but very attractive for matherials and decorations .
I love that you have a very similar event in Asti .. I’ll need to check into that soon 🙂
This was very interesting. We are planning a trip to Canada for next year so I like to read as much of it as possible. I love the little church and old houses you are featuring.
So glad you enjoyed Paula! If Toronto is on your list for your trip, be sure to let me know
This is a pretty cool event! I wish that I can go to Toronto. I would love to visit the places that you have featured. I like the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre the most. I know that Canada will celebrate its 150th next month. I am sure that there are a lot of people who will join this ‘Doors Open’ event. I read that there are 150 buildings in Toronto that you can visit. Have fun!
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Yes, that theatre is one of my favourite places in the city! We’re all starting to get ready for the 150th celebrations next month!
I would love to check all these places out. I’ve never been to Canada before–one day, I hope!
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I hope you’re able to come and explore one day soon Amber!
We have this same event in Calgary. It is so cool to see inside some of the landmarks in your city. Great post and photos!
Thanks so much Merry! I’ve yet to visit Calgary during this event, but sounds like a good excuse for another trip
I have heard of this event for the first time. I wish something similar would start on this part of the world as well 🙂 The landmarks all look so beautiful. I would love to check all these places out
I hope it starts in your area as well Neha; it’s such a fun event!
such amazing landmarks event here, always good showing to open up a few things about a place to the public and it seems a fun event for the people present there.
You’re so right; letting the public have a glimpse into the history of their cities is a really fun activity
Toronto is one of my favorite cities to visit. I have not visited many of the locations you suggested; I will have to add them to my list the next to I travel to Toronto
So glad to have given you more reasons to return to Toronto!
I heard a lot about toronto. It looks like a beautiful. Oh how i wish i could visit here someday.
It’s a really great city (I may be biased lol), I hope you get to come very soon!
This is awesome. I wish every town had this! I’ve been living in my town for 8 years and I know for a fact that I haven’t seen half of what it has to offer. Great post!
That’s so often the case Sarah! As this program keeps expanding to other nearby areas i need to start taking more roadtrips
Great post, you have highlighted several of the landmarks you visited at the recent Doors Open event in Toronto and provided interesting information about the history and architecture of each location. Your descriptions of the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre are particularly intriguing. Your tips for planning a route to visit the landmarks and your strong recommendation for the event are also very helpful. Overall, it’s a well-written and informative post.
Thanks so much Seth! There’s a lot to do during the Doors Open weekend, so having a plan is essential