Guelph
Event information
Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Doors Open Guelph is a day-long celebration of Guelph’s finest buildings, creative spaces and artistically or architecturally relevant sites, organized by Guelph Arts Council with support from the City of Guelph, a steering committee and over 100 volunteers. We have the distinction of hosting the kick-off event for Doors Open Ontario, opening the season of Doors Open events.
This is a free community event for all ages – and no tickets or registrations are required. Begin at any featured site and visit as many as you like, in any order. Visitors will be led in small groups through the sites by a tour guide who will tell the site’s story. Some sites will feature activities and music. There may be lineups at popular sites, and the last tour typically runs around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m. At busier sites with longer tours, expect an earlier “last tour” and potential lineup cutoffs.
This year, Doors Open Guelph will be enhanced by Sharing Guelph’s Stories, an event-within-an-event that will increase the role played by the arts in Doors Open. Visitors can experience dramatic storytelling at the Gow's Bridge with artist Jay Wilson, guided public art and downtown gallery walks, and arts activations at Doors Open sites.
Launching the Doors Open Guelph weekend, and Doors Open Ontario season, Guelph Museums’ Doors Open After Dark will celebrate with history and art activations at and around the Civic Museum on Friday, April 26 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
For more information, visit our website or call Guelph Arts Council at 519-836-3280.
Community information
“That’s so Guelph” is a term used to describe something that is intrinsically Guelph. Whether you’ve said it, heard it or you’re just discovering it, we hope that you will find yourself saying “that’s so Guelph” as you explore the city during Doors Open Guelph.
Guelph has diverse experiences waiting to be discovered. There is much to see and do, and how to explore Guelph is up to you. Choose your own adventure with our award-winning festivals, one-of-a-kind events like Doors Open Guelph, incredible public art or the thriving culinary scene.
Guelph has something for everyone.
Become a volunteer
Did you know that our Doors Open Guelph volunteers get a front-of-the-line pass to all of the other Doors Open sites?
Volunteer either in the morning (9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or in the afternoon (12:45 to 4:15 p.m.) and spend the rest of the day touring incredible architecture and amazing facilities, and hearing intriguing stories! Volunteer roles mostly involve greeting visitors and helping guide them through the space. Site Captains help support other volunteers throughout the day.
Training is provided to all volunteers. There will be a brief on site training session for each site, where you’ll have the chance to see the space where you'll be volunteering, get a sense of the tour, meet the other volunteers for that site, and ask questions. On site training sessions are held in early April.
Volunteer roles
- Tour Guides of historical buildings and creative spaces
- Greeters to meet the public and organize tour groups
- Counters to assist the greeter and count participants
- Sweepers to follow the tours and keep participants moving
- Site Captains to put out event signs, welcome and support their site's volunteers, and liaise with staff
Volunteer shifts
Regular volunteer shifts on event day are either from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12:45 to 4:15 p.m. Site Captains deliver materials and install signs at 9 a.m., collect and return them after 4 p.m., and act as liaison throughout the event day.
Join our volunteer team!
Volunteer training
Please note that there will be two general orientation and information sessions to choose from (March 5 and 7, at 5 p.m. at Guelph City Hall). They are not mandatory but are a chance to get a feel for the event and be one of the first to pick your shift!
There are also onsite training sessions scheduled for early April to help familiarize volunteers with their chosen site and practise the tour. Volunteers from past events have found the onsite session extremely helpful and highly recommend that volunteers attend their site's session, which typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Onsite training session dates are listed under each site at the Guelph Arts Council’s website and on the volunteer sign-up page.
Doors Open Guelph’s success is due to the enthusiasm and hard work of nearly 200 volunteers who serve as tour guides, sweeps, greeters, counters, researchers, site captains, photographers and more. Join us as a volunteer and help make Doors Open Guelph a true community celebration. Please visit our website to sign up for a shift.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Wilde at administration@guelpharts.ca or by calling 519-836-3280.
Contact info
Email: administration@guelpharts.ca
Website: www.guelpharts.ca/doors-open-guelph
16 sites found
Aberdeen House Doors Open Guelph
New
Built circa 1880, Aberdeen House’s new owners hired Evolve Builders in 2016 to reconstruct the interior of this Ontario cottage while leaving its external heritage appearance intact. It is now among the most energy-efficient homes in Guelph, with an airtight envelope, heat pump and many water-saving devices to make this a Blue Built Home. (Photo: Braendli Family)
- Guided tours available
Contact info
17 Aberdeen StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1880Architectural style: Arts and crafts, Ontario cottage
Building type: Historical house
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Art Walks Doors Open Guelph
New
Downtown Guelph is home to many galleries, art spaces and public art. During Doors Open, join artist collective Ahmri + Abby and see what you might have been missing. These unique guided walking tours depart from The People and Information Network/Guelph Community Foundation throughout the day.
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours at 10 and 11:30 a.m., and 1 and 2:30 p.m.
Diyode Community Workshop Doors Open Guelph
Diyode is a Guelph-based collective dedicated to re-invigorating the do-it-yourself movement. Situated in the former Carson Reid Homes office, the 232-square-metre (2,500-square-foot) workshop contains tools and supplies for wood and metal working, electronics, prototyping and crafting. During Doors Open, Diyode members will demonstrate uses of the tools and workshop areas.
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
183 Dufferin StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Building type: CommercialDates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Gow's Bridge Doors Open Guelph
New
This 1897 stone bridge is one of only 10 stone bridges remaining in Ontario. Peter Gow built the first bridge here to bypass the toll gate at Gordon Street. During Doors Open, Guelph theatre artist Jay Wilson will tell stories of the bridge, the Brooklyn area and some of the local scandals. Check the schedule for performance times. (Photo: Leanne Piper)
- Partial wheelchair access
- Guided tours available
- Communication
Architecture
Year built: 1897Architect: Peter Gow
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Attraction, Historical landmark, Transportation
Landscape: Landscape
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: performances run between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last performance at approx. 3 p.m.
Greenbriar Doors Open Guelph
New
Built circa 1865, this neoclassical vernacular house on a lot with heritage trees is a treasure trove of antiques and art. The house features original woodwork and glass, art by local artists and many unique collections. No photography permitted. (Photo: Katie Wilde)
- Guided tours available
Contact info
92 Speedvale Avenue WestGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1865-70Architectural style: Gothic revival, Neoclassical, Vernacular
Building type: Historical house
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation Bicycle Tour Doors Open Guelph
New
Join the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation as it conducts guided bicycle tours of the Spring Mill Distillery, Greenbriar, The Victory School and Aberdeen House – all participating sites in this year’s Doors Open Guelph event. Spaces are limited. Register at info@gcat.ca.
- Guided tours available
Contact info
Meet at 43 Arthur Street South (Springmill Distillery)Guelph, Ontario
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Heritage Hall Doors Open Guelph
Built in 1880, Heritage Hall building served as the British Methodist Episcopal Church. Constructed in Gothic revival style with local limestone, it offered a place of safety and community for Guelph’s Black community, including descendants of runaway slaves. In 2012, the building was purchased by the Guelph Black Heritage Society to create a cultural, historical and social centre. (Photo: Guelph Black Heritage Society)
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
83 Essex StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1880Architect: William Slater
Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Historical landmark, Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
KidsAbility Centre for Child Development Doors Open Guelph
New
KidsAability has provided services to Guelph children and youth with special needs since 2000. This new hub has 1,858 square metres of space (20,000 square feet), customized to reflect best-care practices. The stunning Canadiana-themed rooms and hall décor create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where children can work to reach their full potential. (Photo: Susan Ratcliffe)
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
503 Imperial Road NorthGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 2018Architect: Walter Fedy
Building type: Educational facility, Health-care facility
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Lornewood Mansion Doors Open Guelph
New
Lornewood Mansion was built by Charles Raymond in 1867 and later enlarged to include Tuscan bays and a tower. It was named after an 1879 visit from the Marquis of Lorne and his wife Princess Louise. The house has been restored to showcase its original, ornate black walnut trim, ceilings, leaded-glass windows, carpets and elaborate furniture. (Photo: Sandra Lastovic)
- Guided tours available
Contact info
125 Norfolk StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1867Architect: C.J. Soule
Architectural style: Italianate
Building type: Commercial, Historical house
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Marcolongo Heritage Farm Doors Open Guelph
New
Settled in 1833, this was one of the first farms in Puslinch Township. In 1878, James Blair built the granite fieldstone house. The original, small timber-framed barn and the large bank barn built in the 1880s or 1890s have been restored. Protection of the property as a cultural heritage landscape has been proposed under the Ontario Heritage Act. (Photo: Susan Ratcliffe/Marcolongo Heritage Farm)
- Parking
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
2162 Gordon StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1878Architect: James Blair
Architectural style: Georgian
Building type: Historical house
Landscape: Landscape, Natural heritage, Trail
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Provincial Offences Court Doors Open Guelph
Built in 1856, this building served as Guelph City Hall until 2009. Designed by William Thomas in the Victorian Renaissance revival style, it features elaborately carved stone features. In 2009, it was beautifully rehabilitated as a courthouse, conserving original windows, crown mouldings, arched jail cells and a grand performance hall. No photography. (Photo: Provincial Offences Court)
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- National Historic Site (Canada)
- Guided tours available
- Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
- Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
Contact info
59 Carden StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1856Architect: William Thomas
Architectural style: Renaissance revival, Victorian
Building type: Courthouse, Historical landmark
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Rest stop and Information hub Doors Open Guelph
New
The People and Information Network and the Guelph Community Foundation will be opening their doors as a rest stop and information hub for your Doors Open Guelph experience. Come by and rest your feet, gather information about the event and participating sites, or use the washrooms. Art walks will also depart from this location (see separate listing for more information).
- Partial wheelchair access
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
Contact info
46 Cork Street EastGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Building type: CommercialDates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spring Mill Distillery Doors Open Guelph
New
The limestone building was built as Allan’s Distillery, an addition to their grist mill. The distillery expanded over time. In 1876, the complex became the A.R. Woodyatt Company, which made lawn mowers and hardware. Over the years, several large manufacturers have used the buildings, now extensively restored as a restaurant and distillery. Photography restricted to permitted areas. (Photo: Susan Ratcliffe)
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
43 Arthur Street SouthGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1835Architectural style: Georgian
Building type: Attraction, Commercial, Historical landmark
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
The Sovereign Doors Open Guelph
New
Built in Second Empire style, The Sovereign is an interesting neighbour to the Petrie Building. The mansard roof, ornate dormers and false corner tower create an impressive presence. The original ballroom was once used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, whose symbols survive in the restored offices. It is now the offices of Williams and McDaniel Property Management. (Photo: Susan Ratcliffe)
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
66 Macdonell StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1882-83Architect: John Day
Architectural style: Second Empire
Building type: Commercial, Historical landmark
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.
Trails Open: Marcolongo Heritage Farm to Hall's Pond Doors Open Guelph
New
Enjoy this unique opportunity to view the most important natural area within Guelph city limits – Hall's Pond. Thirty-minute walks begin at the Marcolongo Heritage Farm to this series of kettle lakes embedded within the Paris moraine ponds. Hikes will be led by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, presenting the 10th year of Trails Open in Guelph. (Photo: Guelph Hiking Trail Club)
- Parking
- Guided tours available
Contact info
Meet at the Marcolongo Heritage Farm (2162 Gordon Street)Guelph, Ontario
Architecture
Landscape: Landscape, Natural heritage, TrailDates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Victory School, The Doors Open Guelph
New
Built after to a local population spike, this school - still in use today - was named in honour of the Allied victory that ended the First World War. The school opened in 1919, with an addition made in 1953. Its original brass rails and wooden floors enhance the gracious image presented by its red-brick exterior and park setting.
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
135 Exhibition StreetGuelph, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1919Architect: S.B. Coon
Architectural style: Neoclassical
Building type: Educational facility
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 27, 2019Saturday: tours from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; last tour leaves at approx. 3:40 p.m.