Guelph
Event information
Saturday, April 21, 2018 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.
After a day exploring the Doors Open sites, save some energy for the after-party at the Civic Museum. Celebrate Guelph’s 191st birthday with pop-up art and history installations at and around the museum. Doors Open (Guelph 191) After Dark will be held Saturday, April 21 from 9 p.m. to Sunday, April 22 at 1 a.m. Admission is free.
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 so 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
If you love history and hidden spaces, you’ll love volunteering for Doors Open Guelph – a day-long celebration of Guelph's finest buildings, creative spaces and artistically or architecturally relevant sites!
Doors Open Guelph’s success is due to the enthusiasm and hard work of 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. Simply fill out this short form indicating your availability and interest.
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
- *New* Site Captains are assigned to a single site for the day. They bring signs and materials to and from the site, ensure that volunteers have the information and materials they need, act as liaisons with the organizers, and generally support volunteers.
Shifts
Regular volunteer shifts on event day are 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 at 4 p.m., and act as liaison throughout the event day.
Training
There is still a general orientation and information session available to attend on March 20, 2018 in the Heritage Room, 10C Shared Space, 42 Carden Street, Guelph at 5 p.m. There will also be onsite training sessions scheduled for early April to help familiarize volunteers with their assigned site and practise the tour. Volunteers from past events have found the onsite sessions extremely helpful and highly recommend that volunteers attend their site's session, which typically takes from 30 minutes to 1 hour. You need only attend the onsite training for your assigned site.
Site assignments will be made in late March, and onsite training session details will be announced as confirmed.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Wilde by email at administration@guelpharts.ca or by phone at 519-836-3280.
Contact info
Email: administration@guelpharts.ca
Website: www.guelpharts.ca/doors-open-guelph
16 sites found
10C Shared Space Doors Open Guelph
New
The Seed Warehouse, a stone structure built in the 1860s, became Massey-Ferguson Farm Supply. In an 1855 fire, a huge safe fell through the floor to the basement, where it remains today. Around 1924, Ackers Furniture moved in, added two floors and remained until 2016. With Chalmers Community Services Centre, the building is now a collaborative workspace and community hub.
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1860sArchitect: Lloyd Grinham Architects (restoration 2016)
Architectural style: Victorian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m., to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Church House Doors Open Guelph
New
In 1899, Knox Presbyterian established a Sabbath School Mission. In 1909, St. Paul’s Presbyterian was constructed as a modest Edwardian building with Gothic windows and an impressive Douglas fir ceiling. In 2002, the church was sold and renovated over the next five years into a residence, which is also the headquarters of Sage Solutions, a strategic planning and facilitation company.
- Guided tours available
Contact info
44 Short StreetGuelph, Ontario
Telephone: 519-776-1977
Architecture
Year built: 1899; 1906Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Private residence
Landscape: Garden
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Churches of Saint Matthias & St. James the Apostle Doors Open Guelph
New
Built in 1891-92, this is the newest of Guelph’s stone churches and the last built with local limestone. The Gothic-style church was downsized from its original plan, resulting in an unusual orientation. The original fine wood ceiling and elaborate vaulting remain in the building’s final form. The roof slates came from Cornwall, England.
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1891-92Architect: John Day
Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW) Doors Open Guelph
New
CLGW facilitates social inclusion and community engagement, supporting adults with developmental disabilities to have a full life – living, working and connecting in their community. CLGW’s vision to enrich, inspire and engage ensures that all members belong. Tour the facility, meet some of the 400+ people who the organization supports, and learn why Guelph is such a caring community.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
Architecture
Year built: 2007Architect: James Fryett
Building type: Commercial
Landscape: Garden
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
First Steps School Age Doors Open Guelph
New
The building at 55 Delhi Street was constructed in 1910 in the Georgian revival style; it was a nurses’ residence for Guelph General Hospital until the late 1950s. In the lower level is a childcare service. The lower red-brick walls have been beautifully restored to teach children about Guelph’s heritage. The rustic furnishings and bright windows create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
55 Delhi StreetGuelph , Ontario
Telephone: 519-836-8547
www.firststepsguelph.ca/school-age
Architecture
Year built: 1910Architect: Stewart McPhie
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Guelph Little Theatre Doors Open Guelph
In 1935, the first Little Theatre opened at Guelph City Hall. In 1993, a fire forced the theatre out of the Salvation Army Hall on Dublin Street. In 1997, it moved into a former welding shop that now features a 288-seat raked auditorium, gracious lobby, rehearsal hall, workshop and dressing rooms. Visitors will see the set for the current production.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1960Building type: Theatre
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Guelph Orange Hall Doors Open Guelph
New
The Loyal Orange Association of British America has had a continuous presence in Guelph since 1837, with seven Lodges and three Ladies Orange Benevolent Associations. Prince Arthur Loyal Orange Lodge 1331 was established in Guelph in 1871, and moved into its present building in the late 1940s. Displays will demonstrate its history and community involvement.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Contact info
385 Waterloo AvenueGuelph , Ontario
Telephone: 519-767-6524
Architecture
Year built: late 1940s to early 1950sArchitectural style: Vernacular
Building type: Place of worship, Union hall
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Hospice Wellington Doors Open Guelph
New
Founded in 1980, Hospice Wellington provides support to families facing life-threatening illnesses. Originally Kortright Presbyterian Church, the building was redesigned in 2010 by David McCauley, its original architect. It includes 10 palliative residences in the upper level and community support programs in the lower, with a living wall, solar panels and rainwater collection system to support a pollination garden.
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1989; renovated and reopened in 2010Architect: David McCauley
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m., to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Intrigue Media Doors Open Guelph
New
The Forsyth-Hepburn Home was constructed in 1910 in Georgian revival style and was used as a nurses’ residence at Guelph General Hospital until the late 1950s. In 2013, Vesterra Property Management renovated it, retaining all original exterior wood trim, front porch with Tuscan columns and the interior staircase. Intrigue Media, a full-service digital marketing company, occupies the top two floors.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1910Architect: Stewart McPhie
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Doors Open Guelph
New
The original church, built on the market grounds in 1832, was demolished to make room for Guelph’s City Hall. In 1856, the present Gothic revival church was designed by William Hay of Toronto. The timberwork ceiling and stained-glass windows memorialize church leaders. The south-side addition is built of stone salvaged from Guelph’s demolished Opera House.
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1857Architect: William Hay
Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves at around 3:30 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
The New Petrie - Hunch Manifest Doors Open Guelph
New
Designed in 1882 by John Day as a pharmacy for Alexander Bain Petrie, this building features a unique stamped metal façade and iconic mortar and pestle. The Western Hotel’s back wall and part of the former stables are preserved in Hunch Manifest, a semantic search marketing company. Combining innovation and heritage demonstrates Jane Jacobs’ words: “New ideas need old buildings.”
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1847Architect: William Day (original); Allen Killen (restoration 2016-17)
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
The New Petrie - Robbie Group (MSISInc) Doors Open Guelph
New
The New Petrie incorporates remnants of the Western Hotel built on the site in 1847. Partly destroyed by fire in 1854, it is one of the oldest buildings left on Wyndham Street. Its back wall and portions of the former stables are preserved in the Robbie Group offices. The company provides advice on pensions and offers fee-for-service financial planning.
- Guided tours available
Contact info
15 Wyndham Street NorthGuelph , Ontario
Telephone: 519-837-9659
Architecture
Year built: 1847Architect: William Day (original); Allen Killen (restoration 2016-17)
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
The New Petrie - Sway Doors Open Guelph
New
Designed in 1882 by John Day as a pharmacy for Alexander Bain Petrie, this building features a unique stamped metal façade and iconic mortar and pestle. Since 2015, it has been restored for new businesses. Sway, founded in 2013 with a focus on visual advertising via television commercials and online video, is a leader in brand management and marketing strategy.
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1882Architect: John Day (bâtiment original); Allen Killen (restauration en 2016-2017)
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves at around 3:25 p.m., to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.; lines may be cut off earlier, if necessary
The New Petrie - The Modern Bride Doors Open Guelph
New
Mr. Petrie wanted the tallest building on Wyndham Street, so he added an empty shell that remained unused for 136 years until it was restored as an elegant showroom for The Modern Bride. Six-metre (20-foot) ceilings and large windows create a beautiful backdrop for the wedding dresses. This appointment-only bridal boutique offers a unique shopping experience for contemporary brides.
- Guided tours available
Contact info
15 Wyndham Street North, 3rd floorGuelph , Ontario
Telephone: 1-647-985-3335
www.tmodernbride.com
Architecture
Year built: 1882Architect: John Day (original); Allen Killen (restoration 2016-17)
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Trails Open Doors Open Guelph
New
Often in the news last year, the city’s upcoming trail underpass will complete a safe and scenic link above the riverbank between the TransCanada Trail, Riverside Park and the Evergreen Seniors Centre. The Guelph Hiking Trail Club will run 15- to 20-minute hikes throughout the day. Parking will be available off Riverview Drive, behind the firehall on Speedvale Avenue East.
- Parking
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Landscape: Conservation area, Natural heritageDates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.
Two Rivers Health Doors Open Guelph
New
The building at 55 Delhi Street was constructed in the Georgian revival style; it served as a nurses’ residence for Guelph General Hospital until the late 1950s. The main floor houses Two Rivers Health. The female clinician team brings this iconic building’s original vision full circle. The building retains many original elements, such as exposed brick and restored hardwood.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1910Architect: Stewart McPhie
Architectural style: Edwardian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday April 21, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; first tour leaves at 10 a.m.; last tour leaves around 3:40 p.m. to allow the site to close at 4 p.m.