Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Hamilton Region

in-person event information

Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come and celebrate music in The Hammer. With theatres, churches, music schools, pubs, costume shops and a lab that researches the effect of music on the human psyche, Hamilton has it all. Many sites will have music, demonstrations and participant interaction. Join us for Doors Open Hamilton Region — and explore over 50 sites, including four walking tours.

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Contact information

52 In-person Doors Open sites

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board ArchivesDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Archives

Located at the Hill Park Learning Centre, the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Archives contains records and memorabilia of almost 350 former and current Hamilton-region schools. The volunteers and staff of the archives will be compiling photos, records and possibly videos of the music presented at high schools in the area. A treasure trove for former students and families.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

465 East 16th Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: hhillgre@hwdsb.on.ca
https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/community/archive

Architecture

Year built: 1988
Building type: Educational facility

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Knox Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Knox Presbyterian Church

Following the Presbyterian tradition, Knox in Waterdown is an important community hub responding to the needs of the parish. The older Georgian hall is used for food service and community gatherings. The Edwardian sanctuary is fitted out with a stage and a full set of musical instruments that are played for Sunday mass, as well as other occasions.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

80 Mill Street North
Waterdown, Ontario
Email: church.office@knoxwaterdown.ca
https://www.knoxwaterdown.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1856
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Lister Building, TheDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Lister Building, The

The Lister Block features a two-level, L-shaped interior shopping arcade and distinctive terracotta and brick façade. It is one of Hamilton's first multi-purpose commercial office/retail buildings. Built in 1923, it was restored in 2012. Join architect-led tours both days (every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and explore a Tourism Hamilton presentation inside.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

28-44 James Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: Richard.Barlas@hamilton.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1924; renovated 2009-11
Building type: Commercial
Architect: Bernard Prack; restoration by WDG Architects

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

LIVELabDoors Open Hamilton Region

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LIVELab

This innovative concert hall has a virtual acoustic system. It advances research on human interaction and music's impact on health. It is also used to assist Parkinson's patients, improve music listening for the hard of hearing, and enhance creativity in performances. This acclaimed national treasure offers a unique contribution to understanding the power of music. Limited availability. Registration required.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: livelab@mcmaster.ca
https://livelab.mcmaster.ca

Architecture

Year built: 2014
Building type: Educational facility
Architect: McCallum Sather

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

MacNab Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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MacNab Presbyterian Church

The MacNab Presbyterian Church was completed in 1857 during a cholera epidemic. The exterior is solid stone masonry with an updated slate roof. After the First World War, nine-window stained-glass windows by the Scottish artists William Wilson and James Ballantyne were installed. The sanctuary has stone walls and columns, blonde wood and a magnificent Casavant organ.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

116 MacNab Street South
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: macnabsec@cogeco.ca
https://macnabpresbyterian.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1854; 1935
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: William Thomas (1857); Albert Hills (1930s); Stewart McPhie and William Somerville (1935 addition)

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 04

Mill St. & 5 American HouseDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Mill St. & 5 American House

The American House is one of the longest running hotels in Ontario, celebrating 200 years this year. Opened in 1824, it has changed owners many times. But the integrity of the original design has been maintained. It contained the last old-time stand-up bar in Ontario and also retained the practise of segregating men and women until 1966.

  • Food vendors
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

324 Dundas Street East
Waterdown, Ontario
Email: drew@millstreetand5.ca
https://millstreetand5.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1824
Building type: Food and drink Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Pickwick BooksDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Pickwick Books

The Huxley Building is a prominent property in the Waterdown Heritage Conservation District. Built in 1860, it has been a bank and now this popular used bookstore. The façade has been renovated to provide a retail space on the west side, and a picture window on the south façade. Most of the interior is original.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

325 Dundas Street East
Waterdown, Ontario
Email: pickwickbooks@cogeco.ca
https://pickwickbooks.com

Architecture

Year built: 1860
Building type: Commercial

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Players' Guild of Hamilton, TheDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Players' Guild of Hamilton, The

An 1876 murder ... the killer hanged ... rumours of a ghost. Historical facts or backdrop for great theatre? The Players’ Guild of Hamilton has been a leader in the local community theatre scene since 1875, making it North America’s oldest community theatre group. Enjoy guided tours and a cash bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages). Open rehearsals may also occur.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

80 Queen Street South
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: admin@playersguild.org
https://playersguild.org

Architecture

Year built: 1878
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Valancey Fuller

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Playhouse Cinema, TheDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Playhouse Cinema, The

Built in 1914 as a vaudeville and movie theatre, this distinctive beaux-arts building was designed by Stewart & Witton. After 76 years of continuous operation, the theatre closed in August 1990. But, in 2018, it reopened as an independent art-house cinema. Original architectural features — including lavish interiors — have been beautifully restored, and a new neon sign recreates the long-lost original.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

177 Sherman Avenue North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: jacob@playhousecinema.ca
https://www.playhousecinema.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Steward & Witton

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Royal Canadian Legion Battlefield Branch 622Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Royal Canadian Legion Battlefield Branch 622

Stoney Creek’s Fox Theatre opened on October 20, 1952 and ran successfully until 1965, when it closed. In 1979, it was renovated and re-opened as the Royal Canadian Legion Battlefield Branch 622. This clever adaptive reuse has transformed a lovely mid-century modern theatre into a community space used today for a wide variety of functions. Enjoy musical performances both days.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

12 King Street East
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Email: rains@rogers.com
https://stoneycreeklegion.weebly.com

Architecture

Year built: 1952
Building type: Military Theatre

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Shawn & Ed Brewing CompanyDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Shawn & Ed Brewing Company

This 1885-86 building in the heart of Dundas has been a foundry, indoor skating/curling rink, bus depot, warehouse and, since 2016, this brewery. The wood post-and-beam/brick masonry structure has been preserved yet modernized with the latest in craft beer equipment. The brewery focuses on German-style lagers with an emphasis on quality and authenticity.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Collections and resources

Contact info

65 Hatt Street
Dundas, Ontario
Email: taproom@lagershed.com
https://www.lagershed.com

Architecture

Year built: 1860s; renovated: 2015-16
Building type: Commercial Food and drink
Architect: Peter Brass, Hamilton (1885-86); Richard Todd Wilson (2015 renovation)

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 04

St. Andrew's Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Founded in 1826, St. Andrew's has been at the heart of the historical Ancaster Village for almost 200 years. The stone Gothic revival church was completed in 1875; the bell dates from 1835. There were renovations in 1961 and 1990, then again in 2018. The main entrance was redesigned and an elevator was installed.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

31 Sulphur Springs Road
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: karen.staubin33@gmail.com
https://standrews.ws

Architecture

Year built: 1875
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

St. James United ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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St. James United Church

St. James United is an inclusive 2SLGBTQ+ congregation that has served Waterdown for almost 250 years. In the 1950s, they built a Gothic revival space. Currently under redevelopment, the church will expand to include 44 new rental homes surrounding the retained place of worship. The retained space will be updated to provide new daycare space and improved public outdoor space.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

306 Parkside Drive
Waterdown, Ontario
Email: stjames@stjameswaterdown.ca
https://www.stjameswaterdown.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1854
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

St. John's Anglican ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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St. John's Anglican Church

St. John's Anglican Church is a Gothic revival structure in a beautiful park setting. It has a thriving choir and offers many community activities. The original wooden church burned down in 1868, replaced in 1869 by this local stone building, which is noted for its red front doors, central square tower, magnificent stained-glass windows and interior.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

272 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: n_acunningham@cogeco.ca
https://www.ancasteranglican.org

Architecture

Year built: 1869
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Thomas Gundry and Henry Langley

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church

Built in 1890, this church was designed in the Romanesque style. With its open plan, stained-glass windows, interior artwork, 1908 Casavant pipe organ and 7.6-metre-high (25-foot) Carrera marble altar, St. Lawrence is a treasure in Hamilton’s north end. There will be live demonstrations of the organ being played throughout the weekend, and complimentary food/drink at noon on May 5.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

125 Picton Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: aadenham@hotmail.com
http://stlawrencehamilton.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1890; 1908 (pipe organ installation); 1935 (renovations); 1955-65 (interior renovations)
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Robert Clohency

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

St. Mark's ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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St. Mark's Church

As an Anglican church, St. Mark’s served the community for over 100 years before closing in 1989. Now owned by the City of Hamilton, the site has undergone extensive restoration, preserving the heritage character of the building and park, while adding modern services, gardens and accessibility. It now has a new life as a community arts and cultural programming space.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

115 Hunter Street West (corner of Bay Street South and Hunter Street West)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/stmarks

Architecture

Year built: 1877
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Stewart Memorial ChurchDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Stewart Memorial Church

Originally the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Stewart Memorial Church boasts Hamilton’s longest surviving predominately Black congregation. The interior is designated for its original pressed tin ceiling and dark, wooden, curved pews. The choir sings spirituals passed down from the original congregation that were sung along the Underground Railroad. You can hear them perform on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1848
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 04

Stoney Creek United Church and Bell Tower PlaceDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Stoney Creek United Church and Bell Tower Place

The Bell Tower Place Community Hub and Stoney Creek United Church provide wonderful examples of both Edwardian and brutalist architecture working together side by side. The site has recently been redeveloped for community use and houses a renovated Masonic lodge (a former 1903 chapel) and a private school (Literacy and Mathematics Academy).

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

1 King Street West
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Email: stoneycreekunited@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: 1903
Building type: Place of worship Masonic lodge

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

The PowerhouseDoors Open Hamilton Region

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The Powerhouse

This delightful Stoney Creek restaurant is an original Renaissance-revival power station that provided power to the rail lines in the 1890s. It was intricately refurbished with historical tokens from across Canada to become the space you see today. It is a brilliant example of adaptive reuse, preserving its Florentine arches, scalloping and exaggerated keystones — indicative of the Renaissance revival style.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Food vendors
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

21 Jones Street
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Email: alison@bsocialhospitality.ca
https://thepowerhouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1890
Building type: Food and drink

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

The StaircaseDoors Open Hamilton Region

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The Staircase

The Staircase has been a multi-purpose arts incubator for decades. Site of the former Hamilton Hydro Dundurn substation, the 1914 building combines large windows, decorative brick, a large overhanging cornice complete with dentil blocks, and an impressive beaux arts portico. The various performing spaces will have music this year from Jocelyn Lune.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Food vendors
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

27 Dundurn Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: matthew@staircasehamilton.com
https://staircasehamilton.com

Architecture

Year built: 1914; renovated 1996
Building type: Food and drink Theatre
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

The WestdaleDoors Open Hamilton Region

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The Westdale

This was Hamilton’s first theatre built expressly to show “talkies” — motion pictures with sound. The beautiful art deco building was fully restored in 2017 by the Westdale Cinema Group and has become a cinematic, cultural and economic hub. The excellent film series Hamilton Originals will be shown on Saturday, while the site will be open for tours on Sunday.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Food vendors
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos

Contact info

1014 King Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: info@thewestdale.ca
https://www.thewestdale.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1935
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

May 05 - May 05

Theatrix Costume HouseDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Theatrix Costume House

The Theatrix Costume House is located behind an Edwardian gable front beside the fabric district on Ottawa Street. Theatrix has one of the largest collections of costumes available in North America, with over 50,000 professional-quality costumes and accessories from every century. During Doors Open, they are thrilled to showcase music-inspired costumes. The team will be delighted to dress up, too!

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

162½ Kensington Avenue North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: gina@theatrixcostumehouse.com
https://theatrixcostumehouse.com

Architecture

Year built: 1920
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Walking tour of Locke StreetDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Walking tour of Locke Street

With more than 90 retail stores, professional services, cafés and restaurants, Locke Street has become a popular Hamilton destination for locals and visitors alike. This guided walking tour, offered by the local business improvement association, will showcase just a few of the many sites that make this street so popular. Afterwards, enjoy live music on the street by local musicians.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Food vendors
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet outside Democracy (202 Locke Street South)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: westdalevillagebia@gmail.com
https://lockeshops.com

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Walking tour of Stoney CreekDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Walking tour of Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek was first settled by United Empire Loyalists in 1786. It was the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek in 1813, part of the War of 1812, and Canada’s first Women's Institute. Join this walking tour and learn more about this historical community. Then stick around for some live music at the Titan Mortgage Group afterwards.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet outside The Village Restaurant (35 King Street East)
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Email: biastoneycreek@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05

Walking tour of WaterdownDoors Open Hamilton Region

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Walking tour of Waterdown

The Waterdown Heritage Conservation District is a largely intact pre-Confederation and Victorian neighbourhood with a variety of building types and styles. Walking tours will be led by local historians. The beautiful stone façades of residences and old mills mix with later opulent Victorian masterpieces in brick. Most structures are still intact, and the main street has been developed tastefully.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Food vendors
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet at the Mill St. & 5 American House (324 Dundas Street East)
Waterdown, Ontario
Email: admac31@yahoo.ca
https://waterdownvillage.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

May 04 - May 05