Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

Hamilton

event information

Saturday, May 2 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Explore Hamilton’s storied past through historical spaces. For Hamilton’s Year of Music Celebration, the Doors Open theme is "Forged in Sound". Learn how rock stars make their music at Grant Avenue Studio and Main Stage Rehearsal Studio and visit stages where they perform like George R. Robinson Bandshell and The Westdale. 

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Land Acknowledgement

The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.

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Contact and Socials

History in Hamilton Self Guided TourDoors Open Hamilton

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History in Hamilton Self Guided Tour

Downtown Hamilton is full of rich history, and the BIA's self-guided historic tour will take you through its most significant chapters to the quirky excerpts that might just surprise you. There's a fun fact for everyone just waiting to be uncovered! Made in collaboration with Hamilton Public Library and historian Bill King.

  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Downtown
Hamilton, Ontario
https://downtownhamilton.org/things-to-do/memory-lane/

Architecture


Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

Knox Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Hamilton

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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 02 - May 03

Magnolia Hall (formerly St. Mark's Church)Doors Open Hamilton

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Magnolia Hall (formerly 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
  • Rental opportunities

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 02 - May 03

Main Stage Rehearsal StudioDoors Open Hamilton

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Main Stage Rehearsal Studio

Main Stage Rehearsal Studios is Ontario’s largest professional rehearsal facility and a one-stop creative hub for musicians and creators. Their 10,668 square-metre (35,000-square-foot) space features 40-plus studios for rehearsals, recording, podcasting, video production and live performance. Serving over 1,000 musicians each month, they provide professional gear, inspiring spaces and a supportive community where artists can create, collaborate and grow.

  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

747 King St E
Hamilton, Ontario

Architecture


Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

Mohawk Trail School MuseumDoors Open Hamilton

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Mohawk Trail School Museum

The Mohawk Trail School is a historical one-room schoolhouse built in 1882. It is a fine example of architecture that served early education in Ontario. It became a museum in 1967 as part of the centennial celebrations. Come and tour the schoolhouse — the oldest surviving example in the community that is still presented in its original form.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

20 Education Court
Hamilton, Ontario
https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/community/archive/mohawk-trail-school/

Architecture

Year built: 1882
Building type: Historical landmark Museum Schoolhouse
Architect: Ventin Group Associates (restoration, 2015)

Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 02

New Vision United Church (The Music Hall)Doors Open Hamilton

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New Vision United Church (The Music Hall)

The Music Hall was originally built as Centenary Methodist Church in 1868. Designed by architect Albert Harvey Hills, the building is a stunning example of Victorian-romanesque style. Now the New Vision United Church (The Music Hall) is a designated building in the City of Hamilton. It boasts soaring ceilings, glorious acoustics, a wrap-around mezzanine and massive stained-glass windows. 

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

24 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: kevingdick@hotmail.com
https://newvisionunited.org

Architecture

Year built: 1866-68
Building type: Concert hall Place of worship Theatre
Architect: Albert Harvey Hills

Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

Players' Guild of Hamilton, TheDoors Open Hamilton

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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 02 - May 03

Self Guided Public Art TourDoors Open Hamilton

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Self Guided Public Art Tour

Come and see the wonderful world of Downtown Hamilton's street art! Some sculpted, some painted. Some permitted, some not. Follow the Downtown Hamilton BIA's self-guided tour using the interactive map to see where some of Hamilton's finest artists have turned concrete into canvas and hear from local street artists about their stories and how their murals came to be.

  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

Downtown
Hamilton, Ontario
https://downtownhamilton.org/things-to-do/public-art-tour/

Architecture


Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

Shawn & Ed Brewing CompanyDoors Open Hamilton

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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.

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

Contact info

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

Architecture

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

Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

smpl Design StudioDoors Open Hamilton

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smpl Design Studio

Housed within an adaptively reused former music venue, the studio retains traces of its past life through its open plan, exposed structure, and layered materials. Now home to a residential design practice, the space supports the creation of modern, site-specific homes through a collaborative process, where sketches, models and materials remain in constant dialogue.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

15 Colbourne Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: contact@smpldesignstudio.com
https://smpldesignstudio.com/

Architecture


Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

St. Andrew's Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Hamilton

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St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Founded in 1826, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is celebrating 200 years of serving the community of Ancaster. Church services are held Sundays at 10:30 am. The accessible entrance is ready to welcome all guests. We share our space with Ancaster Village Church who hold services at 5:00 pm on Sundays. In addition, the 300-monument church cemetery is well known to genealogists.

  • 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 02 - May 03

The Barracks InnDoors Open Hamilton

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The Barracks Inn

Believed to have been built in 1812 to house soldiers, The Barracks Inn building has been a drugstore, a body shop and a tool and die shop over the years. The original building burned down and was replaced by a solid stone structure. Now a luxury boutique hotel, the building has been remodelled and delightfully restored.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

425 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: reservations@thebarracksinn.com
https://www.thebarracksinn.com

Architecture

Year built: 1812
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark
Architect: Kej Devai (renovations)

Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

The WestdaleDoors Open Hamilton

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

The Westdale

The Westdale was built in 1935 as Hamilton's first cinema equipped to show “talkies” — motion pictures with sound. It is the centerpiece of Westdale Village. In 2016, a group of arts and culture-minded Hamiltonians decided to save it from developers. Today, The Westdale has been beautifully restored into a stunning art deco, single-screen theatre and multidisciplinary performance space.

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

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 02 - May 03

Theatrix Costume HouseDoors Open Hamilton

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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!

  • 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 02 - May 03

Visitor Experience Centre & Lister BlockDoors Open Hamilton

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Visitor Experience Centre & Lister Block

The Lister Block features an L-shaped interior shopping arcade with terracotta and brick façade. Built in 1923 and restored in 2012, it is one of Hamilton’s first multi-purpose office and retail buildings. Explore Tourism Hamilton’s Visitor Experience Centre featuring the 2026 Exhibit: "Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music". Tour the second level both days. 

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

28-44 James Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: tourism@hamilton.ca
https://tourismhamilton.com/contact-us/

Architecture

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

Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic SiteDoors Open Hamilton

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site

Enjoy a self-guided tour through this mid-19th century urban estate. Built in 1848 and expanded in the 1930s, Whitehern was lovingly maintained by the McQuesten family for three generations and is now a museum. Step back in time as you discover original furnishings from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, set against the backdrop of beautiful gardens.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

41 Jackson Street West (at MacNab Street South)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://hamiltoncivicmuseums.ca/whitehern-historic-house-garden-national-historic-site/

Architecture

Year built: 1848
Building type: Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 03

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre (Custom House)Doors Open Hamilton

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre (Custom House)

The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, housed in Hamilton's Custom House, was founded in 1995 by a group of labour historians, artists, union and community activists who saw a need for a community museum that could celebrate the history of workers and labour. Since its founding, they have expanded their vision of work to be as inclusive as possible.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

51 Stuart Street
Hamilton, Ontario
https://wahc-museum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1858-60; 1995-96 (restoration)
Building type: Historical landmark Museum
Architect: F.J. Rastrick and F.P. Rubridge

Dates/hours open

May 02 - May 02