Come be an architect for the day! Gow Hastings Architects is a Toronto-based architecture/design studio that creates vibrant places for research, learning, play and discovery. Doors Open visitors will have the chance to participate in an interactive workshop. Through writing, drawing and model-making, staff will guide participants to explore the design of an urban school in a multicultural, global city.

Peek inside the historical 401 Richmond Street West building and see how Guido Costantino Projects operates — an architectural design practice located on the second floor. Get a glimpse of their work on award-winning hospitality, retail and residential projects. Come and see how a modern architectural design firm functions in an adapted space See works in progress through drawings and models.

HackLab.TO is a decades-old, member-run organization dedicated to makers and hackers (in the creative sense, as defined by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) from all walks of life. Come and visit the uniquely adorned space filled with members' projects — ranging from art to electronic exhibits to design projects. The space also provides many tools for members to use.

Heliconian Hall, home to the Heliconian Club, is one of the oldest associations of its kind in Canada. Founded in 1909, it gives women artists, writers, musicians, dancers and actors opportunities to work together creatively. The hall itself dates to 1876 when Yorkville was still a village. Check out the simple exterior, a Victorian rose window and carved ceiling rafters.

The original Hillside S.S. No. 4 was built around 1853 and became a “free school" in 1855. In 1976, the school closed for regular classes and began offering science and outdoor education programs instead. Currently, over 7,000 Toronto District School Board students visit annually, exploring the Rouge National Urban Park and learning more about our planet and the environment.

This schoolhouse was built in 1869 by the farming families of the rural community known as L'Amoreaux. Several generations of children attended the school until it closed in 1955. One of hundreds of schoolhouses that used to dot the Ontario landscape, the Zion Schoolhouse serves as a rare reminder of how education was provided in rural areas in the past.

HOK's Toronto studio creates award-winning interiors, architecture and planning solutions. Its technology-enabled workplace is balanced with inspirational art, sculpture, natural light, 360-degree views and a welcoming esthetic. It provides an environment for heightened collaboration, engagement and creativity. Located on the 11th floor, it provides excellent views of the downtown core, including City Hall, the Canada Life Building and Ontario courts.

This century-old cinema, located in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood, is the world's first and largest documentary cinema. It is home to first-run Canadian and international documentary films, as well as special presentations, cultural events and some specialized fiction programming. The building is the flagship venue of the annual Hot Docs Festival, as well as several of the city's independent film festivals. (Photo: Joseph Michael)

Humber Polytechnic is transforming its Lakeshore campus into a destination for arts and culture through the development of the Humber Cultural Hub — a catalyst for building the next generation of artistic, cultural and creative leaders. During Doors Open, experience Justin Gray’s grammy-nominated Immersed album in the state-of-the-art recital hall. Tours of Humber Music's top industry studios will also be provided.

Located within the Humber College Lakeshore campus, Humber Lakeshore Arts and Media Studios is an innovation hub for media education and emerging technologies. Explore their state-of-the-art virtual production studio. Or play Escape Humber (advance booking required), an educational escape room that involves online challenges. Together, these spaces bridge creative storytelling with cutting-edge technology, preparing the next generation of media professionals.

Come and visit this Etobicoke landmark — featuring “A Glance into the Heavens,” the nine stained-glass sanctuary windows. Unlike traditional stained glass, these modern, artistic expressions use a lamination process designed/patented by their creator and award-winning glass artist Eric Wesselow. Ask questions of the knowledgeable volunteers about the church, the windows, program activities and the choir. Refreshments and children’s activities available.

Founded in 1983 as Toronto Community-Videotex, InterAccess is a gallery, educational facility, production studio and registered charity dedicated to new media and emerging practices in art and technology. Each year, they deliver multiple exhibitions, events and workshops that explore the impact of technology on the social, political and cultural aspects of our lives. During Doors Open, check out their studios.

This is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant institutions of its kind. Established in 1963, it continues to serve the Japanese-Canadian community and anyone interested in Japanese culture. During Doors Open, enjoy tours and artist demonstrations. Try your hand at ink-wash painting. And, weather pending, view their blossoming cherry trees and participate in a traditional flower-viewing custom.

Jarvis Street Baptist was one of the first churches in Canada to be built with an amphitheatre-style interior. Ground-floor seating is grouped in a semicircle, while the gallery above is horseshoe-shaped. The ceiling has a magnificent rosette-shaped stained-glass skylight. The main entrance is set under a tower with a copper spire. Don’t miss the gargoyles outside the entrance doors.

In 2024, the Art Gallery of York University became the Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery, marked by the grand opening of a stunning new stand-alone gallery. The gallery features a butterfly-inspired design with three distinct exhibition spaces and a multi-functional event/performance pavilion. This new space is a beacon for artistic research and engagement, coming alive through exhibitions, performances and workshops.

The grand, red-brick John McKenzie House is known for significant interior features such as its centre-hall plan, a vestibule door and sidelights with bevelled and leaded glass, a large leaded-art-glass window that lights the main staircase landing, panelled doors and original radiators. In 1993, the Ontario Historical Society moved into the restored house, where they have been headquartered since.

This building was constructed under R.C. Harris – Toronto's longest-serving Public Works Commissioner. The art deco style was popular with civic buildings constructed during this time. It operated until the 1970s as an incinerator, and then became a waste transfer facility. It was closed in 1996. Since then, it has been renovated and was re-opened in 2018 as Junction Craft Brewery.

This former church was transformed into a Buddhist temple in 2005. The large meditation hall can host 180 people for classes and retreats. It contains a huge and stunning shrine with 16 beautiful Buddha statues. Explore the meditation halls, learn about the temple’s various community activities, view a slideshow of the building’s history or enjoy children’s activities.

Located near the waterfront at the foot of Lee Avenue in the Beach neighbourhood — one of Toronto’s most beautiful locations — the Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club is a busy place. There is lawn bowling as well as croquet in the summer. During winter months, members play darts, table tennis and cards, and organize social events. Come and check them out.

Serving Scarborough for more than 175 years, Knox United Church, Agincourt held its first service in a wood-frame structure; the current brick church was built in 1872. While some voted to join the United Church in 1925, others chose to form a new Knox Presbyterian congregation. There has been much growth here since the Second World War, with enhancements/new facilities.

Enjoy panoramic views from these 12th-floor offices in Toronto’s Globe and Mail building. KPMB Architects occupies this new space, complete with four large open work zones, a wood-lined pavilion, and exposed concrete and glass, giving the space an industrial yet sophisticated vibe. Hear from architects and designers who will share insights from their current projects through tours/presentations throughout the day.

This former stagecoach inn is the only remaining public building from the milling era on the lower Humber River. The two-storey brick building with double verandah offers spectacular views. The original halls and staircases have been preserved. Costumed guides will lead tours of the house and wildflower garden. 

Coronation Branch 286 Rexdale has stood here since 1937 to serve Canadian veterans and their families. The Legion Experience Museum was established to tell the intersecting stories of Canadians and the military through art and artifacts. Knowledgeable volunteers will answer your questions. Search records to find family members, try one of the child-friendly activities or put on a military kit.

Come and explore Ontario’s Legislative Assembly — an impressive structure that has been home to the province’s legislature since 1893. Alongside oak floors and Italian marble finishes is artwork from the Government of Ontario Art Collection. During Doors Open, visitors can enjoy several exhibits on self-guided tours that include the legislative chamber. There’s even a kid-friendly scavenger hunt. (No tripods allowed.)

Previously home to the Dundas Playhouse, this has been a gathering place for Ukrainian, Portuguese and Latin communities to enjoy theatre, film, music and dance for nearly 90 years. Now home to Toronto's vibrant Latin music scene, the Lula Lounge has become a hot spot. During Doors Open, learn about the building’s long history or take a family-friendly salsa lesson.