London

Digital event information

LIMITED TIME OFFER! Join us on September 18-19 for online activities as part of Digital Doors Open London!

Doors Open London is the City of London's largest collective celebration of history, heritage and culture. In its 20th year, Doors Open London is one of the longest-running community celebrations in Ontario.

Due to the unpredictability of COVID-19 in 2021, Doors Open London is preparing for digital-only programming. This includes live and pre-recorded digital content - including site tours, workshops, performances or other forms of virtual programming.

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36 Sites

Hamilton Road Culture TourDoors Open London

Hamilton Road Culture Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through the historical tree trunks of Hamilton Road with this exclusive Historical Tree Trunk Bus Tour. Delve into the rich heritage of the area while enjoying live performances by local talent. Be part of the excitement! Prizes will be offered throughout the event, adding an extra layer of fun to this unique exploration.

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

Contact info

Start at 750 Hamilton Road
London, Ontario
Email: Carolynhamroadbia@gmail.com
https://www.hamroad.com

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22

Fanshawe Pioneer VillageDoors Open London

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Discover life from 1820-1920 at Fanshawe Pioneer Village! Explore how people lived, worked and played in the past. Experience vintage games, try chores like washboard laundry and learn about trades. Become a printer's apprentice with a historical printing press. And enjoy a guided tour of the Fanshawe Dam by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

2609 Fanshawe Park Road East (enter at 1424 Clarke Road)
London, Ontario
Email: info@fanshawepioneervillage.ca
https://www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1959
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22

Elsie Perrin Williams EstateDoors Open London

Elsie Perrin Williams Estate

Join the Heritage London Foundation for an enriching journey through this historical house, where guided tours and informative signs illuminate the fascinating tales of Elsie Perrin, Dr. Hadley Williams and their housekeeper. Learn about the estate's post-1934 legacy and explore the Williams' lifestyle through immersive outdoor activities on the expansive grounds. Discover history anew!

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

Architecture

Year built: 1914-18
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: John Moore

Dates/hours open

Sep 22 - Sep 22

Elmwood Lawn Bowling ClubDoors Open London

Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club

Constructed in 1916 with a tongue-and-groove exterior, the clubhouse was renovated in 1965 to its current state. During Doors Open, come and see lawn bowling demonstrations and tryouts; all equipment and instruction are provided. Experience the charm of this historical clubhouse while enjoying the timeless sport of lawn bowling in a picturesque setting.

  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

17 1/2 Edward Street (Wortley Village)
London, Ontario
Email: elmwoodclub@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Elmwood-Lawn-Bowling-Club-124677518112808/

Architecture

Year built: 1911

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22

Eldon House Heritage Site and GardensDoors Open London

Eldon House Heritage Site and Gardens

Experience Eldon House like never before during Doors Open! Historical Interpreters delve into unique design elements while visitors embark on self-guided tours of the house and grounds. Step back in time and engage in outdoor activities, including classic Victorian lawn games suitable for families and children. Come and enjoy a day filled with history, exploration and fun at Eldon House.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

481 Ridout Street North
London, Ontario
Email: info@eldonhouse.ca
https://eldonhouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1834
Building type: Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22

Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western UniversityDoors Open London

Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University

Nestled in Canada's only UNESCO-designated City of Music, this site serves as a premier educational centre. Annually welcoming 20,000-plus community members for various events, the centre offers world-class infrastructure across Talbot College and the Music Building. Witness musicians in action, featuring a public masterclass with pianist Dang Thai Son, student-led tours and the rehearsal of Western's New Horizons Band.

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

Contact info

Talbot College and Music Building, Lambton Drive
London, Ontario
Email: rachel.condie@uwo.ca
https://music.uwo.ca

Architecture

Year built: after 1945
Building type: Educational facility

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 21

Canada LifeDoors Open London

Canada Life

The Canada Life building is a London landmark. Come and explore the Dufferin Lobby exhibit and take a self-guided tour of the fourth floor to see their corporate art collection and local performers. Don't miss AlvegoRoot Theatre’s revival of the London Life Troupers — the legendary Second World War troupe that entertained servicemen with dance, music and comedy!

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

Contact info

255 Dufferin Avenue
London, Ontario
Email: community@canadalife.com
https://www.canadalife.com

Architecture

Year built: 1926
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark
Architect: John M. Moore and Company

Dates/hours open

Sep 22 - Sep 22

Brick Street CemeteryDoors Open London

Brick Street Cemetery

Step back in time at the Brick Street Cemetery, a cherished pioneer site restored to its former glory. Delve into the lives of early settlers with optional guided or self-guided tours, uncovering tales of resilience and community. Engage in educational activities, from learning stone masonry to deciphering Christian gravestone symbolism. See how they preserve our heritage and explore volunteer opportunities.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms

Contact info

370 Commissioners Road West
London, Ontario
Email: bsc1813@yahoo.com
https://ontariofamilyhistory.org/brickstreetcemetery

Architecture

Year built: c. 1813
Building type: Cemetery

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22

Banting House National Historic Site of CanadaDoors Open London

Banting House National Historic Site of Canada

Embark on a journey through the life of a national hero often overshadowed by his groundbreaking discovery of insulin. With self-guided tours and commentary, delve into the lesser-known aspects of Banting's legacy. The exhibit Diabetes Ink celebrates the empowerment of individuals with diabetes through tattoos, highlighting Banting's London years, his artistic pursuits and significant contributions to medicine and military research.

  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

442 Adelaide Street North
London, Ontario
Email: banting@diabetes.ca
https://bantinghousenhs.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1900
Building type: Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22

427 Wing and Spirit of Flight Aviation MuseumDoors Open London

427 Wing and Spirit of Flight Aviation Museum

Embark on a journey through time with a historical tour of this museum, showcasing its development from 1940 to its present-day status as a bustling hub of international air travel. Explore and indulge in artifacts and images detailing its transformation from a Royal Canadian Air Force base to a global connector. Engage in recreational activities including games and outdoor sports.

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

Contact info

2155 Crumlin Side Road
London, Ontario
Email: fbirch@rogers.com
http://www.427wing.com

Architecture

Year built: 1939-40
Building type: Green building Military Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22

1st Hussars MuseumDoors Open London

1st Hussars Museum

At this year's Doors Open London, step into the rich and vibrant history of the 1st Hussars Regiment and Cavalry Troop at the 1st Hussars Museum. Visitors and attendees can immerse in outdoor displays, uncover tours and explore stories of volunteer soldiers’ experiences abroad while serving their nation. Gain insights into their bravery, sacrifices and contributions to history!

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

Contact info

1 Dundas Street
London, Ontario
Email: tea.granny@sympatico.ca
https://www.first-hussars.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1880-81
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 22