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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37 Sites

Clayworx Ceramic Arts Learning CentreDoors Open London

Clayworx Ceramic Arts Learning Centre

Experience the magic of Clayworx with captivating wheel throwing demonstrations, pottery displays and hands-on clay activities for all ages. As the home of the London Potters Guild, the historical 1897 building was the only guild-owned and -operated facility in Canada that is dedicated to the clay arts. Through guided tours, discover how the space evolved into a spectacular arts facility.

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

Contact info

664 Dundas Street
London, Ontario
Email: programming@clayworx.ca
https://www.clayworx.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1896
Building type: Commercial

Dates/hours open

Sep 20 - Sep 21

London Children's MuseumDoors Open London

London Children's Museum

Discover the magic of the London Children’s Museum at their new location — designed for children by children! Explore innovative exhibits and interactive play spaces. Experience the new Discovery Lab through family-friendly, nature-inspired crafts. Guests can also engage in a hands-on experience that celebrates the sights and sounds of the Forest City. And immerse yourself in music and dance performances.

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

Contact info

100 Kellogg Lane, 4th floor
London, Ontario
Email: info@londonchildrensmuseum.ca
https://www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1915
Building type: Museum Factory

Dates/hours open

Sep 20 - Sep 20

Jet Aircraft MuseumDoors Open London

Jet Aircraft Museum

Come to the Jet Aircraft Museum and learn about the history of London’s aircraft industry. Trace the growth of the industry and explore the museum’s contributions to life in Forest City, including London’s famous annual air show. Visit the museum’s hangar and explore displays that feature local people who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

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

Contact info

2465 Aviation Lane, Unit 2
London, Ontario
Email: info@jetaircraftmuseum.ca
http://www.jetaircraftmuseum.ca

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 20 - Sep 21

Hamilton Road Culture TourDoors Open London

Hamilton Road Culture Tour

Embark on a captivating two-hour journey along London’s first road with the Taste of Hamilton Road Bus Tour! Delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of East London as you discover breathtaking tree trunk sculptures, artists’ murals and fascinating historical landmarks. Also enjoy live music and sample delicious offerings from a variety of local food businesses.

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

Contact info

Start at 525 Hamilton Road (Hamilton Road Seniors' Community Centre)
London, Ontario
Email: lindseyhamroadbia@gmail.com
https://www.hamroad.com

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Sep 21 - Sep 21

Fanshawe Pioneer Village (featuring Hindu Legacy)Doors Open London

Fanshawe Pioneer Village (featuring Hindu Legacy)

Come to Fanshawe Pioneer Village to experience what daily life was like for Londoners between 1820-1920. Enjoy vintage games, try family chores and learn about trades. Try out a historical printing press and take home your creation as a printer's apprentice. Hindu Legacy adds to the excitement with a spectrum of offerings of interactive cultural activities and educational sessions.

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

Contact info

1424 Clarke Road
London, Ontario
Email: info@fanshawepioneervillage.ca
https://www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1959
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 20 - Sep 21

Elsie Perrin Williams EstateDoors Open London

Elsie Perrin Williams Estate

The Elsie Perrin Williams Estate is one of the few surviving London estates built in the 19th and 20th centuries. This year, travel back in time and experience the sound of live music from the 1920s. Through interactive guided tours, the Heritage London Foundation will provide you with an enriching journey through this fabulous historical property.

  • 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 21 - Sep 21

Elmwood Lawn Bowling ClubDoors Open London

Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club

Nestled in the heart of Wortley Village, the Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club offers a beautiful outdoor space for the sport of lawn bowling and a charming clubhouse that was constructed in 1916. Join them to learn more about the sport and try your hand at playing a few ends on their pristine greens. All equipment and instructions will be provided.

  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

17 1/2 Edward Street (Wortley Village)
London, Ontario
Email: elmwoodclub@gmail.com
https://elmwoodlawnbowlingclub.com

Architecture

Year built: 1911
Building type: Historical landmark Sports facility

Dates/hours open

Sep 20 - Sep 20

Eldon House Heritage Site and GardensDoors Open London

Eldon House Heritage Site and Gardens

Experience Eldon House like never before! Virtually unchanged since the 19th century, Eldon House is London's oldest residence. Follow their historical interpreters as they delve into captivating sights and stories or embark on your own self-guided tour of the house and gardens. Families and children can enjoy various outdoor activities, including classic Victorian lawn games and scavenger hunts.

  • 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 20 - Sep 21

Canada LifeDoors Open London

Canada Life

Discover the Canada Life building, one of London’s iconic landmarks. Through self-guided tours, explore the Dufferin Lobby exhibit — featuring historical photos, artifacts and a selection of the company’s Canadian art collection. Visit the beautifully restored proscenium stage on the 4th floor and immerse yourself in theatrical renderings of past employees’ stories from the company’s rich history.

  • 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 21 - Sep 21

Brick Street CemeteryDoors Open London

Brick Street Cemetery

Discover the Brick Street Cemetery, a cherished pioneer site in London restored to its former glory. Delve into the lives of some of Westminster Township’s earliest settlers with optional guided and self-guided tours. Educational activities are provided for historians old and young, from learning stone masonry to deciphering Christian gravestone symbolism. Become a volunteer to help them preserve their heritage.

  • 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 20 - Sep 21

Banting House National Historic Site of CanadaDoors Open London

Banting House National Historic Site of Canada

Step into the shoes of Sir Frederick Banting, a national hero renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of insulin. Through guided tours and expert commentary, you will discover Banting’s significant contributions to art, medicine and military research. Explore the lesser-known aspects of Banting’s legacy through the Forty for Forty Ink exhibit, which showcases items rarely displayed to the public.

  • 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 20 - Sep 21

1st Hussars MuseumDoors Open London

1st Hussars Museum

Step into the rich and vibrant history of the 1st Hussars Regiment and Calvary Troop — from its inception in 1856 to the present day. At this museum, visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor displays, attend guided tours and listen to 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

Architecture

Year built: 1880-81
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 20 - Sep 21