You May have figured out by now that I'm a bit of architecture buff. And the great thing is, since 2000 Toronto has its very own open access architecture weekend where you can get access to more than 140 interesting buildings, many of which are usually closed to the public.
This is a great event and it has grown each year, both in presence and buildings to visit. This year, Doors Open will be held on 28th May and 29 2005th Locals and visitors alike enjoy getting first-hand access to some of Toronto's unique architectural gems. Here is an interview with Kristen Juschkewitsch, (Acting) Supervisor, museums and heritage services for the City of Toronto Culture Division.
1 Please give us a brief overview of the annual "Doors Open Toronto" event. When this takes place, what type of event is it?
One weekend, one year in May, more than 100 Toronto buildings open their doors for free calling on residents and tourists to step inside. 2-day event, held Saturday and Sunday, May 28th and 29th, celebrating Toronto architecture, urban design, cultural spaces and places. Visitors can explore places of worship, roof gardens, industrial sites, police stations, historical buildings, campuses, transportation, hugs, architects offices, theaters, a modern structure, urban attractions and more.
This year, 148 outstanding buildings include many participating buildings are not normally open to the public. Most of the region to organize guided tours, special exhibits and activities to enhance the experience. Doors Open Toronto is designed to appeal to audiences with different interests, cultural backgrounds and ages. event is a success because it not only allows Torontonians the opportunity to express the extraordinary enthusiasm for his city, but it also taps into people interested in architecture, history, and allows them to be part of their community.
Visit for complete details.
2 Please tell us something about the history of "Open Doors". Who came up with the idea, how it happen?
Karen Black, Director of the Museum and Heritage Services, City of Toronto Culture Division, and Jane French, Project Manager, doors open Toronto, brought in Doors Open Toronto. Developed as a millennium project in May 2000 and modeled on the door of the Open Days in Scotland, doors open Toronto was the first of its kind in North America.
Doors Open Toronto is a signature event of the City of Toronto Culture Division, which is committed to developing and promoting arts and culture in the city. event relies on the support of sponsors, partners and volunteers in the community. Without this level of support Doors Open Toronto would not be the success it is today.
3 As the event evolved from the beginning? And how big is the attendance? Please give us some facts and figures.
In its first year, the doors open Toronto attracted over 70,000 visitors to 96 buildings. Over the past five years, there has been a steady rise in attendance for the event is growing in popularity. In 2004, more than 185,000 visits were logged at 155 of the Doors Open Toronto participating locations. These figures clearly show that the Doors Open weekend has struck a chord with Torontonians and visitors alike.
Doors Open Toronto, success can be measured in different ways. As I mentioned, the number of participating buildings has grown from 96 in the first year to 155 in May last year. Also, architects, developers, leaders in education, business, cultural, recreational and religious communities from all over the city now approach us to participate.
Doors Open Toronto has inspired programs across Ontario with the launch of Doors Open Ontario Ontario Heritage Foundation in 2002. Heritage Canada Foundation has encouraged communities across Canada, including St. John's and Calgary, to develop their own Doors Open program.
In October 2003 Open House New York was launched with a generous recognition of the organizers of the influential role of Doors Open Toronto. The first annual Open Doors Denver has also been a great success this past April.
4 What type of construction to include and how much? Are these facilities available at other times of year?
program allows visitors free access to architecturally or culturally significant properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge admission. Buildings are selected based on several criteria developed by the City of Culture Division, including buildings of architectural and / or historical significance, not normally open to the public, places that are open to the public to a theater degree, ie, churches, museums, etc. are required give a behind-the-scenes access and / or enhanced interpretive programming, an important part of the room with the original design and / or successful adaptive re-use features and buildings of cultural diversity in Toronto
list of Toronto buildings reflect the architectural heritage and cultural diversity, ranging from the war of 1812-era structure of a modern mosque and environmentally progressive 'green'building. We have 148 buildings across the city open their doors this year. For a complete list of objects please visit the official Doors Open Toronto on the website
5 Have added many new buildings in 2005. Please tell us some of the highlights.
The new facilities are introduced each year, which keeps interest high among residents and tourists alike. This year, Doors Open Toronto welcomes 26 new buildings, including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind has recently opened a state-of-the-art facility, Toronto's newest police station, 51 Division, Hare Krishna Temple, Upper Canada College, fin Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir (Close to 427 and Finch), a bay of the Queen, who has special exhibitions and architectural tours.
6 Open Doors has teamed up with Metamorphosis - Toronto's Festival of Arts and transformation. Please give us more information about it.
Doors Open Toronto is pleased to partner with Metamorphosis - Toronto's Festival of Arts and transformation. This year, Doors Open Toronto over the weekend, the number of Doors Open Toronto venues will be animated with music, theater, art and dance inspired by the theme of transformation. Also, giant stilt-walking doll represents the five major Toronto cultural institutions act as a chorus in the space between the new work of Toronto's Clay & Paper Theatre, which will be performed at Nathan Phillips Square. This production, featuring live music, inviting the audience to think about the role of art, our values and myths that shape us. For a complete list of Metamorphosis performances go to
7 We also have a special point to objects that have been converted. What kind of transformation we are talking about?
This year, Doors Open Toronto puts special attention on buildings that are structurally and, in some cases, spiritual converts to celebrate their partnership with Metamorphosis - Toronto's Festival of Arts and transformation. I've listed a few of the many facilities at this year's players who have undergone the transformation below. To learn more about these buildings, go to "Buildings to visit" part of Doors Open Toronto website:
51 Division (the former gasworks in 1899)
Beaty & Armstrong Row House (Toronto's Old Town First Mennonite Mission)
Canadian Opera Company (originally the Society for consumers of gas purification House No. 2, Standard Woollen Mills and Dalton's, a producer of food and household goods)
Cedar Ridge Creative Centre (originally the summer home of Charles C. Cummings family)
Courthouse Market Grille (formerly the York County Courthouse, later, Arts & Letters Club)
Design Exchange (formerly Toronto Stock Exchange building)
Market Gallery (originally the Council Chamber at City Hall Toronto 1845)
Moriyama & Tesh (originally a 1923 service station, later the brewery outlet and drapery showroom)
Parc Downsview Parc (the former aircraft manufacturing buildings)
Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple (formerly the Heintzman Piano Company)
Steam Whistle Brewing, Roundhouse (former Railway Roundhouse Toronto)
Tarragon Theatre (formerly the cribbage board factory)
The Great Hall (the original West End YMCA)
8 What other forums and events are part of Doors Open?
There are two free public events leading up to Doors Open Toronto Weekend. The public is invited to join us for waiting for Toronto: What makes for a clean and beautiful city? free public forum at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Sri 25th May at 19:30 and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto opened the door Launch on Friday, May 27 at 18:00 For complete details visit our web site.
9 What is the cost to attend Doors Open Toronto?
Doors Open Toronto is a free event. There is no fee to participate.
10 Should I pre-book or purchase tickets?
No pre-registration or tickets are required. Keep in mind: building hours vary, but most buildings are open from 10:00 to 4:00 on one or both days. It is important to confirm the times for each site when planning your route.
11 How can I get a program guide?
Doors Open Toronto official program guide will be included in the Toronto Star's "What's On " section in the Thursday, the 19th May. After the 24th May, the program guides will also be available (in limited quantities) at all participating venues Doors Open Toronto, Toronto Public Library branches, Toronto City Hall and civic centers, the lead-up events and the door open Toronto Weekend Information Centre in the CBC Broadcasting center.
12 It also offers family-friendly programs. Please tell us more about it.
Some sites participating in Doors Open Toronto offer an interesting family-friendly programs for children. For example, the Canadian Opera Company has organized several appearances over the weekend - Saturday, 28 May Zellers Ensemble Studio School Tour presents Hansel and Gretel at 11:30 and 14:15, Sunday, 29 May Zellers Ensemble Studio School Tour is Brothers Grimm at 11:30 and 14:15 shows are free with a ticket one hour before each performance. Children can also visit the special children's area with dress up, face painting and more. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is hand contains the clay court programs for children of all ages and the Bay on Queen offers a family-sketching activities.
Thank you, Kristen. I know where I'll be at the forefront in the May 28th weekend and 29 ...
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