Thursday Travels / Doors Open Toronto

Toronto is once again having their 14^th annual Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf. This fantastic opportunity to view some of the most interesting places in the city is not only inspiring it’s FREE! How can you say no to free things and great design!

Doors Open is an event that offers residents and visitors an opportunity to see what’s behind the doors of over 150 architecturally, historically, culturally, and socially significant buildings across the GTA.

On Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26 don’t miss the chance to attend one of Canada’s largest Doors Open events and one of the 3 largest Doors Open events in the world! This is a must see if you’re curious about the architecture and design inside some of the oldest building’s in the city.

Here are AOD’s top 5 buildings to see this weekend:

401 Richmond
401 Richmond Street West

Housing 140 artists, cultural producers, and micro-enterprises. The heritage-designated industrial building has maintained its original character and architectural features. Many features of the building have been preserved with modern renovations and green design initiatives. Visitors are invited to explore the 12 public art galleries, independent shops, café’s, open studios, and the award-winning roof garden. Check website for hours.

Commerce Court North

25 King St W

We often don’t get a chance to really see this building because it’s mainly for clients. Do take this opportunity to see this marvelous 32-storey building that represented a new generation of skyscrapers. The breath-taking vaulted Beaux-Arts jewel décor ceiling and the art-deco style is certainly a sight to envy.

Ontario Legislative Building (Queen’s Park)

111 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON

This Richardsonian Romanesque building was designed by British born architect Richard Waite is the meeting place of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly. This tour allows visitors to visit the Legislative Chamber and areas of the building that are not generally open to the public such as the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.

Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre

189 Yonge St, Toronto

The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre opened its doors in 1913 and is the last “double-decker” Edwardian theatre facility in the world. With gilded plaster details, faux marble finishes, and damask wall fabrics dazzles all the visitors. Where as, the Winter Garden is designed to resemble a rooftop garden in full bloom. This is a great chance to tour this beautiful theatre while it’s free. Usually a $12/adult fee for the tour applies.

Courtyard House

2087 Davenport Road (Rear House) Rd Unit: Rear

This house was once a contractor warehouse but is now a residential home and studio for a family of four. The design for this house derived in an ancient form of architecture but also experimenting with a new form of North American urban design. Visitors will be able to explore the ground floor of the courtyard house. This house has also been featured on HGTV.

Images: 01 Regis College 02 Doors Open 03 Skyscarper City 04 Mark File 05 TourbyTransit 06 Studio Junction