Doors Open Toronto, the annual event that allows free public access to over 135 historically- and culturally-significant buildings throughout the city, will be featuring several new additions during the May 26-27, 2012 weekend including the chance to board tall ships at Harbourfront.
Waterfront BIA
This year, 15 ships will be open to the public for boarding, including ships from the Jubilee Cruise Lines, the Mariposa Cruises, the Great Lakes Schooner Company, Nautical Adventure and Toronto Brigantine. Tall ships participating in Doors Open 2012 include the Kajama and Toronto Brigantine’s Playfair and Pathfinder. In addition, visitors will get the chance to tour the Toronto Harbour Commission Building, as well as view archival photos of the harbourfront at the Toronto on the Water exhibit at Queen’s Quay Terminal. Ships will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TIFF Bell Lightbox
The TIFF Bell Lightbox will be opening its doors to its fourth floor on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (last admittance 4:30 p.m.). Doors Open Toronto visitors will be able to tour TIFF’s Film Reference Library as well as the Home Exhibition in the Canadian Film Gallery.
Molson Canadian Amphitheatre and Atlantis Pavilion
Ontario Place may be closed for a major transformation, but the Molson Amphitheatre and Atlantis are operating throughout the renovation and both facilities will open their doors for the first time during Doors Open Toronto 2012. Guests will be able to tour the Amphitheatre on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admittance 4:45 p.m.) while Atlantis Pavilion, home of four ballrooms, a rooftop patio and a 450-seat theatre, will be open on Sunday only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Regent Park Arts and Cultural Centre
Located at 585 Dundas St. E., the new Regent Park Arts and Cultural Centre, which is still under construction, will be open for guided tours on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (last tour is at 3 p.m.). The centre, scheduled to open in September 2012, will be home to festivals, events, concerts and galas. Hard hats and boots will be supplied for the tours.
One King West Hotel and Residence
One King West Hotel and Residence began as the Beaux-Arts-styled Dominion Bank in 1914 and underwent a transformation to its current incarnation in 1999. Visitors will have a chance to tour the Grand Banking Hall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while the Vault and Chairman’s Boardroom will be open until 5 p.m. On Sunday, all three rooms will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
