By Lori Bosworth
I love Doors Open Toronto; it gives us all a chance to explore parts of Toronto that we might otherwise not see. It’s also fascinating to explore our city’s history. Doors Open Toronto 2015, an event allowing free public access to many public and private buildings in Toronto, takes place Saturday, May 23, 2015 and Sunday, May 24, 2015. Some of the new buildings open to the public in 2015 are highlighted below and offer the chance for free beer tasting, free rock climbing and free go-kart racing.
Canadian Film Centre, 2489 Bayview Avenue
Open Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admittance at 4 p.m.
The Canadian Film Centre was previously owned by breeder of champion horses, E.P. Taylor. The Taylors lived on the property until 1987, when the estate was transferred to the City of Toronto.
Guests may tour the Windfields Estates grounds and main house, built in the Georgian Revival-style, as well as the newly constructed Northern Dancer Pavilion. Guests will be treated to artistic performances courtesy of MANIFESTO, a non-profit, youth-powered platform designed to put local artists on the map. A free, expert-led tour, courtesy of The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s What’s Out There Weekend Toronto, is available.
Downsview Park Sports Centre – Grand Prix Kartways, 75 Carl Hall Road, Unit 9
Open Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with last admittance at 4:30 p.m.
The Downsview Park Sports Centre is a 485,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose facility that offers activities year-round. The centre was originally an aircraft assembly and repair facility. Its current occupant, Grand Prix Kartways, features state-of-the art electric go-karting.
Doors Open Toronto visitors will be able to enjoy complimentary interactive gaming and slot car racing throughout the day. Free go-kart racing will be available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day, subject to availability.
The Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
Open Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with last admittance at 4:30 p.m.
Opened in September 2014, the Aga Khan Museum showcases art and artifacts from Muslim civilizations from the Iberian Peninsula to China. Designed by Fumihiko Maki, the light-infused building includes galleries, classrooms and a 350-seat theatre. The exterior walls of the museum are composed of Brazilian granite.
Doors Open Toronto visitors may explore the Aga Khan Museum or take a guided tour. Highlights include the open-roofed courtyard, the graceful dome of the Auditorium, and the Bellerive Room, that houses ceramics from the Museum’s Permanent Collection. Stroll through the Aga Khan Park. Note: only non-flash photography allowed.
Amsterdam Brewery, 45 Esander Drive (Laird Drive and Eglinton Ave. E.)
The Amsterdam Brewery includes a brew house with fermenting tanks, state-of-the-art bottling and canning lines as well as a barrel aging room that houses an extensive collection of wine and spirit barrels. You’ll also tour the event space and retail location.
But the best part is guests will have the opportunity to sample award winning brews, including the Natural Blonde Lager, Boneshaker IPA, and the new Cruiser All Day Pale Ale free of charge beginning at 11 a.m. (Guests must be 19+.) Guests will also be treated to hourly guided tours to learn about the brewing process.
The Masonic Temple, 888 Yonge Street
Open Saturday, May 23, 2015 and Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with last admittance at 4:30 p.m.
Built in 1917, the six-storey structure has played host to Frank Sinatra, Bing Cosby, Tina Turner, The Ramones, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin. Bell Media (MTV) purchased the building in 2006, but sold it in 2012, and the Masonic Temple became the new headquarters for Info-Tech Research Group in 2013.
Doors Open Toronto visitors will see many original features from the Revival era preserved in the the building. Music memorabilia is now displayed throughout the Masonic Temple including posters, records, Keith Richards’ guitar and Mick Jagger’s snooker table. Recently added amenities include a high-tech golf simulator, a fitness room, executive boardrooms and vintage arcade games. Guided tours will take place throughout the day.
The Rock Oasis, 388 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 204
Open Saturday, May 23, 2015 and Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Rock Oasis is an indoor rock climbing and bouldering gym with 30 foot high walls. Bouldering is done on shorter walls with no ropes as opposed to traditional rock climbing.
Doors Open visitors can observe experienced climbers and boulderers climbing various walls in the facility and are welcome to try climbing themselves. In order to climb it is necessarily to sign a liability waiver and a parent must be present for youth under 18. Climbing experiences will be on a first come, first served basis. A professional climber will demonstrate lead climbing on the massive overhanging wall at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
BMO Field, 170 Princes’ Boulevard
Open Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with last admittance at 4:30 p.m.
BMO Field is home to Canada’s national soccer team, as well as Toronto FC. In 2007, BMO Field hosted the FIFA-U-20 World Cup. In 2010, a natural grass pitch was installed along with an innovative heating system that allows grass to grow in spring and fall months. BMO Field cost $62.9 million and was funded by the municipal, provincial and federal governments and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd.
Back of house areas of BMO Field will be available for viewing through a self-guided tour. Visitors will also see the results of a recent construction project that expanded BMO Field to 30,000 seats in anticipation of the 2015 Toronto Pan/Parapan American Games.
I love Doors Open Toronto as well. What a great opportunity to explore the beautiful sites in our city! The Aga Khan Museum looks so striking!
Beautifully designed buildings! I love the look of Aga Khan Museum
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