New Buildings at Doors Open Toronto 2016

Doors Open Toronto 2016 will take over the city May 28-29, 2016. The event provides free access to the public of many public and private buildings. This year, there are new buildings that will be open to the public. We’ve highlighted a few of our favourite new buildings at Doors Open Toronto 2016.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

2 Eireann Quay
416-203-6942

Days Open

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Last Admittance: 4 p.m.

The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport welcomes 2.5 million travelers each year and services 24 destinations. In 2015, a new pedestrian tunnel connecting Toronto’s mainland to the airport was constructed 100 ft. below the surface of Lake Ontario.

Tour the airport’s new underwater tunnel and visit a viewing area to watch planes up close as they take-off and land. Go inside the airport’s fire hall and maintenance areas where children can climb into a fire truck and explore one of the airport’s large snow sweepers. Billy Bishop Airport staff, operational personnel, historical experts and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. A shuttle will be available for those who require mobility assistance. The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will be one of the busier new buildings at Doors Open Toronto 2016 due to excitement and appeal of the new pedestrian tunnel.

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

1 Front St. E.
416-368-6161

Days Open

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Last Admittance: 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Last Admittance: 4:30 p.m.

The O’Keefe Centre, built in Modernist style in 1959-60, was designed as a performance venue that featured ballet, dance, opera and other artistic performances. The interior design includes Carrera marble, limestone, cherry wood, and bronze prominently featured throughout the building. Visitors can also view a 30-metre wide mural by Toronto-born artist R. York Wilson, a grand double-height foyer with coffered ceilings and steel/granite cantilevered staircases. 

A two-day exhibition co-curated by students of University of Toronto’s Masters of Museum Studies Program will showcase the centre’s archival repository, historical photographs, news articles and theatrical props that mark the history of the venue since its inception. Visitors will also be able to access the theatre stage. The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts is sure to be one of the most popular new buildings at Doors Open Toronto 2016.

Days Open

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Last Admittance: 3 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Last Admittance: 5 p.m.

St. Anne’s Anglican Church was designed by Toronto architect Ford Howland in the Byzantine style in 1907. In 1923, the interior was richly decorated under the supervision of architect William Rae and artist J.E.H. MacDonald. Be sure to look for the paintings done by members of the Group of Seven and their associates in the dome and near the altar.

On Saturday, May 28, there will be informal guided tours and special arts and heritage activities for families and children. On Sunday, May 29, visitors are welcome to observe worship at the 10:30 a.m. service and to enjoy music by St. Anne’s choir. At 3:30 p.m., the Junction Trio, St. Anne’s ensemble-in-residence, will perform their ‘Pots N’ Pans Season Finale.’ There will also be opportunities for informal guided tours of the church on Sunday, May 29 between the time of the service and the concert.

The Faculty Club, University of Toronto

41 Willcocks Street
416-978-6325

Days Open

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Last Admittance: 4:30 p.m. 

Originally built in 1828, the building became The Primrose Club from 1919-59, a private meeting place for Jewish business and professional men. Architects Benjamin Brown and Arthur W. McConnell merged 41 Willcocks Street with 37-39 Willcocks St. to create the Georgian style building. The University of Toronto acquired The Faculty Club in 1959. Tour the elegant facilities and ballroom during Doors Open Toronto 2016. The club welcomes faculty, staff, alumni, associates and community.

Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre

875 Morningside Drive
416-283-5937

Days Open

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Last Admittance: 4 p.m.

Built for the Pan Am and Parapan American Games in 2015, the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is a LEED-Gold-certified sports and aquatics facility. You can fit five football fields in the facility. The two Olympic-size swimming pools are among the world’s fastest. There is also a diving tank, recreational track, four gymnasia, climbing wall and fitness centre. This sports centre serves both University of Toronto Scarborough students and the community. Training and recreation programs are offered for all ages. During the 2015 Games, more than 35% of all Team Canada’s medals were won here including those of Ryan Cochrane and Emily Overholt.

Tours will showcase the centre’s environmental and accessibility features.

Enjoy discovering new buildings at Doors Open Toronto 2016!