Photo: doors_opento on Instagram 

The 17^th annual Doors Open Toronto event promises to allow locals and tourists alike to get a glimpse of the #six like they’ve never seen before! Even the most pretentious Toronto native who knows the city like the back of their hand can discover a new and exciting spot and learn more about the city’s diverse history and culture. The event hits the city this year on May 28 and May 29, offering free and rare access to more than 130 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city, many of which are normally off-limits to the public.

Toronto was the first city in North America to launch a Doors Open event, and this year’s theme is “Re-used, Re-visited and Revised,” and allows for tourists to deeply explore into the adaptive re-use of buildings throughout Toronto’s architectural history. To look for buildings that accompany this year’s theme, keep and eye out for the R-R-R icon while browsing the list and take a peek at the intriguing significance these buildings have to Toronto.

Some fascinating examples include the Artscape Wychwood Barns, which turned a transit storage facility into a community cultural hub and the Bridgepoint Administration Building, which transformed the notorious Don Jail into hospital offices.

Other popular participating buildings include the CityTV and OMNI building at Yonge & Dundas, the historic Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, The Daniels Spectrum and Toronto City Hall, and the BMO Field. This year’s new participating buildings are some of the most interesting and include the Bata Shoe Museum, Heliconian Hall, Pure Spirits Still House and the Riverdale Farm.

If you’re intrigued by local architecture, Doors Open Toronto just may be worth a visit this season. Whether you’re interested in landscapes or simply looking for a gorgeous view, you just may find inspiration at this year’s event.