Celebrating 30 years today!

Founded by Mrs. Sonja Bata, the Bata Shoe Museum first opened its doors on May 6th, 1995 with the mission to illuminate human history through footwear. A rare cultural gem, the Bata Shoe Museum began as a small personal collection that has since transformed into an internationally celebrated museum, caring for nearly 15,000 shoes and shoe-related artifacts spanning over 4,500 years. As we honour the legacy of our past, we also look to the future, affirming our commitment to education, preservation, and impactful storytelling through the lens of footwear. With an unwavering commitment to community, we look forward to celebrating with you and to creating new memories for decades to come.

Learn more about the Museum`s history by visiting our online timeline.

Funding provided by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.

Sponsored by: @blogto @curiocitytoronto @dailyhivetoronto @fashioncanada @thekitca @nationalpost @nowtoronto @thetorontostar ...

To celebrate our upcoming exhibition, we invite you to join us for a day of free family fun that honours both our 30-year milestone as well as the opening of Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot on Sunday May 11. Saddle up for a day of wild Western-themed activities, performances, games, and self-guided hands-on cowboy crafts that will have you hollering “Yeehaw”. ...

Test your knowledge of country music history, iconic artists, and classic hits in this fun and interactive trivia event celebrating our upcoming exhibition Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot on Tuesday May 27! From legends like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash to modern stars like Luke Bryan and Kacey Musgraves, challenge yourself and your friends to see who’s the ultimate country music fan. Yeehaw!

Rough & Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot opens on May 7!

Funding provided by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.Sponsored by: @blogto @curiocitytoronto @dailyhivetoronto @fashioncanada @thekitca @nationalpost @nowtoronto @thetorontostar ...

@storybootschool returns with @manitobah!

Learn the traditional art of moccasin-making with Anishinaabe artist Natalie Ortiz (@natymocs) in this three-part workshop (starting Saturday, May 31) designed to teach hand-sewing leatherwork and beading techniques.

Visit our website for more information ...

This Sunday we`ll be celebrating Earth Day at the BSM! Join us on Sunday, April 13 for fun and eco-friendly activities for all ages! Discover how footwear impacts the environment in our engaging Footwear and the Environment presentations, exploring sustainable practices and innovative designs shaping the future of shoes.

Pictured: Mushroom leather has recently emerged as a viable material for shoemaking. This pair of sneakers by Nat-2 was made using “leather” created out of the middle layer of the tinder sponge, Fomes Fomentarius, which grows on dead or weak birch and beech trees. The natural variations of colour, tone, and texture allow the material to look andfeel like real leather.

Nat-2 Fungi, 2021 ...

Join us for an inspiring evening on Tuesday, April 29 with Joseph Sagaj, Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) of the Sturgeon Clan, as he shares his remarkable journey as an Indigenous artist. Growing up in Neskantaga, a remote community of just 300 people located 433 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Joseph’s creative foundation was shaped by moments like making moccasins with his mother. RSVP on our website now. ...