Year of the Snake Celebration at the BSM
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the BSM!
What's On 2025
Art/Wear Sneaker Battle
Watch as six local artists go toe-to-toe, to transform sneakers into extraordinary works of art.
Cultural Narratives: The Storytelling Power of Design
A unique panel discussion exploring footwear and interior design in the 1980s.
Art Wear
“What is art?” This question has sparked debate for centuries.
Exhibit A
Sleuth out the complex role of footwear in crime, policing, and the judiciary.
Dressed To Impress
Take a step back to the 1980s and experience the nostalgia and excess of the times. Now on view.
All About Shoes
Take a walk through the the fascinating history of footwear.
Media Room
Find our latest press releases and more information on media images and interview requests.
Follow Us @batashoemuseum
Join us on Sunday January 26 for special performances from @liondancetoronto, crafts from @tohistorymuseums’s Youth Volunteers, tea ceremony demonstrations with the @chineseculturalcentreofgta, and photo opportunities to commemorate the coming Lunar New Year! Reserve your tickets on our website now 🎟️
This pair of bespoke shoes was designed by Roger Vivier for Princess Lilian of Belgium. Vivier cleverly played with the motif of the fabric used to make these shoes by ornamenting the throat with a three-dimensional leaf decoration that seems to spring to life out of the leafy patterned silk. These shoes were probably designed to complement an entire ensemble designed by Christian Dior for the Princess. These shoes were bespoke, meaning that they were specifically designed and made to fit only the Princess’s feet, and therefore feature proportions like the wide toe-box, which were suited to her.
Roger Vivier for Delman-Christian Dior
French 1953-1955
Brocades resurfaced as an important fashion statement in the 20s, but rather than being simply reminiscent of the past, they were infused with contemporary designs that updated this classic luxury material, making it decidedly modern. These shoes were designed to be anything but old fashioned, the extravagant fabric is restrained by the Art Deco starburst trim in gold kid, and the modern instep-strap styling.
Made by Clouet Frères
French, 1925-1929
Get ready for a captivating musical journey on Sunday, January 12! @labyrinthontario musicians Araz Salek, Roa Lee, and Sasan Salaseli are coming together as an ’80s-inspired trio ~ experience a fresh perspective on the iconic decade, blending contemporary compositions with the innovative spirit of the Labyrinth Musical Workshop, founded by Ross Daly in 1982. RSVP by visiting our website.
`Tis the season! Check out our holiday hours below before planning your trip:
Tuesday December 24: 10 am to 5 pm
Wednesday December 25: Closed
Thursday December 26: Closed
Friday December 27: 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday December 28: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday December 29: 12 pm to 5 pm
Monday December 30: 10 am to 5pm
Tuesday December 31: 10 am to 5 pm
Wednesday January 1: Closed
This glamourous pair of shoes, featuring carved wooden heels that rival Streamline Moderne sculpture, and uppers in brilliant red silk and gold kid was sold by Delman. They were probably designed by Steven Arpad. In the 1930s, it was common for prominent shoe designers including Roger Vivier, André Perugia, and Arpad to create uncredited designs for a wide range of shoe labels and fashion houses.
Princess Nina Midvani, daughter-in-law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle author of the Sherlock Holmes stories, owned this pair of made-to-measure Vivier shoes. By the mid-1960s, Vivier had moved away from the stiletto heel and was designing low-heeled shoes with oversized baubles inspired by ‘little girl’ fashions. Although he had moved away from many aspects of 1950s fashion, many of his evening shoes continued to feature eye-catching embellishment such as the rhinestone decoration found on these heels and the large beaded rosettes at the throat.
Roger Vivier
French, c. 1965
Our popular 80s aerobics dance class returns in 2025! Channel your inner Jane Fonda and wear your best 80s bodysuits, leg warmers, and neon as you join us for a high-energy, 80s-inspired group class featuring the best music, moves, and fashion from the 1980s.
Saturday, January 11 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Sunday, February 2 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, March 16 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Visit our website to purchase your ticket.
