Uplifted: Art of Crochet with LEGIN KNITS
Learn how to crochet sneaker laces!
What's On 2022
Future Now
Explore over fifty futuristic footwear designs in our new exhibition.
BSM x PRESTO Perks
Save 20% on our Family level Friends of the BSM annual pass!
Future Now Book
A new publication featuring in-depth interviews with of-the-moment creatives and design teams!
Colour The BSM 2
Our new colouring book is available now!
Volunteer
Volunteer with our drop-in summer activities, August 1st-31st, 10AM-3PM.
Preparing for your visit
Check our latest information along with our FAQ section.
Just for Kids!
See our latest crafts and activities just for you!
Follow Us @batashoemuseum
Off the Shelf: Episode 95✨
Learn more about this pair of Albert slippers! #museumtok #facts
French fashion designer Christian Lacroix is famous for his playful collaging of historic motifs. The rich yellow fabric with its bold floral pattern is reminiscent of 18th century brocade and the glittering rhinestone-embellishment suggests both 18th century shoe buckles and Deco jewelry of the 1920s. #TuesdayShoesday
In addition to shoes, our collection also has many shoe-related items like this boot maker's shop sign! It is made out of wood and painted a deep brownish red colour. This side of the boot has the text: "Est. 1804 T. Ball Military & Equestrian Boot Maker" artfully written on it in light yellow paint. 19th century.
This pair of brilliant purple shoes made by the Dutch shoemaker, H.W. Berenbak who supplied shoes to the Dutch court are thought to have been a member of the House of Orange-Nassau in the 1880s. The invention of synthetic dyes, starting with purple in the middle of the nineteenth century, created a craze for bright color in fashion including footwear. Although the colour of these shoes was up-to-the-minute, the style of the bows was historicizing. Called ‘Fenelon bows’ these bold adornments were meant to recall the ‘shoe roses’ of the seventeenth century and their name referenced François Fénelon the royal tutor for Louis XIV. The remarkably vivid colour, excellent condition, and the fact that they still carry their maker’s label on the insole make these shoes treasures of the Bata Shoe Museum.
We are looking for volunteers to assist with our Drop-in Summer Activities! Whether it is for a few hours or a day, come and earn your volunteer hours with us from now until August 31 (10am to 3pm). Email angie.ma@batashoemuseum.ca for more info!
We're so excited to welcome back LEGIN KNITS for another crochet workshop (and this time it's in person!) Learn to crochet your own sneaker laces on Saturday August 13 and 27 from 1pm to 3pm EST. This workshop is for all ages and all skill levels! 👟
Registration is required and each ticket includes admission to the museum. Save your spot now by visiting our website. Limited spots available.
Did you know admission is free for...
✨ Indigenous visitors, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Identification is not required.
✨ support workers accompanying visitors.
✨ Friends of the BSM
"The Great Divide" explores several timely issues from gender and race to imperialism and colonization. Featuring extraordinary 18th century artefacts from the permanent collection, it highlights complex stories about privilege, oppression, danger, desire, revolution and resistance that are as relevant today as they were 300 years ago.
Did you know we released another limited edition colouring book? This one features some of the incredible artefacts from "Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks"! Only available in our museum shop or online 👟 https://shop.batashoemuseum.ca/collections/for-kids/products/colour-the-bsm-volume-2-colouring-book
The Suzhou embroidery on this pair of Manchu platforms suggests that they were associated with marriage. The exquisitely rendered phoenixes are traditional symbols of the Chinese Empress and women wore this royal symbol on their wedding day. The mandarin ducks swimming among the lotus blossoms symbolize fidelity and fertility.
Manchu, late 19th century.
Off the Shelf: Episode 94✨
Learn more about these warm woolen boots in today's episode! #museumtok #facts
In recent years, men have become increasingly interested in collecting dolls, especially ones that depict sports heroes. This Michael Jordan doll reflects his time with the Chicago Bulls from 1985 to 1998 and was created by Enterbay, a company established in 2005 to create collectable dolls of sports heroes geared toward the male market. See this doll on display in our "All Dolled Up" exhibition 👟🏀 Image by @kaileemandelphotography.