Fall Exhibition Community Day
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Join us for a special Community Day celebrating the launch of the Bata Shoe Museum’s upcoming exhibition, André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled. Admission is free, and all are welcome to take part in an afternoon of engaging activities and programs.
Explore the groundbreaking work of André Perugia, one of the 20th century’s most influential shoe designers—through guided exhibition tours, family-friendly crafts and games, and an exclusive presentation on the art of shoemaking by Adam Finn of Last Shoes. You’ll also have the chance to meet Adam in person to learn more about his craft.
Guests can step into the spotlight with a photobooth experience that puts you on the cover of a fashion magazine, and don’t miss your chance to grab a pack of limited-edition 30th Anniversary Collector Cards! A special card vending machine will also be on-site, with a guaranteed rare or ultra-rare card in every pull—perfect for collectors and fans alike.
Event Schedule
Guided Exhibition Tours
12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
(Each tour is approximately 30 minutes | St. Crispin’s Room, B1 Level)
The Art of Shoemaking Presentation
1:00 pm
A special talk with Adam Finn of Last Shoes on the process, precision, and passion behind handcrafted footwear.
Meet the Shoemaker: Adam Finn (Last Shoes)
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Meet local shoemaker Adam and learn more about the tools and techniques involved in shoemaking.
Crafts and Games
12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Drop-in activities for families and children of all ages.
Self-guided crafts will be available throughout the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities and giveaways are available while supplies last. Schedule subject to change.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
Stepping Through the Decades: A Luminis Choir Experience
Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $45
Step into a world where timeless style meets unforgettable melodies at the Bata Shoe Museum. Set against the stunning backdrop of our upcoming exhibition André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled, this immersive evening celebrates creativity across the decades, weaving together the artistry of fashion and the emotional power of music.
Throughout the evening, the Luminis Choir—both as a full ensemble and in intimate small groups—will present beloved songs of the 20th century, each performance echoing the spirit and style of the fashion eras featured in the exhibition. As the night unfolds, the music will evolve—shifting from classical charm to chic lounge beats and stylish dance pop—inviting guests to mingle, move, and immerse themselves in a seamless fusion of sound and style.
Sip on fine wines, sample specialty drinks, and savor the atmosphere of this unique cultural experience. From the artistry on display to the music that moves you, this is an evening designed to delight the senses and celebrate elegance in all its forms.
Wine samples from United Stars Winery, Calmel & Joseph Winery, non-alcoholic options, light refreshments, museum access, and live music all included.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
Co-Presenter
Supported By:
Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Free, Registration Required
Honouring the experiences of Residential School survivors, join us for a conversation with Ojibwe Kwe author, educator, and Residential School survivor, Karen Chaboyer, on the evening of Tuesday, September 30 to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Tea and bannock will be served provided by Candace’s Catering. All donations will be provided to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors open
7:00 pm – Conversation begins
8:00 pm – Conversation ends, Open dialogue and visiting
9:00 pm – Museum closes
Seating is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
MEET THE SPEAKERS:
Karen Chaboyer is an Ojibwe kwe, a great-grandmother, a grandmother, and mother. She is also an author, a public speaker, and an educator. Karen is from Rainy River First Nation, a community in Northwestern Ontario, Treaty 3 Territory. Karen is a survivor of St. Margaret’s Indian Residential School, also known as the Fort Frances Indian Residential School where she attended for 9 years. Karen was born into a family of 11 siblings: 9 brothers and 2 sisters. She is the third youngest in her family. She is also a second generation survivor of Residential School. Karen has been presenting since 2006. Her audiences are mostly elementary/high schools, colleges, universities and organizations. Karen shares the effects Residential School had on her and how she lost her identity, her roots, her culture and language. Karen’s goal is to educate people on the impact Residential Schools had on her and Indigenous individuals, families and communities to this day.
PD Days
Cost: Included with General Admission
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Throughout the museum
Spend your PD Day at the Bata Shoe Museum! Explore our amazing exhibitions, take a museum tour, join a game of trivia, and get creative at our craft stations.
Daily Schedule
All-Ages Trivia: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm
Test your knowledge and learn something new in our exciting trivia game.
Exhibition Tours: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm
Explore the stories behind footwear from around the world with guided tours of two of our current exhibitions.
Self-Guided Hands-On Crafts and & Activities: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Hands-on sensory station
- Scavenger hunt through the museum
- Shoe-themed crafts
Please note: Supervision is not provided. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). PD Days activities are included with general admission. Pre-booking is not required unless you are a group of 12 or more. Tours and activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
PD Days
Cost: Included with General Admission
When: Friday, November 14, 2025 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Throughout the museum
Spend your PD Day at the Bata Shoe Museum! Explore our amazing exhibitions, take a museum tour, join a game of trivia, and get creative at our craft stations.
Daily Schedule
All-Ages Trivia: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm
Test your knowledge and learn something new in our exciting trivia game.
Exhibition Tours: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm
Explore the stories behind footwear from around the world with guided tours of two of our current exhibitions.
Self-Guided Hands-On Crafts and & Activities: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Hands-on sensory station
- Scavenger hunt through the museum
- Shoe-themed crafts
Please note: Supervision is not provided. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). PD Days activities are included with general admission. Pre-booking is not required unless you are a group of 12 or more. Tours and activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
PD Days
Cost: Included with General Admission
When: Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Throughout the museum
Spend your PD Day at the Bata Shoe Museum! Explore our amazing exhibitions, take a museum tour, join a game of trivia, and get creative at our craft stations.
Daily Schedule
All-Ages Trivia: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm
Test your knowledge and learn something new in our exciting trivia game.
Exhibition Tours: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm
Explore the stories behind footwear from around the world with guided tours of our All About Shoes and take a deep dive into the designs behind your favourite sneaker brand in Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists.
Self-Guided Hands-On Crafts and & Activities: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Hands-on sensory station
- Scavenger hunt through the museum
- Shoe-themed crafts
Please note: Supervision is not provided. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). PD Days activities are included with general admission. Pre-booking is not required unless you are a group of 12 or more. Tours and activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
2025 Founder’s Lecture
When: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors Open at 6:30 pm)
Where: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Cost: $50/person
Curating Couture: Thierry-Maxime Loriot in Conversation with Jeanne Beker
Celebrating 30 years since Founder, Mrs. Sonja Bata, first opened the world-renowned Bata Shoe Museum, we are delighted to present a special edition of the annual Founder’s Lecture, which honours Mrs. Bata’s birthday. Join us for an intimate conversation between two Canadian fashion icons, Thierry-Maxime Loriot and Jeanne Beker, as they discuss the transformation of fashion from concept to runway spectacle to museum artifact, exploring how iconic designs evolve from commercial creation to cultural preservation and what it means to curate a legacy that bridges art, performance, and haute couture.
Evening Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors open
7:00 pm – Presentation and discussion
8:00 pm – Wine & Hors d’oeuvres reception with the Speaker
9:00 pm – Doors close
Tickets includes wine & hors d’oeuvres during the reception.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
After working more than ten years in the fashion industry between New York, Milan, London, and Paris, Thierry-Maxime curated the The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, an iconic retrospective that travelled to twelve major cities across the globe and drew more than 2.1 million visitors, breaking records for any fashion exhibition still to this day. A total of six publications on Jean Paul Gaultier were written by Loriot over the course of the five-year tour, being awarded, among other prizes, the Grand Prix du Livre de Mode in Paris.
Soon after, he curated Love is Love: Wedding Bliss for All à la Jean Paul Gaultier, which was presented at the MMFA in 2016, at the Centro Cultural Kirchner in Buenos Aires, and at the Contemporary Museum of Belgrade in 2020-21. He also curated and wrote the books of the travelling exhibitions Peter Lindbergh: A Different Vision on Fashion Photography, presented in Italy, The Netherlands, and Germany, and two editions of Viktor & Rolf: Fashion Artists, first presented at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, followed by its presentation in the summer of 2018 at the Kunsthal Rotterdam.
Loriot also curated Thierry Mugler Couturissime which premiere at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 2019, then traveling to Kunsthal Rotterdam, Kunsthalle Munich, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and finally the Brooklyn Museum from 2022-2023.
Loriot has been awarded many accolades for his books and exhibitions; in 2019, he received the Vanguard Award from CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion Award) for his important contributions to the Arts and Fashion industries.
In 2022, he created a new exhibition for the France Pavilion at the Universal Exhibition in Dubai titled Jean Paul Gaultier From A to Z. He also worked on the creative direction of tours, tour books, and album covers for many pop stars. In the spring of 2024, he launched a 30-year retrospective on Viktor&Rolf, Fashion Statements, which premiered in Munich, Germany, and will be touring to the USA and France. He also launched the exhibition Portraits & Fashion Beyond Borders at the McCord Museum, which featured 17 Canadian photographers working abroad. His exhibitions have been visited by almost 7 million visitors.
ABOUT THE MODERATOR:
Born in Toronto to Holocaust survivors who instilled fearlessness, hard work, and tenacity in her from a young age, Jeanne began her professional show biz career at 16. After studying acting in New York and mime in Paris, she moved to Newfoundland where she made her journalistic debut as an arts reporter for CBC Radio. A few years later, Beker returned to Toronto, landing a job at CHUM Radio and in 1979, she co-hosted the ground-breaking series The NewMusic. A founding member of MuchMusic, Beker launched the legendary Fashion Television in 1985 which was presented in over 130 countries for 27 years. A seasoned newspaper columnist for several publications, Beker was editor-in-chief of FQ and SIR magazines (2003 – 2008) and has authored six books. Jeanne is a frequent keynote speaker and guest on a myriad of lifestyle shows and has been at the creative helm of numerous fashion lines under her own eponymous label. Since 2015, Jeanne has acted as Style Editor for The Shopping Channel where she currently hosts the series Style Matters with Jeanne Beker. Upcoming projects include her role as resident judge of Project Runway Canada, which debuts on CRAVE and CTV this fall, and co-curating a major exhibit at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum—a retrospective of her career—which is due to open in 2026.
Beker has received honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s University and OCAD University. Active with several charitable organizations, she has been named to the Order of Canada (2014), inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends (2015), recognized with the Banff World Media Festival’s Canadian Award of Distinction (2012), honoured with a Canadian Screen Achievement Award (2013), and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2016).
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
BSM x MOCA: Art Hive
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Free, Registration Required
Join us at the Bata Shoe Museum for an engaging and creative experience painting on vintage shoe lasts, in partnership with MOCA! This unique program invites participants to use these fascinating objects as canvases to express their individual identities, perspectives, and artistic styles.
This activity will be guided by art therapy students who will be on hand to inspire and facilitate creative expression. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, all skill levels are welcome to participate in this vibrant and inclusive community.
As part of our commitment to accessibility, this program is free, and all materials will be provided. Please note, the focus for this workshop will be towards adults, seniors, and teens aged 16+.
Seating is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis.
SHOE FACT:
Shoe lasts are a tool used by shoemakers to make the shoes. It comes in different shapes and forms used throughout the shoemaking process.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please review our Terms & Conditions to learn more about Visitor & Accessibility Services, Ticketing, Returns & Exchanges, Privacy & Media, and more.
Stitch by Stitch: The Art and Design of Cowboy Boots
Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Senior (65+) / Student (With ID)
Step into the world of craftsmanship, design, and artistry with master cowboy boot maker Flora Knight, and musician, designer, and co-founder of Liberty Boots Tony Benattar. This engaging panel discussion, moderated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, will delve into their unique journeys and contributions to the enduring legacy of cowboy boots.
From Flora’s hands-on expertise in traditional bootmaking to Tony’s visionary designs and rock ’n’ roll-inspired aesthetic, the panel will explore how their distinct approaches shape the craft and creativity of cowboy boots. Together, they’ll share insights on the art, innovation, and challenges of creating footwear that blends functionality with unparalleled style.
The evening will feature an in-depth conversation, followed by an open Q&A session, offering you the chance to ask your questions about bootmaking, design, and the stories behind their most iconic creations.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Panel Begins
8:00 pm – Panel Ends, Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
MEET THE SPEAKERS:
Musician and designer Tony Benattar founded his eponymous boot company in 1987 driven by his inability to find cowboy boots that matched his vision. From 1987 to 1993, he honed his craft in León, Mexico, collaborating with notable figures such as Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, Yan Ferry, co-founder of Liberty Boot Co., and Mike Llama, grandson of legendary bootmaker Tony Llama. During this time, Tony developed his signature rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic while mastering traditional cowboy boot-making techniques that were rapidly disappearing.
In 1993 Yan and Tony founded the Liberty Boot Company and over the next 25 years the brand became synonymous with high quality and innovative design, adorning Hollywood stars, cowboy boot enthusiasts, and multiple generations of icons. Legends like Liz Taylor, Madonna, and Taylor Swift, as well as Tony’s rock ‘n’ roll heroes such as Bruce Springsteen, Steven Tyler, and Brian Setzer, proudly wore Liberty’s distinctive creations.
Flora Knight is a Canadian-born artisan celebrated for her distinctive, bespoke cowboy boots. Trained under master bootmakers Lisa Sorrell and Ray Dorwart in Oklahoma, Knight inherits a direct lineage from the original innovators of the American cowboy boot.
Her work is defined by vibrant, flowing designs and exacting craftsmanship, grounded in traditional techniques and a timeless aesthetic. From her Montréal atelier, Knight creates each pair entirely by hand using only the finest materials—an approach that stands in sharp contrast to the fast pace and declining quality of mass-produced fashion, resulting in a waitlist of approximately 18 months.
Every pair of Knight’s boots is made with care and intention, offering an heirloom-quality piece for those who value thoughtful, handcrafted design.
Elizabeth Semmelhack: As Director and Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum for over 20 years, Elizabeth Semmelhack is a renowned expert on footwear, including sneakers, and regularly consulted by scholars and global media such as the New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Forbes, CBC, and CNN, to name a few. Named by FASHION Magazine as one of the “world’s top five game-changing fashion curators”, Semmelhack’s award-winning publications include nearly 30 articles and chapters as well as 14 books and catalogs including Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture (2015), which has sold close to 40,000 copies world-wide, Collab: Sneakers x Culture (2019), and Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks (2022).
Boots and Spurs Cowboy Summer
Cost: Included with General Admission
When: Every Monday to Friday from July 8 to August 29, 2025 (except Civic Holiday – August 4)
11am – 4pm (Some restrictions apply)
Where: B1 level, Bata Shoe Museum
Our Boots and Spurs Cowboy Summer has arrived! Come and feel like you’re in the wild west with many cowboy crafts activities for kids. Drop-in daily for family fun activities designed for kids aged 4 to 12.
Daily Schedule
Exhibition Tours: 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Explore the stories behind footwear from around the world with guided tours of our All About Shoes exhibition and our newest exhibition, Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot.
Hands-On Presentations: 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Touch, feel and learn about a variety of extraordinary shoes from the BSM collection. Get up close with these incredible shoes and dive into the history of cowboy boots and other fascinating footwear. The collection will constantly rotate so come back again and again to experience them all!
Our summer programming is included with general admission and do not require reservations unless you attending with a day camp. Tours are on a first-come, first serve basis and are 30 minutes. Parents and or chaperones must be in attendance.