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.

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.

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.

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Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 5:15 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.

Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions. 

Terms and Conditions apply.


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:

ABOUT TONY BENATTAR

Tony Benattar

Musician and designer Tony Benattar founded his eponymous boot company Liberty Boot Co. 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.

Over the next 20 years, Liberty Boots 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.

ABOUT FLORA KNIGHT

Flora Knight

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.

ABOUT ELIZABETH SEMMELHACK:

Elizabeth Semmelhack

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).

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.

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $15 General, $10 Senior (65+) / Student (with ID)

Join us for Immigrant Dreams, a powerful panel discussion exploring how children of immigrants are making their mark in the sneaker customization world. From turning passion into profit to navigating the challenges of the creative industry, this conversation highlights the resilience, artistry, and entrepreneurial spirit driving the next generation of sneaker artists and designers. Featuring Daniel Mossayebi, CEO of Inked Out Kicks, a leading sneaker customization brand pushing the boundaries of wearable art, Jasmin Pannu, award-winning multidisciplinary artist known for her bold, storytelling-driven designs, and Daniello Tetangco, founder of Daniello Toronto, a local clothing and lifestyle brand blending streetwear with cultural identity.

Whether you’re a sneaker enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who appreciates the power of cultural storytelling, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Panel Begins
8:00 pm – Panel Ends – Galleries Open
9:30 pm – Museum Closes

Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions. 

Terms and Conditions apply.

MEET THE SPEAKERS:

ABOUT DANIEL MOSSAYEBI:

Daniel Mossayebi

A self-taught artist, Daniel’s work with Inked Out Kicks includes sneaker customization, sneaker restoration, special events, activations, and workshops. With a refined attention to detail, a love for drawing, and an obsession with sneakers, Daniel has worked with clients ranging from The Government of Canada, Puma, MLSE, Adidas, Xbox, Linkedin, and Pinterest. He treats each customized shoe as his own emphasizing quality above everything.

ABOUT JASMIN PANNU:

Jasmin Pannu

Jasmin Pannu is an award-winning artist who has created projects ranging from murals, to canvas works and digital product design for clients such as Lancome, Fritolay, Footlocker, UPS, City of Toronto, Nike and more. Her art practice is diverse in style and tools- picking up everything from a henna cone to acrylics, spray paints and ink to develop aesthetics that intrigue, bring beauty and create connection. She loves to teach when she can. The main intent around everything in her art practice is to challenge, to create, to transform- people, spaces and moments.

ABOUT DANIELLO TETANGCO:

Daniello Tetangco

Daniello is the founder of local clothing and lifestyle brand Daniello Toronto. His love for art fashion and footwear has blessed him with the opportunities to work with various NBA athletes on custom on-court and off-court foot wear. He has worked with various celebrities like NBA star DeMar DeRozan, James Johnson, and music star Chris Brown. His dream is to have the outlet to showcase his artistic talent to the World and to one day open up a retail store in the heart of downtown Toronto and to be in a position to give back to the community.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (Doors open 6:00 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $50 General

Step into creativity with this hands-on linocut workshop! Learn the basics of linocut carving and stamping as you design and create your very own shoe-themed tote bag. Perfect for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike, this workshop will guide you step-by-step to craft a unique and stylish design inspired by footwear.

Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes materials, access to all exhibitions, one complimentary drink, and light snacks. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions. 

Terms and Conditions apply.

Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (Doors open 6:00 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $50 General

Step into the world of embroidery with this beginner-friendly workshop! Explore the history of embroidered shoes through history, learn the basics of embroidery techniques, and create your own custom-embroidered shoe bag. Whether you’re new to stitching or looking to refine your skills, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the process, giving you a chance to add a personal touch to your bag.

Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes materials, instruction, light refreshments and access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions. 

Terms and Conditions apply.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Tracy Gorman

Textile art has always been a part of Tracy’s life, thanks to the talents her mother and aunt shared from childhood onward. After studying fashion in university, she first worked in theatre and co-started a clothing label, Ambiguity Originals. Since then, her career has focused on creating historic reproduction costumes. Unable to sit still, she constantly seeks other creative outlets. Happiness is fabric, a needle and thread.

Tracy’s costume-based art installations began in 2007 addressing societal & environmental issues and those of a more personal nature. Fabric embellishments of many kinds mark her works with embroidery being a favoured treatment. Originally from the East Coast, Tracy lives in Toronto with her musician husband and cat.