Doors Open 2025
The world-renowned Bata Shoe Museum is North America’s only museum dedicated to exploring the history and cultural significance of footwear. Designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, this award-winning five-story structure features a flagship showcase called All About Shoes: Footwear Through the Ages, thematically changing exhibitions, a retail shop, and a private vault that protects the worlds most comprehensive collection of nearly 15,000 shoes and shoe-related artifacts. The shape of the museum was inspired by a shoebox, with the roof acting as a slightly ajar lid. Visitors can see several unique touches throughout the building, including a sole-shaped front desk, a majestic art-glass installation by Lutz Haufschild, and iconic bronze features by Canadian sculptor Dora de Pédery-Hunt.
Take a fascinating, self-guided journey through 4,500 years of shoes presented across four exhibitions. Current exhibitions include Rough & Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot, Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists, Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear, and All About Shoes: Footwear Through the Ages.
Learn more about the Bata Shoe Museum’s architecture here.
Admission for Doors Open is first-come, first-served; advanced tickets are not available. Please anticipate long wait times.
Residential School Survivor Lecture
Date: Tuesday, June 10
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $15 General, $10 Senior (65+) and Students (with ID), Free for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)
Join us for an impactful and enlightening evening with Karen Chaboyer, an Ojibwe kwe, author, educator, and Residential School survivor. Karen is from Rainy River First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory, a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who has dedicated her life to sharing her story and educating others about the lasting effects of Residential Schools. Please note, due to the nature of the topic, we ask all audience members be 14+. The Bata Shoe Museum will be donating all ticket sales to the Giiwitaa Wholistic Counselling Services on behalf of Karen.
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 – Lecture Begins
8:00 pm – Lecture Ends, Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
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.
Hoedown at the BSM: Pride Party
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $30 General, $100 4-pack (includes access to all current exhibitions)
This event is 19+ only
Yeehaw and Happy Pride! Join us for Hoedown at the BSM, a fabulous celebration in collaboration with Steers and Queers and Spurs, in celebration of our newest exhibition Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot. Stomp and shuffle alongside our new exhibition as we honour the spirit of the Wild West with a Pride twist. Enjoy dazzling performances by Selena Vyle, Lucinda Miu, and Fluffy Soufflé, with musical beats by DJ Sigourney Beaver to keep you dancing all night. Dust off your cowboy boots and let’s ride into an unforgettable evening of fun, fashion, and fabulousness!
Snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Terms and Conditions apply.