Curator’s Talk: André Perugia
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Pay What You Wish
Step behind the scenes of the Bata Shoe Museum’s stunning new exhibition, André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled, with curator Nishi Bassi as she shares how the exhibition came together — from sourcing rare loans to the curatorial decisions that shaped the many intricate design and storytelling elements. Discover how Perugia’s innovative designs revolutionized footwear through bold experimentation, architectural form, and technical mastery, and how, nearly a century later, Perugia’s designs continue to influence fashion’s most daring creators.
Nishi Bassi, Curator and Exhibitions Project Manager at the Bata Shoe Museum, brings over 10 years of experience in the museum industry. Her educational background is in British history, and current research interests include fashion, consumer culture, and post-colonialism. She is also an EDI champion who strategically plans and advocates for change to ensure that accessibility remains a priority in all projects. Nishi has been with the Bata Shoe Museum since 2013, where she currently works as the Curator and Manager of Exhibitions. She also holds a volunteer position on the Board of Directors for ICOM Canada.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Divas Of Country Music: A Violin Tribute Concert
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm (Doors open 7:00 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $60 General
Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind musical experience at the Bata Shoe Museum! Divas of Country Music: A Violin Tribute Show brings the spirit of country legends to life through the elegance of strings. Featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Royce Rich and his dynamic trio, this unforgettable concert reimagines the iconic hits of country’s greatest queens—Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and more.
From boot-stomping anthems to heartfelt ballads, these timeless songs will be transformed into soaring violin arrangements that celebrate the grit, glamour, and power of country’s most beloved divas. Join us for a night where rhinestones meet fiddle strings, and the legends of country shine in a whole new light.
Ticket includes the performance, museum access, and one (1) complimentary drink.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Royce Rich is establishing himself as one of Canada’s up-and-coming concert artists. He was listed as one of CBC Music’s “Top 30 Under 30 Hot Musicians” for the release of his self-produced debut Spotify album of show pieces entitled Short Stories. Royce was awarded the coveted Gabora Prize in Italy at the Casalmaggiore International Festival in 2015, and has since appeared on concert stages as a solo artist and chamber musician across Canada, United States, Italy, and Germany.
Royce has also performed as a violinist with the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, the National Academy Orchestra, Brott Music Festival Orchestra, Kingston Symphony Orchestra, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Ontario Philharmonic, and the Royal Conservatory Orchestra.
Simon Hauber is a violinist based in St. Catharines, ON. He studied with Mary Beth Doherty, Aaron Schwebel and now Mark Fewer at the University of Toronto. He is a multi-faceted player and can be seen playing in a great variety of spaces with various ensembles. He studies classical violin, having served as concertmaster of U of T, but has continued to perform fiddle music since his youth and in this role was a showcased artist at the 2022 Canada Games.
Philipp Samutin is a professional violinist and recent graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Master’s program in Collaboration, Curation, and Creative Performance. Trained at the Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory in Saint Petersburg, Russia, he has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player with leading ensembles across Russia and
Canada. Philipp’s artistic practice explores the violin as a medium for dialogue between genres and art forms. His performances merge contemporary classical aesthetics with the rhythmic intensity of flamenco, the harmonic language of jazz, and the textures of electroacoustic sound. Guided by curiosity and a spirit of experimentation, his work seeks to dissolve traditional boundaries between music, movement, and visual design. Through collaborative and multimedia projects, Philipp reimagines performance as a living space for exchange—where the violin becomes both an instrument and a storyteller, shaping immersive experiences that connect sound, emotion, and presence.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
High Fashion Holidays: Winter Break at the BSM
Date: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 with exceptions
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Cost: Included with General Admission
The Bata Shoe Museum is closed on December 25, 26 and January 1
Step into the world of Italian-French shoe designer, André Perugia (1893-1977) known for his innovative footwear designs with our family-friendly, themed winter programming. Inspired by our newest exhibition, André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled, drop in for a variety of hands-on activities, games, presentations, tours and prizes as you discover the work of one of the most significant and under-researched footwear designers of the 20th century. Crafts and activities vary. Drop-in only, no registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult (18+) and attended to at all times while at the museum.
SCHEDULE:
Self-Guided Crafts ~ Monday through Sunday
Beaded Shoelaces: customize your shoes with DIY beaded shoelaces
Colouring sheets: design an elegant shoe with colouring templates
Shoe Origami: try your hand at paper sculpture
Activity Book: continue the fun all day with a take-home activity book
Guided Activities ~ Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays*
*Guided activities will be not be available on Wednesday, December 24
11:00 am: Elegance Through the Ages Game (inspired by Roblox)
1:00 pm: Guided Exhibition Tour
2:30 pm: Elegance Through the Ages Game (inspired by Roblox)
3:30 pm: Hands-on Presentation
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.