Spring Exhibition Kickoff
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Free
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the opening of our spring exhibition, Unearthing Vindolanda: Footwear from the Edge of the Roman Empire.
Step into the world of ancient Rome as you enjoy guided exhibition tours, hands-on crafts, a museum-wide scavenger hunt, and drop-in activities inspired by life on the Roman frontier.
Make your own Roman bulla—a good-luck necklace worn for protection in ancient times—and meet members of Legio XXX, a North American Roman reenactment group bringing history to life with immersive displays, stories, and material culture from the era. Members of the Legion will also share their knowledge about the Roman military, offering deeper insight into the lives of soldiers stationed at the edges of the empire.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious kid, or just looking for a fun and welcoming way to spend the day, this Community Day offers a unique chance to explore Roman life, fashion, and footwear—right here in Toronto.
Guided Exhibition Tours
12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
Approximately 30 minutes ~ third floor
Roman Military Presentations
1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Unique each time ~ main level
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Fuzzy Slipper Making
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $200
Guided by designer and educator Jennifer Allison, you’ll learn the foundations of footwear construction while crafting your own pair of fuzzy slippers — perfect for unwinding in style or adding a handmade statement piece to your wardrobe.
Working with plush faux furs, memory foam insoles, and durable rubber outsoles, you’ll cut, assemble, and finish your slippers with both comfort and design in mind. Strap placement will be tailored directly on your feet, ensuring a fit that feels as good as it looks. With two upper design options and a curated selection of colours and prints, you’ll create a pair that reflects your unique style!
No prior experience is required — all tools and materials are provided.
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Bring your creativity and curiosity, and you’ll leave with:
- A finished pair of handmade fuzzy slippers
- Foundational skills in footwear construction
- The confidence to continue crafting at home
This workshop is recommended for 18+. Registration for this workshop ends on April 22 at 11:55pm EST
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:
Jennifer Allison is a designer, curator, and educator with over 15 years of international experience in fashion, footwear, and fine art.
She has led design teams for companies such as Pour La Victoire in New York and ALDO Group in Montreal, before founding the Art and Sole Academy—Canada’s first full-time shoemaking school.
Today, as Director and Curator of the WKP Kennedy Gallery, she curates exhibitions, mentors emerging artists, and develops inclusive cultural programming.
Expanding on this dedication to creativity and craft, Jennifer is in the midst of launching her newest venture, SELF MADE—a DIY lifestyle brand that empowers makers to slow down, make time for themselves, and ultimately make their own statement.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Late Night at the BSM: Button Making
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Unwind after hours at the Bata Shoe Museum with a relaxed evening of creativity. The museum will stay open late, inviting you to be inspired by the current exhibits and explore self-expression through button making — a simple, hands-on craft inspired by the shapes, colours, and textures found in the museum’s footwear collection.
Design and create your own wearable art using collage, drawings, or found imagery. No experience needed and ll materials are provided — just drop in, get inspired, and take home a piece of your own design.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.