The Shoe Detective Academy
2024-07-02 10:00 - 2024-08-16 16:00 (America/Toronto)
Cost: Included with General Admission
When: Every Monday to Friday from July 2 to August 16, 10am – 4pm (Some restrictions apply)
Where: B1 level, Bata Shoe Museum
Ever wonder what it might be like to be a super sleuth? Join us throughout the summer from Monday to Friday for our exciting new Shoe Detective Academy! Learn about shoe forensics, create your own cypher to decode a bracelet you can make yourself, complete puzzles, solve a shoe heist and more. Collect a stamp after each activity to earn your Shoe Detective badge!+
Family programs are free with museum admission and do not require tickets or reservations unless otherwise noted. Parents must be in attendance.
+Stamps and detective badges will only be available until 4:30pm from Monday – Friday
Shoe Done It Presentation (11:30 am and 3:00 pm)
Kids will learn the importance of footwear forensics when it comes to solving crime! Using our hands-on collection, kids will discover a variety of footwear inspired by our Exhibit A exhibition and learn the stories behind them. Finally, you’ll get the chance to play the detective while you listen to a short mystery story, and guess who committed the crime based on the footprint “left at the scene”.
Weekday Drop-In Activities
Availiable from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
All materials provided, this self-guided family station is a great way to commemorate your visit to the BSM by making a unique take-home craft. Activities include:

Secret Code Bracelet making with special decoding cypher
Morse Code Machine
Puzzles

Museum Scavenger Hunts*
Shoe Heist
Use the clues to explore the galleries and find the hidden items for your chance to win a prize. For kids 8+.
I Spy Cards
Shoes can have a lot of intricate detail. Use this visual guide to search and find the various patterns and motifs. Complete one for each exhibition.
*Scavenger hunts are available daily. On weekends, please see our Visitor Services desk for information and prizes!

Lets Get Physical: 80s Aerobics Dance Class
2024-07-14 11:00 - 12:00
When: Sunday July 14, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $20/person
Friends of the BSM: $15/person (Friends of the BSM Card Required)
Where: B1 Level – Bata Shoe Museum
Come take part in an 80s inspired aerobics dance class in the Bata Shoe Museum! Join us for a high-energy group class featuring the best music, moves and of course fitness fashion, of the 1980s. Led by Choreographer, Educator, and Dancer Melissa Bartrem, this adult dancercise class is designed for those all skill levels. Channel your inner Jane Fonda and wear your best 80s bodysuits, leg warmers, and neon. Feel free to explore all of the current exhibitions including Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s after the the class
This event is open to all ages, but recommend participants be 16+. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who must also purchase a ticket
Please check in 10-30 minutes prior to the event starting. We encourage you to wear comfortable clothes to dance/move in and appropriate shoes (sneakers). Of course, we would love to see you in your 80s best, including lots of neon!
BUY YOUR TICKETS

Exhibit A Paint Night
2024-07-17 19:00 - 22:00
When: Wednesday July 17 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm (Door at 6:30 pm)
Cost: $50/person
Friends of the BSM: $40/person
Length: 3 hour workshop plus time to enjoy the museum
Where: Footprints Lecture Room at the Bata Shoe Museum
Inspired by our newest exhibition, Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear, we’re excited to offer a unique paint night with artist and Bata Shoe Museum graphic designer Gus Aguirre. In this 3-hour, in-person workshop, participants will be guided through the process of painting images inspired by the themes of crime and Mystery
All materials, instruction, museum admission, and one (1) complimentary drink are included. A cash bar will also be available for drink and snack purchases.
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival.
This workshop will take place in-person in Footprints at the Bata Shoe Museum (located on the ground level). Limited spots available. Please email shan.fernando@batashoemuseum.ca with questions or concerns.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Instruction Begins
9:30 pm – Instruction Ends
9:30 pm – 10:00 pm – Explore the museum while your painting drys.
BUY YOUR TICKETS
ABOUT THE HOST

Gus is an experienced designer, curator, and creative artist who directs and develops projects across various mediums including graphic design, motion graphics, web design, large-scale surface design, and painting. He has worked at several corporate and creative organizations. Currently, Gus works as the Website & Graphic Designer at The Bata Shoe Museum.

Totally 80s Movie Trivia
2024-08-21 19:00 - 22:00
When: Wednesday, August 21, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Cost: $25/person
Friends of the BSM: $20/person
Where: Bata Shoe Museum

How well do you know your 1980s movies? Get ready to show off your knowledge about this truly outrageous decade as you compete for some super rad prizes. Dress up in your best 80s-inspired outfit, and get ready to “Have the time of your life”! Tickets include one beverage and access to explore the entire museum after hours, including Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s so be sure to come early. Attend as individuals or as a team of a maximum of 6 people. This is a 19+ event. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
BUY YOUR TICKETS
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm – Trivia
10:00 pm – Doors Close

Indigenous Beading Workshop – Orange Shirt Pin
2024-09-21 10:30 - 13:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
When: Saturday, September 21, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm (Doors open 10:00 am)
Cost: $45 person
Friends of the BSM: $40/person
Where: Bata Shoe Museum – Footprints Room
BUY TICKETS
Join Toronto based Cree-Métis artist Marissa Magneson for a beginner friendly beading workshop! Through this hands-on workshop, participants will walk away with a greater understanding of Indigenous bead work, tools and techniques, and will work to complete a small beaded Orange Shirt pin. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Woodlands Cultural Centre: Save the Evidence campaign. Space is limited, register today to avoid disappointment. No experience is necessary!
A note from the artist: “I include tobacco in these pins recognizing that learning and discussing topics including, but not limited to residential schools are heavy. The medicine is there to help us in navigating those feelings, and our commitment to and responsibility of reconciliAction. Likewise, this becomes a part of the ceremony found within this workshop as the medicine is added in community, so everyone is a part of that work.”
Participants are invited to fill their pins with tobacco, one of the four sacred medicines, but this step is not mandatory.
Agenda
10:00 am – Doors Open
10:30 am to 1:00 pm – Workshop (with a 30 minute break)
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival.
This workshop will take place in-person in the Footprints room at the Bata Shoe Museum (located on the ground level). All materials and general access to the museum are included. Please arrive 5-15 minutes prior so that the workshop can begin as scheduled. Limited spots available. Refunds only permitted with 3 business days notice. With less than 3 business days notice, ticket sales are considered final and refunds will not be issued. Please refer to the refund and cancellation policy, and contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Marissa Magneson is a Cree-Métis artist, photographer, educator, and workshop facilitator. She has a BFA honours degree from York University (Toronto, Canada) and a Master’s degree in Canadian and Indigenous Studies from Trent University (Peterborough, Canada). Her research explores Indigenous methodologies using beadwork as visual storytelling. Marissa’s work is rooted in decolonizing education, strengthening community, and cultural reclamation. In her collaborative work with various organizations, Marissa works towards photographing, consulting, educating, and creating programming in meaningful ways. Marissa would like to acknowledge her maternal grandmother, Elaine Jessop, whose life-long work on Indigenous women’s rights inspires her own journey.
Marissa is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at York University in the Faculty of Education where she is researching “Beadwork as Pedagogy: A Bridge Towards Cultural Reclamation and (re)Conciliation.”

Fall Exhibition Opening: Free Community Weekend
2024-10-05 10:00 - 2024-10-06 17:00
Join us for our fall exhibition opening of Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists! Admission is free all weekend and everyone is invited! Enjoy a full schedule of exhibition tours and family-friendly hands-on activities. Take part in a mini “Be a Shoe Designer” craft workshop, leave your mark at our community mural, watch graffiti artist Chris Perez paint live (weather dependant), and enjoy other family friendly crafts and activities!
Self guided crafts available all day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Crafts and prizes are subject to change. Available while supplies last.
RSVP HERE
SATURDAY
Live Graffiti Spray Painting (Footprints, G Level)
10 am / 12 pm / 3 pm
Exhibition Tours (45 minutes each, St. Crispins Room, B1 Level)
11 am / 12 pm / 1 pm / 2 pm / 3 pm
Option 1: Art/Wear: Sneakers and Artists
Option 2: All About Shoes & Dressed To Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s
Be a Shoe Designer Workshop (1-hour, Footprints Room, G Level)
11 am / 2 pm
Tour and Workshop spots are limited. First come, first served.
SUNDAY
Live Graffiti Spray Painting (Footprints, G Level)
12 pm / 1:30 pm / 3 pm
Exhibition Tours (45 minutes each, St. Crispins Room, B1 Level)
1 pm / 2 pm / 3 pm
Option 1: Art/Wear: Sneakers and Artists
Option 2: All About Shoes & Dressed To Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s
Be a Shoe Designer Workshop (1-hour, Footprints Room, G Level)
12:30 pm / 2 pm
Tour and Workshop spots are limited. First come, first served.

Masterpiece: Exploring Art in Fashion
2024-10-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
When: Thursday, October 17, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (Doors open 6:00 pm)
Cost: Free (Registration Required)
Where: Bata Shoe Museum
Join us at the Bata Shoe Museum for an enlightening panel discussion that delves into the multifaceted world of art and its profound impact on fashion. This engaging event will explore essential questions such as: What is art? Why do we collect it? And how do we perceive art in the realm of fashion? Whether you are an art aficionado, a fashion enthusiast, or simply curious about the dialogue between these two worlds, this panel talk promises to inspire and inform. Our panel will feature the Bata Shoe Museum’s Director Senior Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack, Deputy Director & Chief Curator of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Julian Cox, Creative Director, Curator, and founder of D.PE Agency Ashley McKenzie-Barnes, and Co-founder of Makeway, Canada’s pioneering sneaker boutique for women Abby Albino. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant conversation!
RSVP
Agenda
6:00 pm – Doors Open
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm – Panel talk
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Doors Close
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival. This panel will take place in-person on the B1 level at the Bata Shoe Museum. Registration is required and seating is not guaranteed. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

ABOUT ELIZABETH SEMMELHACK:
As Director and Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum, Elizabeth applies her extensive cultural art history background to guiding the museum mission forward and exploring the multiple roles and meanings of footwear through innovative and engaging exhibitions. With over 20 exhibitions curated, Semmelhack’s most recent exhibition is Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists.
Named by FASHION Magazine as one of the world’s top five game-changing fashion curators, Semmelhack has been featured in articles and interviews as well as appeared on numerous television and radio programmes. Semmelhack’s award-winning publications include almost 30 articles and chapters as well as numerous books and catalogs. Her most recent publications include: Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks (2022), The World at Your Feet: Bata Shoe Museum (2020); Collab: Sneakers x Culture (2019) and Christian Dior by Roger Vivier (2019)

ABOUT JULIAN COX:
Julian Cox joined the Art Gallery of Ontario as Deputy Director & Chief Curator in 2018. He leads the curatorial team in designing meaningful art experiences that embrace multiple—and often challenging—points of view. He focuses on exhibition planning in addition to developing the AGO’s significant collections, positioning Toronto and Ontario’s rich artistic landscape in the widest context possible to ensure the Gallery is inclusive and welcoming, and reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.

ABOUT ASHLEY MCKENZIE-BARNES:
Ashley brings over 18 years of experience as an award-winning creative director, curator, and academic professor. Recently she launched D.PE (Diverse, Progressive, Experiences) Agency, which focuses on reflecting a diverse creative community while hiring equitably. Her artistic projects and cultural programming have spanned across clients and institutions such as; CIBC Square, EY, CBC, The City of Toronto, Nuit Blanche, Harbourfront Centre, Ontario Culture Days, Universal Music, Scotiabank, Destination Toronto, TEDx Toronto, Ontario Culture Days, Manifesto Festival of Arts & Culture, Johnnie Walker, Bombay Sapphire, Rhum Barbancourt, 19 Crimes Wine, Truly Seltzer, the notable Lauryn Hill, and many more.

ABOUT ABBY ALBINO:
Abby is the co-founder of Makeway, Canada’s pioneering sneaker boutique for women. She is a natural leader, community connector, collaborative spirit and a champion for the BIPOC experience. She has over 9 years of experience shaping successful marketing and communication strategies for the biggest brands in sports, entertainment, hospitality, retail, tech and food and beverage industries.

Innocence Canada Panel Talk
2024-10-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Cost: Free, registration required
When: Sunday October 20, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W.)
RSVP
Inspired by our current exhibition, Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear and in honour of the 10th Anniversary of International Wrongful Conviction Day (Oct 2) join The Bata Shoe Museum and Innocence Canada for an honest, and impactful look at wrongful convictions in Canada. This panel talk will look at wrongful convictions through the experiences of those who have lived through it, and those who have made a significant impact through their efforts to help clear the names of the victims of wrongful incarceration. Innocence Canada co-founder and Director of Client Services Win Wahrer, co-founder, and lawyer James Lockyer, and two of Canada’s wrongly convicted, Dinesh Kumar and Tammy Marquardt Wynne will share their stories, and help us to understand the question, “How could this happen to an innocent person?”
Please note, this event will be held during a ‘Free Sunday’. When you arrive, please check in with the front desk to acquire your admission ticket, or reserve in advance online. Limited seats for the panel will be available. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
MEET THE SPEAKERS:

Tammy Marquardt Wynne was convicted in 1995 of second-degree murder in the 1993 death of her 2-year-old son, Kenneth. Tammy was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 10 years after Charles Smith, who at the time was considered an expert on criminally suspicious pediatric deaths, conducted the autopsy and concluded that Kenneth had been strangled or smothered. This was later deemd “illogical and completely against scientific evidence-based reasoning.” Tammy was released in 2009 after spending 14 years incarcerated and on June 7, 2011, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned her conviction and ordered a new trial. The Crown later withdrew all charges against Tammy.

Dinesh Kumar arrived in Canada in 1990, eleven days after his wife Veena gave birth to their first son Saurob. In February 1992 Dinesh’s second son Gaurov was born, and unfortunately died when he was five weeks old. Dinesh was charged with second degree murder in the death of his son based on the opinion of Charles Smith. Faced with a life sentence, deportation, and the removal of his first son, Dinesh accepted the Crown’s offer to plead guilty to criminal negligence causing death with a ninety-day sentence to be served on weekends. It was almost twenty years before Dinesh’s conviction was set aside after Dr. Smith’s testimony was debunked and his cases were reviewed by board certified forensic pathologists.

James Lockyer C.M., is a partner in the Toronto office of Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh. Mr. Lockyer obtained his LLB at the University of Nottingham in 1971 and in 1974 was called to the Bar in England as a barrister. In 1977, he was called to the Ontario Bar and began to practice criminal law. He has been a criminal lawyer for 47 years doing trial defence and appeal work. Since 1992, much of his practice has involved unravelling wrongful convictions.
Mr. Lockyer is a founding director of Innocence Canada (formerly known as the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC)), a Canada-wide organization that advocates for the wrongly convicted. In that capacity, he has been involved in several high-profile cases which he demonstrated were wrongful. Mr. Lockyer is presently working on a number of other wrongful conviction cases in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Heels and Reels: Celebrating 20 Years of the European Union Film Festival
2024-10-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
When: Thursday October 24, 5:30-10 pm (5:30-7:00 pm: VIP Entry, 7:00-10:00 pm: General Public)
Cost: $50
Where: Bata Shoe Museum
To mark the 20th anniversary of the European Union Film Festival, The Bata Shoe Museum will be co-hosting a special one night only festival launch party, with a celebration of European food, drinks, and cinema at the BSM! ‘Guests will sample European delicacies, beers and wines offered by various sponsors (to be confirmed) and the incredible 2024 EUFF film line up will be officially announced. The European Union Film Festival is the unique cultural collaboration of all the EU Consulates and Cultural Institutes in Toronto. Celebrating cinematic excellence with award-winning films, the free festival takes place each November at the Alliance Française (24 Spadina Rd).

Please note, this is a 19+ event.
Agenda
7:00 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Event
10:00 pm – Doors Close
BUY YOUR TICKETS

Trick or Treat at the BSM
2024-10-27 12:00 - 17:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Cost: Free
When: Sunday, October 27
Where: Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W.)
BOO! This Halloween we will be celebrating in costume and invite you to join us! We will have family friendly crafts, a museum-wide “trick-or-treat” inspired scavenger hunt, and a chance to show off your costume on our Halloween runway! Our ever-popular iSpy game cards and try-on station will also be available to add to the family-friendly fun.
Runway Times
We kindly request that anyone who would like to take part in the runway sign up at the redemption table on B1 before the runway.
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note, this event will be held during a ‘Free Sunday’. When you arrive, please check in with the front desk to acquire your admission ticket, or reserve in advance online.

Shoe Customization 101
2024-11-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Cost: $55/person
Friends of the BSM: $50/person
When: Saturday, November 2, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W.)
Get creative and express your personal style with artist Jasmin Pannu as she guides you to paint your own custom shoe design.
Art materials including paint and brushes are included. Participants must provide their own new or used shoes to customize, clean white sneakers are recommended for best results.
This adult workshop is designed for all skill levels.
BUY YOUR TICKETS
ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jasmin Pannu is an award-winning Artist who creates murals and custom artworks with influence, space, people and purpose in mind. She has over 100 murals and paintings across the Toronto area, as well as select international projects. She has worked with clients such as StART Toronto, Nike, Lancome, Footlocker, Inkbox, Indigo, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, City of Toronto, Happy Place, and more. Her art has been exhibited at the ROM, MOCA, and the Ontario Science Centre. Learn more.
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival. This workshop will take place in-person in the Footprints Room at the Bata Shoe Museum (located on the ground level). All materials and general access to the museum are included. Please arrive 5-15 minutes prior so that the workshop can begin on schedule. Limited spots available. Refunds only permitted with 3 business days notice. With less than 3 business days notice, ticket sales are considered final and refunds will not be issued. Please refer to the refund and cancellation policy, and contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.

2024 Founder's Lecture
2024-11-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
When: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 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

Diversifying Design: A Conversation with D’Wayne Edwards
Former Design Director at Nike, designer of Air Jordan 21 and 22, one of the world’s leading experts on diversity in design, Business of Fashion’s 500 Most Influential People, and founder of the 1st Black owned footwear factory in the United States, we are thrilled to welcome designer, educator, and trailblazer Dr. D’Wayne Edwards as our special guest speaker for the 2024 BSM Founder’s Lecture. Join BSM Director and Senior Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack in conversation with Edwards as they explore the convergence of culture, dress, and society through the lens of sneakers.
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.
BUY TICKETS
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

D’Wayne Edwards, with no formal education started his career in 1989, as an entry-level footwear designer for LA Gear at the age of 19. Over the course of his career, which now spans over three-decades, he has received numerous honors and awards from the Red Dot award, three-time Mercedes Benz Fashion award winner, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Business Insider 100 People Transforming Business to President Barack Obama awarding him the President Volunteer of Service Award.
As a designer, Dr. Edwards has accumulated more than 50 patents and designed more than 500 footwear styles for premier entertainers such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, Dre, Snoop Dog and Nas. His designs have been worn in six different Olympics, graced all MLB, NFL and NBA stadiums by athletes such as Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony and Michael Jordan. In 2010, Edwards began his journey as an educator by establishing the first academy in the U.S. dedicated to footwear design, PENSOLE. PENSOLE has quickly become the preeminent footwear design school in the world by securing partnerships with the industry’s top footwear brands and retailers. PENSOLE has placed more than 700 former alums in positions working professionally for some of today’s top brands: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Brooks, Vans, Puma, Timberland, The North Face, JORDAN, Zenga, and others globally.
As an educator, Dr. Edwards has taught and lectured at some of the premiere schools in the world from ArtCenter in Pasadena, CA; Parsons in New York; MIT in Boston, MA; Kolding Design School in Kolding Denmark; Harvard in Boston, MA; and a speaker at the Clinton Global Conference. In 2019, ArtCenter College of Design recognized his career as a designer and educator by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate degree making him the 4th person in ArtCenter’s 90-year history to receive this honor.
Dr. Edwards is known as one of the leading experts on diversity in design by his peers. He has created a network of over 600 black and brown designers across all design industries through the creation of an annual conference called the Black Footwear Forum. His work around diversity has led to honors such as the Footwear News Icon award, Footwear News Person of the Year, IDSA Special Achievement Award, Footwear Plus Lifetime Achievement Award and Business of Fashion Global 500 Innovators Award. Today, after such a storied career, D’Wayne has achieved a personal career goal of opening the 1st Black owned footwear factory in the United States called JEMS. Named after a black shoemaking pioneer Jan Ernst Matzeliger this footwear factor will provide young aspiring Black designers an opportunity to create their own brands and see them come to fruition.
The most meaningful work of D’Wayne’s career is becoming the President of Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design(PLC) in Detroit, MI. PLC is the 1st design focused HBCU and the 1st HBCU to reopen. In 2022 PLC was recognized by FastCompany as one of the most innovative design companies in the world.
Dr. Edwards, mission is to leave the industry better than when he entered it and to make the conversation around diversity, no longer a conversation.

Taylor Swift Fan Night
2024-11-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
When: Tuesday, November 12, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Cost: $30/person
Where: Bata Shoe Museum
Calling all Swifties! In celebration of the Eras Tour coming to Toronto, the Bata Shoe Museum is throwing an epic Taylor Swift Party! It doesn’t matter if she wears high heels and you wear sneakers, or if you want to rock your dark jeans and your Nikes (look at you!) this party is for Swifties of all levels, and all ages! Come dressed as your favourite Era (ours is 1989 to match our Dressed to Impress exhibition of course), and dance the night away with a one-of-a-kind video dance party! Dance party, friendship bracelet making, light snacks, and photo stations all included!
BUY YOUR TICKETS
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival. Anyone who wishes to consume alcohol will be carded and wrist-banded by security at the door. All materials and general access to the museum are included. Limited spots available. Refunds only permitted with 3 business days notice. With less than 3 business days notice, ticket sales are considered final and refunds will not be issued. Anyone wishing to consume alcohol must present physical ID and be wrist banded. Please refer to the refund and cancellation policy, and contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.

Museum Store Sunday
2024-12-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Shop with purpose! On Sunday, December 1, our Museum shop will be taking part in Museum Store Sunday, an event celebrating museum shops worldwide. We’ll be offering a one-day sale: 10% off all merchandise, or 20% when you bring in a new, unused pair of socks to donate to Socks 4 Souls Canada Enjoy free admission to our museum as part of our Free Sundays.
LEARN MORE

In Conversation: Anna Porter
2024-12-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
When: Wednesday December 11, 6 pm to 10 pm
Cost (with book): $35/person
Cost (without book): $20/person
Friends of the BSM (with book): $30/person
Friends of the BSM (without book): $10/person
Where: Bata Shoe Museum
BUY TICKETS
Join us for an engaging evening with acclaimed author Anna Porter as she delves into the captivating worlds of mystery and crime writing, inspired by Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear. With a career spanning multiple bestselling novels, Porter will share her insights Whether you’re a fan of the genre or an aspiring writer, this event promises to offer valuable perspectives on the elements that make mystery and crime fiction so irresistibly thrilling.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of the most respected voices in contemporary literature. A Q&A session and a book signing will follow the talk. The museum’s galleries will also be open after the talk.
Please note, a limited number of copies of Anna Porter’s books, Gull Island and Deceptions, will be will be available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis. A book purchase will be required to take part in the book signing.
Agenda
6:00 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Event
8:00 to 8:30 pm – Book Signing
9:30 pm – Doors Close
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival. This talk will take place in-person on the B1 level at the Bata Shoe Museum. Limited spots available.
Refunds only permitted with 3 business days notice. With less than 3 business days notice, ticket sales are considered final and refunds will not be issued. Please refer to the refund and cancellation policy, and contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anna Porter is the author of 13 books, the two most recent are Gull Island, a psychological thriller, and In Other Words: How I Fell in Love with Canada One Book at a Time, a memoir of her wonderful and challenging life as a book publisher. Ghosts of Europe: Journeys Through Central Europe’s Troubled Past and Uncertain Future, won the Shaughnessey Cohen Prize for Political Writing. Kasztner’s Train, the True Story of Rezso Kasztner, Unknown Hero of the Holocaust was the winner of the 2007 Writers’ Trust Non-Fiction Award and of the Jewish Book Award for Non-Fiction. She has written six novels , one of which, Bookfair Murders, was made into a television movie, and a strange childhood memoir, The Storyteller.
She has written numerous newspaper and magazine articles on a broad range of topics, including Solidarity in Poland, Hungarians, Slovaks and Czechs, Farley Mowat, Doris Anderson, the Roma, the book business, Dracula and the rise of fascism in Europe.
She is co-founder of Key Porter Books, a company with a wide-ranging list that included Farley Mowat, Allan Fotheringham, Howard Engel, Joan Barfoot, Fred Bruemmer, Norman Jewison, George Jonas, Margaret Atwood, The Right Honourable Jean Chretien, Sylvia Fraser, Modris Eksteins, John Keegan, Martin Gilbert, Irving Abella, Josef Skvorecky, Italo Calvino, William Trevor, Conrad Black and Janet Lunn.
She has served on numerous corporate and charitable boards, including Alliance Communications, the Empire Company, The Shaw Festival, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
She is an Officer of The Order of Canada and has been awarded the Order of Ontario.

Winter Break at the BSM
2024-12-27 10:00 - 2025-01-04 16:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Cost: Included with General Admission
When: Every Monday to Saturday from December 27 to January 4
Where: B1 level, Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is closed on January 1
Put on your party shoes and celebrate at the Bata Shoe Museum with fun-filled activities through the Winter Break. In celebration of our newest exhibition, Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists, join us to create and decorate your own fancy footwear. Get into the holiday spirit by creating your own party footwear design, make a shoe ornament, design a holiday postcard, bedazzle your own shoes, and so much more! Don’t forget to take home an activity booklet to keep the party going at home. Each booklet is full of mazes, jokes, word searches, colouring, and more shoe-related fun. View our daily schedule below:
Crafts may vary depending on supplies
Daily Schedule
Available from Monday to Saturday. Drop-in, no registration required.
12:00 pm – Hands on History: Learn About Footwear Worn for Celebrations Around the World
Our museum experts will provide interactive learning and sensory opportunities for visitors to see and touch artifacts from our collection.

1:00 pm – Winter Shoebox Bingo
Come play our Winter Shoe Box Bingo to learn about winter footwear. You might even win a prize from our treasure box! Fun for all ages!
2:00 pm – Hands on History: Learn About Footwear Worn for Celebrations Around the World
Our museum experts will provide interactive learning and sensory opportunities for visitors to see and touch artifacts from our collection.

3:00 pm – Winter Shoebox Bingo
come play our Winter Shoe Box Bingo to learn about winter footwear. You might even win a prize from our treasure box! Fun for all ages!

Lets Get Physical: 80s Aerobics Dance Class
2025-01-11 09:30 - 10:30
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 9:30 am to 10:30 am (Doors open at 9 am)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Friends of the BSM (includes access to all current exhibitions)
Channel your inner Jane Fonda and wear your best 80s bodysuits, leg warmers, and neon as you join us for a high-energy, 80s-inspired group class featuring the best music, moves, and fashion from the 1980s. Led by Choreographer, Educator, and Dancer Melissa Bartrem, this adult dancercise class is designed for all skill levels. Following the class, explore our current exhibitions including Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s.
This event is open to all ages but recommended for participants 16+. Please arrive early, ready to go by 9:30 am sharp. Washrooms are available for changing and a self-monitored area for bags and coats will be available.
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Refunds are permitted within 3 business days. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS

Echoes of the 80s: A Musical Journey
2025-01-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Sunday, January 12
Time: 1:00 pm
Ticket: Free, registration required
Location: Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W.)
Get ready for a captivating musical journey! Labyrinth Ensemble musicians Araz Salek, Roa Lee, and Sasan Salaseli are coming together as an ’80s-inspired trio to celebrate the Bata Shoe Museum’s Dressed to Impress exhibition. Experience a fresh perspective on the iconic decade, blending contemporary compositions with the innovative spirit of the Labyrinth Musical Workshop, founded by Ross Daly in 1982. Don’t miss this unique fusion of fashion and music that redefines the ’80s! Limited seats available.
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
REGISTER NOW
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

ABOUT ARAZ SALEK:

Araz Salek, a Persian tar (lute) player from Tehran, began his training at eight under master musicians Hooshang Zarif, Arshad Tahmasebi, and Hossein Omoumi. He has taught extensively in Iran and Canada, including at the University of Tehran, Shawrak Music School, and the Labyrinth Musical Workshop. As Artistic Director of Labyrinth Ontario, which he co-founded in 2017, he promotes modal music traditions. Araz leads the Shiraz Ensemble, plays with Persamenco, and experiments across genres, with highlights including his solo album Birth and the Toronto/Crete quartet “This Tale of Ours.”

ABOUT SASAN SALASELI:

Sasan Salaseli, an Iranian Tonbak and Daf player, has been performing since 1985 and teaching for over 20 years. A student of Jahangir Malek, Bijan Kamkar, and Bahman Rajabi, he toured Scandinavia with the Sarayan Group and founded Iran’s first percussion school, Abidar, in 2007. Sasan is known for innovative rhythm pedagogy, combining poetry and group workshops to teach children.

ABOUT ROA LEE:

Roa Lee, a Korean Gayageum musician, blends traditional Korean music with global influences through performance, composition, and collaboration. Now based in Toronto, she has partnered with organizations like the Aga Khan Museum and Small World Music, exploring fusion and new music while sharing the versatility of her instrument with diverse audiences.

Cultural Narratives: The Storytelling Power of Design
2025-01-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $15 General
Includes access to all current exhibitions.
BUY TICKETS
In partnership with Designlines Magazine and inspired by the BSM exhibition Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s, we invite you to join us for a unique panel discussion exploring how footwear and interior design serve as cultural artifacts that tell insightful stories about the 1980s. Moderated by Joseph Cicerone, Editor-in-Chief, Designlines Magazine, and including a dynamic panel of industry experts, this thoughtful discussion will examine how design, inspired by key cultural and social movements throughout the 1980s, continues to influence ideas, structural/social dynamics, and consumer sentiments to this day.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors open
7:00 pm – Panel Discussion with Q&A
8:00 pm – Reception with the panelists
9:00 pm – Doors close
MEET THE SPEAKERS:

ABOUT SEAN BROWN:

Multidisciplinary Creative & Cultural Archivist
From founding elevated sportswear label NEEDS&WANTS, becoming a Juno Award nominee for Best Album Artwork of the Year, and hosting a solo art show at various Canadian locations including the ROM, to launching Curves, the hugely successful home goods brand, founding Sq Ft magazine, and leading a branding agency whose client list includes names like Rimowa, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Gucci, Sean aims to reimage the future of product development and design informed by a broad referential vocabulary, underpinned by a desire to show equal reverence to non-traditional and institutionally acknowledged artifacts of importance.

ABOUT KEVIN CHAN:

Partner & Co-Founder, NIVEK REMAS
Alongside partner Samer Shaath, Kevin leads design direction with NIVEK REMAS for numerous international luxury projects including hospitality, residential, and retail. A leader in meaningful and cultivated design, Kevin’s design process takes clients closer to the final product, enabling true visual representation of the concept. NIVAK REMAS continues to pave the way with their award-winning and globally celebrated design.

ABOUT ANNIE CHOU

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Arc & Co. Design Collective
Part of the team that designed the Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s exhibition, Annie has been a vanguard in brand experience planning and strategy for the last 20 years. With a passion for designing a better world, Annie advocates for a design industry aligned with the contemporary zeitgeist that focuses on transformative leadership, and academic research with interests spanning the arts, humanities, cognitive neuroscience, semiotics, and social studies.

ABOUT DANIEL MOSSAYABI:

Founder & CEO, Inked Out Kicks
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 JOSEPH CICERONE:

Editor-in-Chief, Designlines Magazine
With a sharp focus on innovation and style, Joseph drives the editorial vision of Toronto’s leading voice in contemporary design. He curates engaging content highlighting the best in local interior design and architecture. Through his leadership, Designlines continues to shape conversations around design excellence, championing the city’s most creative minds and setting new standards for what defines exceptional design in Toronto.

Co-Presenter

Year of the Snake Celebration at the BSM
2025-01-26 12:00 - 16:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Sunday, January 26
Time: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Ticket: Free, registration is encouraged
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Join us on Sunday January 26th for special performances from Lion Dance Toronto, crafts from Toronto History Museum’s Youth Volunteers, tea ceremony demonstrations with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, and photo opportunities to commemorate the coming Lunar New Year. According to the Chinese zodiac, this year’s new lunar cycle (which begins on Wednesday January 29th) kicks off the year of the Earth Snake.
Agenda
12:30 – Lion Dance (B1)
1:00 – Lion Meet and Greet/Photos (All About Shoes)
1:00 – Tea Ceremony Demonstration (Footprints)
1:45 – Lion Dance (B1)
2:15 – Meet and Greet/Photos (B1)
3:00 – Lion Dance (B1)
3:30 – Tea Ceremony Demonstration (Footprints)
RSVP NOW
Please present your e-ticket upon arrival. We encourage visitors to arrive early to avoid disappointment. All events and activities are presented on a first come, first serve basis. Due to the popularity of this event, there will be no re-entry to the museum. Note that food and drink, aside from water, are not permitted in the museum. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions or concerns.

Art/Wear Sneaker Battle
2025-01-31 19:00 - 23:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $25 General, $20 Friends of the BSM (includes access to all current exhibitions)
Inspired by our latest exhibition Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists, we’ve teamed up with YETI Arts (Youth Engagement Through Interactive Arts) to host an exciting Art/Wear Sneaker Battle. Watch and cheer as six talented local artists go head-to-head (er…toe-to-toe), to transform basic sneakers into extraordinary works of art. The night will be filled with high energy, music by DJ D-Smooth, and an artist marketplace. Come out to witness the fusion of creativity, culture, and footwear come to life. Whether you’re an art lover, sneaker enthusiast, or just looking for a unique night out, this event is not to be missed.

Artists Competing:

Anwar Kush (aka KUSH or Cushnie)
Born in Kingston, Jamaica and trained at both Sheridan College and PLC Detroit , designer and artist Anwar Kush blends digital expertise with a traditional background in tattooing, illustration, and graphic design. His work navigates a broad scope of influences including surrealism, comic, pop art, and realism that result in a complex yet simplistic digital style inspired by themes of cultural and historical moments expressed with newfound flexibility.

Erika Flores
Erika is a multi-media Toronto artist who uses diverse mediums such as digital illustration, acrylic glass paintings, and engravings, often creatively telling stories through a unique blend of poetry and video. She is best known for her work in illustration for brands such as Nike, WNBA, NBA, Microsoft, and PWHL Toronto Sceptres.

EGR
EGR is an award-winning contemporary visual artist whose work challenges perceptions of public art and graffiti, portraying the dichotomy between nature and the industrialized world. EGR is well-known for her murals and live painting performances at international events, as she creates stunning large-scale pieces on a variety of surfaces that combine artistic flair and skill with a deep love of music, nature, and urban culture. Her work was included in Canada’s first national exhibition of street art at a major Canadian museum, the Royal Ontario Museum; in the Art Gallery of Ontario; in the McMichael Canadian Art Collection; and in galleries and collections worldwide.

Elize Stolk
Earth to Elize is a Toronto-based ‘Alien Artist’ with a multi-media practice that blurs the line between our universe and one entirely their own. While much of Elize’s current work exists as digital illustration or small-scale sculpture, they often dive head-first into projects that utilize entirely new skill sets – preferring to work with whatever materials best communicate the unique vision of a piece. Elize’s most notable projects of 2024 include the children’s storybook “I Love You to the Earth & Back” which Elize wrote illustrated and published themselves, the public installation “Deeply Rooted” developed for Toronto Pride 2024, and their hand-painted leather clothing line “Space Cadet” launched in partnership with local art-clothing boutique ‘WNDRLND’. Through bold colour, flowing shapes and whimsical creatures, Earth to Elize’s work invites us to not only embrace the unusual, but to weave it into our own stories with intention and curiosity as we challenge this thing we call “normal”.

Marvin Mariano
Marvin has worked with an impressive list of clients including Hasbro, Mattel, Marvel Entertainment, DC Comics, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Dreamworks LLC., 20th Century Fox, National Geographic, Lucasfilm, and Lucas Licensing. His work can been seen on popular shows such as Transformers: Beast Machines, the G.I. Joe: Spy Troops movie, Season 3 of Doc starring Billy Ray Cyrus, and Carl2 for Teletoon. Marvin is also a professional Tattoo artist specializing in Realism, Cover-Ups, Portraits and unique custom works.

Rechie Modes
Chie Modes is a Filipino artist and full time tattooist based in Toronto. Modes works with different styles and mediums from acrylic, oil paints, watercolour, coffee, and sometimes wood burning and murals. Modes works in a private studio and loves how art connects people in different ways, creating meaningful relationships.

Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Refunds are permitted within 3 business days. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS

In partnership with:

Lets Get Physical: 80s Aerobics Dance Class
2025-02-02 11:00 - 12:00
Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (Doors open 10:30 am)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Friends of the BSM (includes access to all current exhibitions)
Channel your inner Jane Fonda and wear your best 80s bodysuits, leg warmers, and neon as you join us for a high-energy, 80s-inspired group class featuring the best music, moves, and fashion from the 1980s. Led by Choreographer, Educator, and Dancer Melissa Bartrem, this adult dancercise class is designed for all skill levels. Following the class, explore our current exhibitions including em>Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s.
This event is open to all ages but recommended for participants 16+. Please arrive early, ready to go by 11:00 am sharp. Washrooms are available for changing and a self-monitored area for bags and coats will be available.
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Refunds are permitted within 3 business days. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS

80s Trivia: Sights and Sounds
2025-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $25 General, $20 Friends of the BSM (includes one beverage and access to all current exhibitions)
Get ready for a totally rad night of 80s Trivia: Sights and Sounds celebrating our current exhibition Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s. Test your knowledge of iconic 80s movies, music videos, and chart-topping hits as we show clips, stills, and play the most iconic songs from the decade. Whether you’re a fan of neon, big hair, or synth-pop, come relive the magic of the 80s and compete for fun prizes. It’s going to be, like, totally awesome!
6:30 pm – Doors open
7:00 pm – Trivia
8:00 pm – Galleries open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Refunds are permitted within 3 business days. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS

Natural Foot Scrub Making Workshop
2025-02-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Doors Open 10:45)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $55 General, $50 Friends of the BSM (includes access to all current exhibitions)
In this hands-on workshop, participants will create their own luxurious foot scrub using a selection of natural ingredients. Guided through the process by Catherine Chambers of Let’s Make It, you’ll work with clays, exfoliants, and natural fragrances while learning about their skin-nourishing benefits. The scrub will produce a rich lather and provide a range of soothing effects as it’s massaged into the skin. By the end of the workshop, each participant will take home a 240ml jar of their personalized foot scrub, perfect for pampering yourself or gifting. All materials and instruction are included.
About the Catherine Chambers
Catherine Chambers is a maker space studio owner and organizational learning facilitator. She specializes in constructivist learning methodologies that engage learning in such areas as innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. She works in a range of industries and sectors, including education, healthcare, social services, and technology.
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Refunds are permitted within 3 business days. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS

Family Day at the BSM
2025-02-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with general admission
BUY TICKETS
Spend your Family Day with us making fun crafts including a mini game in a box, ‘Laces and Ladders’ and more! Take a self-guided tour of our current exhibitions, have some family fun in the Try-On Shoes area, play games with family and friends including iSpy around the museum with our exhibition-themed activity cards.
Family Day programming is included with your general admission ticket for adults and children. All crafts are subject to supply availability. Please note that children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Powwow Dance Workshop
2025-03-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Ticket: Free, registration required
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Experience the vibrant energy of Powwow dancing in this free all-ages, all-abilities workshop led by Deanne Hupfield, host of How to Powwow Dance on YouTube. Deanne will share the beauty of these dances but also her personal stories, fostering awareness and appreciation of Indigenous culture. Whether you’re new to Powwow dance or looking to deepen your connection with it, join us for an inspiring and educational experience celebrating resilience, tradition, and community.
RSVP NOW
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. We encourage visitors to arrive 5-15 minutes early and to wear comfortable clothes to dance/move in and appropriate shoes. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions or concerns.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Host of How to Powwow Dance on YouTube, Deanne Hupfield is Ojibwe from Temagami First Nation. Raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Deanne dances Fancy Shawl, Jingle Dress, and Hoop dance and has spent her life reconnecting to the culture that was taken from her mother through the 60’s Scoop. Everything that she has learned about culture and powwow she has brought back to her community. She has been teaching powwow dance and Regalia making in her community for over 20 years and now she shares her stories in hopes of building awareness of Indigenous culture.

March Break 2025
2025-03-10 10:00 - 2025-03-15 16:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
When: Monday, March 10 – Saturday, March 15
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with general admission.)
Step into a fun-filled March Break at the Bata Shoe Museum with daily crafts, games, and tours that are sure to keep kids and adults entertained all week long. Get creative at our self-guided craft station, join one of our expert guides for a fascinating tour of our galleries, or challenge your footwear knowledge with our Wheel of Shoes Trivia game for a chance to win a shoe-themed prize.
Daily Drop-In Programming Schedule
Each program runs for about 45 minutes to 1 hour
11:00 am – Guided Exhibition Tour
12:00 pm – Wheel of Shoes Trivia
1:00 pm – Guided Exhibition Tour
2:00 pm – Wheel of Shoes Trivia
All March Break programming is included with your general admission ticket for adults and children. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Crafts are while supplies last.

Curator's Talk: Celebrating Women in Design
2025-03-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Doors Open 6:30 pm)
Ticket: $15 General Admission, $10 Student (ID Required) and Senior (65+), Free for Friends of the BSM
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Join us for an inspiring lecture by Bata Shoe Museum Curator Nishi Bassi as she explores the impactful, but often underrecognized contributions of women in shoe design. From Beth Levine’s pioneering work in the mid-20th century to Aurora James’s modern activism-driven designs, women have played a vital role in shaping the footwear industry. This engaging talk will explore the artistry and influence of these remarkable women but also examine the barriers that have historically limited female representation in shoemaking. Discover how these trailblazers have carved their path in a male-dominated field, paving the way for future generations.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Lecture Begins
8:00 pm – Lecture Ends, Galleries Open
9:30 – Doors Close
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY TICKETS

ABOUT NISHI BASSI:

Nishi Bassi is a Curator and Exhibitions Project Manager with 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 currently holds a volunteer position on the Board of Directors for ICOM Canada.

Lets Get Physical: 80s Aerobics Dance Class
2025-03-16 11:00 - 12:00
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (Doors open at 10:30 am)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Friends of the BSM (includes access to all current exhibitions)
Channel your inner Jane Fonda and wear your best 80s bodysuits, leg warmers, and neon as you join us for a high-energy, 80s-inspired group class featuring the best music, moves, and fashion from the 1980s. Led by Choreographer, Educator, and Dancer Melissa Bartrem, this adult dancercise class is designed for all skill levels. Following the class, explore our current exhibitions including Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s.
This event is open to all ages but recommended for participants 16+. Please arrive early, ready to go by 11:00 am sharp. Washrooms are available for changing and a self-monitored area for bags and coats will be available.
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Refunds are permitted within 3 business days. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS

Ultimate 80s Trivia
2025-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $25 General, $20 Friends of the BSM (includes one beverage and access to all current exhibitions)
Dust off your shoulder pads, tease your hair, and grab your Rubik’s Cube—it’s time to test your knowledge of everything totally tubular about the 80s with our Ultimate 80s Trivia Night! From chart-topping music hits and iconic blockbuster movies to world-shaping events and retro footwear trends, this is your chance to prove you’re the ultimate 80s expert. This is our final 80s trivia event celebrating the Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s exhibition, so don’t miss your chance to show off your smarts and say goodbye to this amazing showcase of 80s style.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors open
7:00 pm – Trivia
8:00 pm – Galleries open
9:00 pm – Museum Closed
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Refunds are permitted within 3 business days. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS
