Bata Shoe Museum

Check out the only museum in North America solely dedicated to shoes

Exterior of the Bata Shoe Museum
Exterior of the Bata Shoe Museum cc licensed photo by John M

The Bata Shoe Museum is a five storey building that was built to house Sonja Bata's shoe collection. It uses four of those storeys to publicly display over 1000 shoes in four fascinating galleries starting from an era that goes back about 4500 years in the flagship exhibition.

These informative galleries will educate you about the materials and techniques that were used through-out the ages to make footwear both fashionable and practicable.

In the BSM you will find a collection of over 13,000 artifacts and shoes that represent the era, region and history of the world in which the specimen shoes came from. This wide variety of footwear ranges from bound foot shoes worn by some of the Chinese females, Ancient Egyptian sandals, practical clogs used to crush chestnuts, cowboy and riding boots, dazzling high heels, platforms, sports shoes including specialized shoes worn for dance plus many others.

Shoes worn by celebrates are a popular favourite for most guests. A few examples include Queen Victoria's ballroom slippers, Elton John's silver platform boots, Elvis Presley's blue patent loafers and a running shoe that belonged to Terry Fox. There are many more on display for visitors to view.

Since 1940 Sonja Bata has searched the world for shoes to add to her collection. However, it wasn't until May 6th 1995 that the museum was built in its present location in downtown Toronto. Here, they constructed this fascinating building which is designed in the shape of an open shoe box.

2015 is the 20th anniversary of the opening of the museum, which has become one of Toronto's cultural landmarks and famous establishments.

The BSM Museum continues to collect shoes from around the world, research information about the shape, material, how they were made and for what purpose. It also preserves and displays them in creative and informative ways that keep you interested while educating you about a bit of history and fashion throughout time. Most exhibits are on display for one or two years and feature shoes focused on a specific time period. All about shoes: is a long term exhibit, that takes you back in time on a journey through the years of footwear.

When visiting the museum be sure to check out the gift shop. This fun little shop is well supplied with lots of souvenirs, books and other items related to shoes.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Bata Shoe Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Address: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada

Phone: (416) 979-7799

Official Website: Bata Shoe Museum

Bata Shoe Museum Reviews

Rated 4.4 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating I love the layout of this museum. I love museums dedicated to specific things tracking its history and straight forward information provided no history textbook nonsense. And that is exactly what this museum is. It’s a treat for the eyes. The interior of this building is great. The way the shoes are displayed accompanied by concise information on it is, also, entirely delightful. I love this place and I recommend it.
Kavitha R. - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Visiting this museum is a great treat, not only for shoe lovers. very relevant exhibits - with the permanent one on the first floor presenting the history of shoes and showcasing some unique pairs from the museum's collection. if you go before Christmas make sure to check out and vote for one of the gorgeous ginger houses displayed in the basement level. The upper floors exhibits change every few months - and there is always something intriguing and though provoking.
Anna P - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating I visited here alone and I had a great time going through their collections, and reading about the history of shoes and evolution of footwear trends. I think there were three floors and I was able to go through majority of the exhibitions within an hour. Highly recommend visiting!
Nana Khadijah - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Bata Shoe Museum One of the famous museums of Toronto. It's full of interesting shoes 👞. The history of shoes and the nature of shoe-making were established properly. The shoes of famous characters and famous companies are exhibited there. I liked 👍 this museum and I recommend it. 👞 👟 🥿 👡 👢 👠 👞 👟 🥿 👡 👢 👠
shahrooz shamsizadeh - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating I loved stepping into History. The Mesmerizing World of the Bata Shoe Museum was a captivating realm where fascination, intrigue, and a wealth of information await every visitor. From ancient footwear to contemporary styles, the museum provides a thought-provoking journey through the evolution of shoes across time. With three floors dedicated to the diverse world of footwear, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. The Bata Shoe Museum takes you on a captivating journey, unraveling the stories woven into the soles of shoes from different eras. The exploration from historical footwear to modern trends serves as a source of provocative food for thought, offering a unique perspective on culture, fashion, and craftsmanship. I was immersed in a world of shoes, shoes, and more footwear across three floors of the museum. The sheer variety and artistry displayed make it a treasure trove for shoe enthusiasts and those intrigued by the evolution of fashion and style. My visit left me both amazed and curious, as the Bata Shoe Museum exceeded my expectations. The intriguing exhibits and the diverse array of shoes on display captured my imagination, making it a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for history and fashion. The Bata Shoe Museum prides itself on being accessible to all. With a fully roll-in automatic door entry and elevators, the museum ensures that everyone can partake in the fascinating journey through the history of footwear. What's even more delightful is the reasonable pricing, making this cultural gem accessible to a broad audience. What began as a visit turned into a prolonged exploration, as the captivating exhibits and immersive displays held my attention for much longer than I anticipated. The Bata Shoe Museum offers a rich experience that invites visitors to linger and absorb the fascinating narratives embedded in each pair of shoes. Conveniently located just two blocks from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), the Bata Shoe Museum complements Toronto's cultural landscape. Consider combining visits to both museums for a day filled with diverse perspectives on history, fashion, and human expression. The Bata Shoe Museum is a hidden gem that seamlessly weaves together history, art, and culture through the lens of footwear. From its accessible design to the rich narratives within, this museum promises an enriching experience that transcends expectations. Step into the Bata Shoe Museum, where every shoe tells a story waiting to be discovered. #meandmywhill #bknomadnesstraveltribe #bktyontheroadagain #toronto #BataShoeMuseum
TYree S - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

Directions

TTC Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Bloor-Danforth St. George Station1 Minute
Yonge-University-SpadinaSt. George Station1 Minute

How to get to Bata Shoe Museum by TTC Subway

From St. George Station on either the Bloor Danforth or University-Spadina Line: exit onto St. George Street and go left (south) to Bloor Street West. Cross the road both ways to the museum.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Bata Shoe Museum:

Photo Gallery

Video

Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.


Toronto Hotel Deals

Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo
Booking.com sale banner link

Visiting Toronto?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!