Bata Shoe Museum
Check out the only museum in North America solely dedicated to shoes
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: YesCurrently Closed
Hours This Week:- 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 – 8:00 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
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bloor-Danforth | St. George Station | 1 Minute |
| Yonge-University-Spadina | St. George Station | 1 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.
Reviews
Rated out of 5
Though not a large museum it hosts an interesting collection of artifacts that are surprisingly captivating. I went when they had a special exhibit on clothing and shoes from the industrial era exploring the dangerous side of vibrant colors and style choices. I learned a lot and it made me glad not to be alive in those times. Additionally their exhibit on Arctic clothing was fascinating and the ingenuity of the local populace outstanding. I would highly recommend for all as an afternoon 2-3 hour visit at reasonable price. It is also easy accessible by subway.
Kasper Gruszczynski - 3 days ago
Though not a large museum it hosts an interesting collection of artifacts that are surprisingly captivating. I went when they had a special exhibit on clothing and shoes from the industrial era exploring the dangerous side of vibrant colors and style choices. I learned a lot and it made me glad not to be alive in those times. Additionally their exhibit on Arctic clothing was fascinating and the ingenuity of the local populace outstanding. I would highly recommend for all as an afternoon 2-3 hour visit at reasonable price. It is also easy accessible by subway.
Meaghan Mackenzie - 4 days ago
It was a great experience. You could see shows from different places in the world. I love shoes and it was so good to spend time and see them and read more about it. They had a store there that could order hand made shoes too I think it should be very expensive:)))
Kim Ky - 13 days ago
It was a great experience. You could see shows from different places in the world. I love shoes and it was so good to spend time and see them and read more about it. They had a store there that could order hand made shoes too I think it should be very expensive:)))
spyderm4n - 26 days ago
colin menezes - 1 month ago
Video
Photo Gallery
Colourful shoes on display at the Bata Shoe Museum cc licensed photo by Charles Hoffman -
Toronto, Canada cc licensed photo by rick ligthelm -
Toronto, Canada cc licensed photo by rick ligthelm -
Bata Shoe Museum Tilted Windows cc licensed photo by puroticorico -
The Bata Shoe Museum Designed by Raymond Moriyama cc licensed photo by puroticorico
