Spadina House Toronto
A visit to the outstanding Spadina Museum Historic House and Gardens in Toronto will transport you back to another era
In Toronto there is an outstanding museum that totally gives one the feeling that time is standing still in the era of the 1920s and 30s when things were simpler in one way and harder in another — a time when neighbours knew, trusted and helped one another. While lesser known than its larger neighbour Casa Loma, Spadina Museum Historic House and Gardens are equally and perhaps even more worthy of your time.
Spadina House has a long and interesting history. In 1866 James Austin, founder and president of the Dominion Bank and Consumers Gas, and his wife Susan had purchased the 80 acre property for $14,000 at an auction. They built the current mansion on the foundations of the pre-existing Baldwin home that was named Spadina and kept the same name for their new home. The name Spadina comes from a native word espadinong meaning hill.
During 1887-1892 he subdivided and sold parcels of his sought after land making around $200,000 a very abundant profit.
Amid the 19th and early 20th century this desired area became the home to many of Toronto's wealthiest families living on huge estates making it the richest neighbourhood in all of Toronto.
After James Austin passed away in 1897 his son Albert inherited the estate with 20 acres of land. Albert and his wife Mary greatly expanded the house adding a number of new rooms and altering it significantly with many renovations, including a grand third floor addition. They also updated and increased the beauty of the gardens with many new structures such as a greenhouse, a stucco garage and circular driveway. They left the mid-nineteenth century wooden stable which was later used for the gardeners until the late 1920s. This is the oldest building on the grounds.
In 1913 Albert Austin sold a big portion of his property to the city of Toronto for the development of the St. Clair Reservoir.
In 1978 Anna Kathleen Thompson (granddaughter of James and Susan Austin) partially sold and partially donated the mansion jointly to the city of Ontario and the Ontario Heritage Foundation. The transfer included furnishings, archives, family portraits, about 6 acres of gorgeous gardens in a park-like setting, and even the kitchen oven. These prized family possesions were given to the museum to honour her parents Albert and Mary.
The Spadina Museum first opened to the public in 1984 after two years of extensive safety updates and electrical rewiring were completed.
Twenty-five years later, after all the wear and tear from visitors who came to see the museum, it was once again closed for renovations. These renos which were made to the interior took 10 months to complete. Samples of leftover fabrics, wallpaper and other contents from the Austin family made it possible to create a vision of the way the house looked in the 1920s as well as educating guests about the social, economical and political lives of those living in that era.
Spadina House Museum has several guided tours of the historic 1866 restored mansion and beautiful gardens. There is a gift shop and it is fully accessible for those with special needs.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes there is a small admission fee which includes a tour when available.Spadina House Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2V5, Canada
Phone: (416) 392-6910
Official Website: Spadina House
Spadina House Reviews
Rated out of 5
Heather our guide was amazing! A very nice, cute little spot to spend your afternoon in. They do free tours, every hour at 15 past the hour. Great way to learn the history of Toronto. Definitely a unique piece in Toronto and Canadian history.
The gardens were amazing to take pictures... And inside the house is set to a 1920s look
Aaron C - 2 months ago
Spadina Museum was a wonderful place to visit. The house is beautifully preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into Toronto’s history and the lifestyle of the Austin family. Every room is thoughtfully decorated with period furniture, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The gardens are peaceful and well maintained, adding to the charm of the property. The staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It’s a hidden gem that’s well worth visiting if you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a quiet and beautiful place to explore in the city.
T - 2 months ago
Free to visit. You must go on a tour to see the Museum. There is a free portino you can see. It is an art Gallery and the old foundation of the mansion. The gift shop area is nice. Free accessible parking available for two vehicles. Bicycle racks available.
The website for these museums in Toronto is terrible and confusing. You cannot see the majority of these sites without going on a guided tour. The website makes you think you can.
JC Le - 2 months ago
One of the most worthy to visit in Toronto History Museums. Free admission, must join the guided tour. 45 mins tour is long enough, detailed and immersed.
The introduction video played before the tour helped to know better the former house owner, Austin family and that era. The guider is knowledgeable and good-presenter but the voice could be louder.
The furniture and decors are reserved well and numerous, better experience the house style of weathy class family and techonolgy changes, like watching them to rise, settle and fall.
Carmen Wong - 3 months ago
A small museum next to Casa Loma that is easy to overlook, but you should definitely check it out. It is free to visit, but you have to join a guided tour, so make sure to look up the schedule beforehand.
The guide was really friendly and informative, and the tour took about an hour. It is not very big, but the house is beautiful and well worth seeing.
Tiffany - 5 months ago
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yonge-University-Spadina | Dupont Station | 8-10 MInutes |
How to get to Spadina House by TTC Subway
No bus needed. From Dupont Station walk 2 blocks north on Spadina Road to Davenport Road then follow the Baldwin stairs (110 steps) up the hill directly ahead of you. Spadina House is located right next door to Casa Loma.
If you prefer not to use the stairs you can proceed west on Davenport Road; right on Wallace Road and right again on Austin Terrace.
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Photo Gallery
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Beautiful Staircase Inside the Spadina House Museum cc licensed photo by Vytas Bru -
Inside the Spadina House cc licensed photo by Vytas Bru -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr
