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 – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 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
It’s an interesting and historic house. One has to join the guided tour to see it. It’s possible that you’d have to wait for an hour to go with the later group, as the very next group might already be full. Book in advance if possible, to ensure you won’t have to lose time waiting around.
I wish there was an option just to come in and look at the rooms without the tour, but the guided tour wasn’t too slow and too boring nonetheless.
Also it would be nice to add some public WiFi, as there’s nearly no internet connection in the building.
The place itself I’d say might not worth the trip alone, but as an addition to some other activities in the area, it’s a good option to spend time and learn something new.
Unfortunately I was tight on time visiting this place, and had to use the $20 parking at Casa Loma. It’s convenient, but on an expensive side. This seems to be the only reliable option to park right there. Do your research beforehand as to where to park in the area, and leave some time to find parking - it’s better to find some other parking in the area and walk to the Spadina Museum.
Aleksandr Antonov - a month ago
We went to Spadina Museum as a second option after taking a peek at Casa Loma across the street. Very low expectation walking in to the estate since it's way smaller than Casa Loma. But it was the best decision ever!
On a very last minute call, we decided to take the guided tour of the interior of the house that lasted about one hour and 15 minutes. It was very informative and fun for me as a Downton Abbey / The Gilded Age fan.
Highly recommended to take the Spadina House tour first before Casa Loma so you get the sense of the timeline.
Highlights:
Our tour guide (name slips me, a young male) is an amazing and insightful guide. He has in depth knowledge, not only about the history of the house and the Austins, but also the context and able to make a pop culture comparative. He mentioned that the spite between Spadina House and Casa Loma is similar to the show, The Gilded Age. LOL
The plot twist of this house's history is also very interesting. My jaw dropped several times. Hah!
Virginia Gunawan - a month ago
I always passed by this house and just recently I decided to go in with my Mom, I wasn’t sure what kind of Museum it was at first, but then a quick internet search I got the info that I need and off we went to see the house and it’s surroundings. To see the inside of the house you won’t be able to go alone, is a guided with tour, but it first starts with a video of the history of the family who lived there. Is worth visiting.
Dimanatti - 2 months ago
Pleasantly surprised! Right next to Casa Loma and totally free. I liked this place better than Casa Loma. Rich history, guided tour, intimate, quiet and totally free! Highly recommend but I do not recommend with little ones since there are lots of stairs.
K. Zimm - 6 months ago
We had a tour by Serena and she was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and helpful!
Edit: Visited again in December and attended the jazz Christmas themed tour by Tiber. Tiber was an incredible tour guide. Tiber was so funny, engaging, and well informed on the history. So amazing!
Tanuj Pandya - 6 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
