Something special happens next weekend (May 28-29, 2016) as Doors Open Toronto hosts its annual event with various participants around the city. Liberty Village has two renowned buildings taking part in the city’s 17th year. Take a stroll across Atlantic Avenue, to the west side, and explore these two inspiring and creative hubs of the neighborhood. Best of all, it’s free!
History of Doors Open Toronto
Originating in Europe, in France in 1984, it soon gained popularity among other countries. These events, showcasing monumental buildings, were used to help celebrate Heritage Days. Toronto saw the value of these events, and in 2000 held the first one. In 2002, a provincial wide movement occurred as part of the Ontario Heritage Trust activities (adapted from the official Doors Open website). Currently, more than 40 Ontario cities participate occurring between the months of April to October. Just like our provincial vehicle plates state, Ontario is “Yours to Discover” so get out there and visit some incredible sites.
Toronto Carpet Factory
Without disclosing too much information and ruining the surprise, the beautiful and historic Toronto Carpet Factory is a gem not to be missed. Built in 1891, as the name states, it manufactured textiles. To keep up with demand, the company expanded its footprint and in 1899 added more buildings to its operations occupying 1179 King St W, 72 Fraser Avenue, and 67 Mowat Avenue. At it’s manufacturing peak, more than 1000 employees worked here (adapted from official Toronto Carpet Factory website). The structure of the original building is preserved and cherished. Steam generated heat is still used to this day to warm the building, the original heavy timber frame and extremely high ceilings add character and charm to it’s current day tenants. Many creative and tech firms call the Toronto Carpet Factory home including Beanfield Metroconnect, Sage Medica, Moveable, Edge Interactive, and II by IV just to name a few. Take in all the history and feel the amazing energy while walking the 5 floors of this historic building.
MZTV Museum
Many people are unaware of this outstanding media hub taking up more than two and a half acres, right here in Liberty Village. Created by the production mogul, Moses Znaimer, the Zoomerplex is home to many TV channels, radio stations, a magazine publication and the MZTV Museum. Coveted and historical pieces can be seen in the museum including television sets once owned by Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. To see the lucite set in person is incredible and understanding that it helped play a pivotal role in bringing commercial television to North America is awesome (adapted from the official MZTV Museum website). Not many people can boast that they have one of the world’ largest historical collections of television sets in their backyard. Don’t let this opportunity pass on by. Explore, learn and be wowed by one of the greatest inventions during Doors Open Toronto.
To see more details on these and other buildings taking part in Doors Open Toronto, visit here.
Note that most exhibits are open from 10am-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
