Once a year
Doors Open Toronto invites
local residents, visitors and tourists to enter buildings, some rarely, if ever, open to the public, and explore their architectural, historic, cultural and/or social significance.
The sites participating in this year’s Doors Open Toronto in the Junction are:38 - Congregation Knesseth Israel56 Maria St., Toronto, ON M6P 1W2TTC (nearest station) Dundas Street West / Runnymede; Bus: Runnymede bus/Dundas St. W.
Sat: NOT OPEN
Sun: 10 to 5
Architect and year: James A. Ellis, (Ellis & Connery), 1911
Known as "The Junction Shul," this red brick building features a traditionally elegant and decorative Eastern European interior. Guided tours.
Event information: One of the members of the congregation will explain the artistically painted religious murals adorning the walls and ceiling. A brief history along with a tour of the synagogue will be given.
57 - Fire Hall 423 - The Junction - NEW!358 KeeleStreet, Toronto, ON. M6P 2K7
TTC (nearest station) Keele; Bus: Keele
Sat & Sun: 10 to 5
Architect and year: 1958
Behind-the-scenes tour, fire hall memorabilia from the Junction area.
Event information: Visitors will have a chance to look around an actual fire hall. There are three apparatus in the hall and each is unique in its function. There are also pieces of memorabilia from the Junction area that pertain to the Fire Service. All in all the hall makes a memorable visit. There is a garden in the back that is a must see.
102 - Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple28 Heintzman Street, Toronto Ontario, Toronto, ON M6P 2J6TTC (nearest station) Keele Subway Station; Bus: Any bus heading north up Keele to Dundas St
Sat & Sun: 10 to 5
Previously the factory showroom of the Heintzman Piano Company.
The large Buddhist shrine has demos of Tibetan music, art and culture. Event information: Highlights of your visit will include volunteer guides to talk about the special features of a Tibetan Buddhist shrine and the traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual instruments.
131 - Toronto Public Library: Annette Branch - NEW!+ hosts free Lit City event
145 Annette Street, Toronto, ON M6P 1P3TTC (nearest station) Keele Station; Bus: Annette Bus
Sat: 10 to 5 Sun: NOT OPEN
Architect and year: Ellis & Connery, 1909
West Toronto Junction Historical Society archives open, mini-tours of library.
10 a.m. to noon: Barbara Myrvold answers questions on the library.
2:30 p.m.: "April Showers Bring May Flowers" story time and craft program.
Event information: Sat. 2 - 3:15pm - reading and walk in the Junction - Judi Coburn reads from "The Shacklands" (YA) - having recently settled in the Junction area of West Toronto, young Jessie Robertson dreams of becoming a teacher, but she must take a factory job. Sat. on the hour, 10 a.m. to 4:00 pm, historical characters from the Junction's storied past will be brought back to life by members of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society. 10 a.m. to noon, Barbara Myrvold of Toronto Library will answer questions and share information about the history of this Carnegie library. "April Showers Bring May Flowers" storytime and craft program for children at 2:30 pm
141 - Toronto West Masonic Temple - NEW!151 Annette Street, Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P 1P3TTC (nearest station) Keele Bus: Annette Bus
Sat: 10 to 5 Sun: NOT OPEN
Architect and year: T. McEarchen, 1909
Self-guided tour of Temple, Masonic furniture, art and regalia. Learn about the world's largest fraternity.
Event information: Visitors to the Toronto West Masonic Temple will enjoy a self-guided tour that highlights many interesting elements of the building as well as Freemasonry in general. Masonic representatives will be on hand to answer questions and visitors will enjoy the rare opportunity to view an impressive collection of Masonic furniture, art and regalia. Learn about the origins of the world’s oldest fraternity, its guiding principles, and its history. A visit to the Toronto West Masonic Temple is a unique experience that should not be missed.
web site: www.riwoche.com82 - Lambton House - is not so far from the Junction
4066 Old Dundas Street , Toronto, ON M6S 2R6TTC (nearest station) Old Mill or Jane are closest stations; Bus: #30 Lambton bus stop Howland, #55 Warren Park Bus
Sat & Sun: 10 to 5
Architect and year: William Tyrrell, 1848
Hotel/tavern from 1847 to 1988 was owned by
Father of Confederation, Sir William Pierce Howland. Canadian Wild Flowers (1866) by Catherine Parr Traill, illustrated by Agnes Moodie FitzGibbon on display.
Event information: There will be guided tours of the building. Local historians will be available. There will be displays about historic Lambton House and the Village of Lambton Mills as well as flora of the neighbouring Humber River - Canada's 26th Heritage River. On display- illustrations from "Canadian Wild Flowers" A copy of the book written by
Katherine Parr-Traill and illustrated by Agnes Moodie Fitzgibbons in 1866.
web site: www.lambtonhouse.orgCome and have a great time, and please take lots of pictures. What else can you see:
Photo: Doors Open Toronto: Knock on Doors in the Junction2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com
west toronto junction