If your next travel destination is the lovely Canadian province of Ontario then you can’t pass up an opportunity to visit Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. You don’t have to be a diehard shoe fanatic to enjoy this one-of-a-kind attraction completely dedicated to footwear. Boasting more than 1,000 types of shoes from a collection of 13,000, visitors can marvel at everything from simple, ancient Egyptian sandals and intriguing Chinese bound-foot shoes to crazy 1970s platforms. Charming and surprising, this unique establishment offers a delightful way to spend an afternoon. To get the low down on all you need to know we’ve assembled a guide to Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto.
Highlights
Celebrity's shoes
A big draw at the museum is the array of footwear worn by celebrities. Wonder what shoes Queen Victoria wore on her wedding day or what rugged cowboy boots Hollywood legend Robert Redford slips on in the morning? Beatles fans will clamor over John Lennon’s Beatle boot. You’ll also find Elton John’s outrageous silver platform boots, chic-looking red heels worn by Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley’s eye-catching blue-patent loafers, and so much more.
High-fashion footwear
Don’t overlook the exhibit that showcases fashionable footwear through the ages. This display traces shoes from the Italian Renaissance to today’s contemporary designs. The collection’s true standout is an exceptional and well-preserved 16th-century Italian velvet-adorned platform chopine. This mindblowing women’s shoe is so elevated that the wearer will not be able to walk without assistance! Believe it or not, platform shoes began long before Elton John donned them in the 1970s.
Early civilization footwear
Be captivated by Bata Shoe Museum’s incredible archaeological collection that features footwear from some of the world’s earliest civilizations. Admire ancient Egyptian sarcophagi with interestingly painted sandal designs, view leg-shaped perfume vials made in ancient Greece, contemplate Roman bronze lamps depicting sandal-clad feet. The sights are endless.
Shoebox-shaped structure
Take time to reflect on this museum’s fabulous shoebox configuration, an incredible building constructed in the shape of an open shoebox and designed by accomplished architect Raymond Moriyama.
Things to buy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Museum Shop
The Museum Shop at Bata Shoe Museum is the ultimate spot to purchase a souvenir or memento. This store provides a host of museum items related to shoes. There are pretty ornaments, got-to-have gifts, fun trinkets, and more. The merchandise also includes a compelling collection of books. Find intriguing titles like “Heights of Fashion: A History of the Elevated Shoe” and “Standing Tall: The Curious History of Men in Heels”.
Travelers tips
Wheelchair accessibility
Bata Shoe Museum offers wheelchair access. Wheelchairs are available for guests with limited mobility, and there are elevators to access each floor. The low display cases make it easy for wheelchair-bound visitors to view almost every exhibit. Please note: while St George station is conveniently nearby, it does not provide an elevator, only stairs.
Free Sundays
If you want to visit but you’re on a budget, take advantage of the free admission every Sunday.
How to get there
Rent a car
If you plan to drive to the museum, it is located at 327 Bloor Street West on the southwest corner of Bloor and St George streets in downtown Toronto.
Bus
Toronto city buses that run near this attraction include the number 127, 26, and 5.
Taxi
You can either hail a cab off the street or call for a pickup by dialing #taxi or #8294 on your phone. Taxis are easiest to nab in the downtown area.
Uber
Uber is available in Toronto and is a great stress-free and affordable way to get to this museum.
Subway
The closest station is St George and you can take the Bloor-Danforth or the Yonge-University lines. The museum is only a one-minute walk from this station, so it is easily reached on foot.
Parking information
Parking is notoriously difficult in Toronto, but there are a couple of Green P Parking options: Carpark 58 at 9 Bedford Road - north of Bloor Street West and two blocks east of the museum, and Carpark 205 at 465 Huron Street - north of Bloor Street West and one block west of the museum. You can also utilize the app SpotHero to book a parking space in advance. If you book a stay at Kimpton Saint George, the museum is just across the street so there are no worries about parking.
How to book tickets (from USD 10.4)
You can get your tickets here from their official website, via a third-party website, or at the museum itself.
Included in the price are the museum’s free Wi-Fi and Smart-Audio Guide that is available on most devices and is sure to enhance your visit with extra information on many of the exhibits! The audio guide is available in French and English. Remember to bring a pair of earphones.
Toronto: Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket
Bata Shoe Museum information
Bata Shoe Museum
Address: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Cost: from 11 USD
Website: Bata Shoe Museum
Department of tourism: Ontario
History
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