In a rut? Too many inspections of the same type of building?
2015 marks the 12th annual Doors Open Winnipeg, a free event put on by Heritage Winnipeg that opens up buildings of historical and architectural interest to the public. Over 80 buildings and sites are available this weekend. Volunteers offer a variety of tours. Many of the buildings remain “working” buildings rather than museums.
This year’s offerings include author Gabrielle Roy’s childhood home, the re-opened Dalnavert, Museum, the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, the Mayberry Gallery, and the ever-popular Vaughan Street Jail.
Special events include a West End Mural Tour and a “Ghost Signs” Walking Tour in the Exchange.
Visitors in the past have rung the bell of historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church (1884), toured the new Hydro Building, accessed the awesome basement vault of the Bank of Montreal at Portage & Main, or checked out ongoing warehouse condo conversions in the Exchange District.
Doors Open began in Glasgow, Scotland in 1990, with dozens of countries participating within ten years, and the number of visitors hitting 20 million in 2000. After the European success, New York City, Sydney, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, launched their own Doors Open programs. Doors Open came to Canada when Toronto started an annual event in 2000.
For further information see doorsopenwinnipeg.ca
