Get hands-on at the Archives: Doors Open Toronto 2026
We’re thrilled to be taking part in the City of Toronto’s annual event. This year we’re taking a new approach that lets you explore freely while meeting experts at work on archival preservation, digitization projects and more. Drop in on Saturday, May 23 and learn what goes on inside one of Canada’s largest archives.
Location: 134 Ian Macdonald Boulevard on York University’s Keele campus — right across from the York University subway station
Date: Saturday May 23, 2026
Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admittance at 4:30pm)
Hands-on activities and self-guided tours
Go behind the scenes to see the vaults, preservation lab and more on self-guided tours. Ask questions and get curious! Staff will be happy to share their insights with you. On the main floor, hands-on activities will be available for you, your friends and family to enjoy. You’ll have the chance to design an exhibit in the reading room using archival records. With this year’s Doors Open theme being a “World in a City”, our classroom will be transformed into dynamic play space where you can express yourself by adding your “World in a City” story to our mural. We’ll have custom-made colouring designs created from archival pictures and you can take in a special selection of “World in a City” themed videos from our YouTube channel.
Exhibits that bring Ontario’s history to life
History buffs, museumgoers and any fan of captivating, true stories will love spending time with our exhibits. We have three Ontario Black history exhibits on now and Doors Open is a rare chance to check them out on a Saturday. Illuminate Black: Shining Light on the Black Presence in Ontario will be open in our interactive exhibit space. It’s our marquee exhibit and digs deep into the rich and largely untold histories of Black communities across the province from the last 250+ years. Across the entryway, in our Reading Room, discover B’LACK THEN: Muted Melodies. Through albums, instruments, outfits and more, B’LACK THEN spotlights 23 Black musicians who’ve shaped Ontario’s music legacy. Then, pop on a pair of headphones and check out Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto. This intimate audio-visual installation features 500+ oral narratives that give voice to the city’s Black communities today.
More Doors Open Toronto sites nearby
Once you’re in the area, there are lots of Doors Open sites on and around York University campus, where we’re situated, that are worth visiting. Cross the lawn to view neon sea creatures at the Goldfarb Art Gallery. Walk west to scope out the Nursing Simulation Lab — a Doors Open favourite from last year — then dive into the stacks at the Scott Library. Head a bit further west to tour the eco-architectural marvel that is the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s new Administrative Office Building. Last, but not least (especially if you love animals), walk north a bit to see history in action at the Village at Black Creek.
Visit us for Doors Open 2026 to learn about our state-of-the-art facility, meet experts like archivists and conservators to learn about their work and have your questions answered. With self-guided tours, live demonstrations, exhibits and activities there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at the Archives of Ontario. You’re sure to have a memorable, hands-on experience.
