Bata Shoe Museum
Check out the only museum in North America solely dedicated to shoes
The Bata Shoe Museum is a five storey building that was built to house Sonja Bata's shoe collection. It uses four of those storeys to publicly display over 1000 shoes in four fascinating galleries starting from an era that goes back about 4500 years in the flagship exhibition.
These informative galleries will educate you about the materials and techniques that were used through-out the ages to make footwear both fashionable and practicable.
In the BSM you will find a collection of over 13,000 artifacts and shoes that represent the era, region and history of the world in which the specimen shoes came from. This wide variety of footwear ranges from bound foot shoes worn by some of the Chinese females, Ancient Egyptian sandals, practical clogs used to crush chestnuts, cowboy and riding boots, dazzling high heels, platforms, sports shoes including specialized shoes worn for dance plus many others.
Shoes worn by celebrates are a popular favourite for most guests. A few examples include Queen Victoria's ballroom slippers, Elton John's silver platform boots, Elvis Presley's blue patent loafers and a running shoe that belonged to Terry Fox. There are many more on display for visitors to view.
Since 1940 Sonja Bata has searched the world for shoes to add to her collection. However, it wasn't until May 6th 1995 that the museum was built in its present location in downtown Toronto. Here, they constructed this fascinating building which is designed in the shape of an open shoe box.
2015 is the 20th anniversary of the opening of the museum, which has become one of Toronto's cultural landmarks and famous establishments.
The BSM Museum continues to collect shoes from around the world, research information about the shape, material, how they were made and for what purpose. It also preserves and displays them in creative and informative ways that keep you interested while educating you about a bit of history and fashion throughout time. Most exhibits are on display for one or two years and feature shoes focused on a specific time period. All about shoes: is a long term exhibit, that takes you back in time on a journey through the years of footwear.
When visiting the museum be sure to check out the gift shop. This fun little shop is well supplied with lots of souvenirs, books and other items related to shoes.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesBata Shoe Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Address: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada
Phone: (416) 979-7799
Official Website: Bata Shoe Museum
Bata Shoe Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
Didn’t disappoint me at all!
Thought it will be boring but it’s actually rich in history and how our footwear evolve and adapt the fashion world and change each eras.
Not crowded.
Each exhibit rooms are well-maintained, very clean, and expect that even if they showcase new and old shoes, they don’t smell! I’m actually impressed!
Washroom is available.
Gift shop is available.
I suggest to use subway/bus cuz parking is difficult in downtown. Staff is nice and friendly.
I’m so glad I came here.
Recommend 10/10 ❤️
Mj Mj - 2 months ago
We really enjoyed this museum! It had a great range of history as well as contemporary movements of artists collaborating with sneaker companies. We *loved* the 80s room and video - it was an accurate and fun look back.
We did find that some of the displays on the second floor weren’t numbered so it was confusing which write-up went with which article. We liked seeing the evolution thru the decades of the 20th century, but wanted more (going further back) and we felt boots weren’t given enough attention.
Overall, a great way to spend a few hours.
Sasha Bateman - a month ago
We had a great time at the Bata Shoes Museum. 3 levels of fun exhibits and informative presentations makes this museum a must in Toronto.
Although seemingly a narrow topic, shoes are universally needed since the beginning of time, so yeah, a rather important topic. We spent a good two hours reading through the exhibits, lots to digest, content dense, a lot of fun winks at the period. They let you take pictures, no problem (unlike the Prado in Madrid).
Would warmly recommend with the current 80s temporary exhibit, made the whole visit fun.
P.S.: please leave a ❤️ if this review was helpful in making your choices, thank you 🙏
Mister Morelight - 5 months ago
I've passed by this place many times years ago and never had a huge desire to go in. What a mistake - corrected today.
This place is fascinating! They present the collections in a very artful way. The explanations are truly educational. This place is officially on my recommendation list now.
Brian Spain - 2 months ago
Went there a couple days ago and it was a great experience for me and my daughter. It was our first time coming to this museum, it's very quiet and there's 4 floors. My daughter's favorite was the 'In Bloom' floor and mine was the 80s era even though I'm a 90s baby the 80s was such a vibe! It's really cool seeing how shoes have evolved over the years not something I think many even think about. Humans have come such a long way and still got ways to go! I got a pass from the library even if you don't get one prices are affordable!
ShaynaBayna EST - 7 months ago
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bloor-Danforth | St. George Station | 1 Minute |
| Yonge-University-Spadina | St. George Station | 1 Minute |
How to get to Bata Shoe Museum by TTC Subway
From St. George Station on either the Bloor Danforth or University-Spadina Line: exit onto St. George Street and go left (south) to Bloor Street West. Cross the road both ways to the museum.
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Photo Gallery
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Colourful shoes on display at the Bata Shoe Museum cc licensed photo by Charles Hoffman -
Photo Credit: Bata Shoe Museum -
Photo Credit: Jemy Joseph -
Photo Credit: Sandy (electricbungalows) -
Photo Credit: Andrew Chau -
Photo Credit: Refael Efrat
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