Welcome to the Official Doors Open Hamilton Website!

As part of a province wide initiative from the Ontario Heritage Trust the 10th annual Doors Open Hamilton event takes place on May 5th and 6th 2012 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The Doors Open program seeks to celebrate, educate and inform citizens and visitors of the importance of the architectural, cultural and historical sites in Hamilton by allowing visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Many locations organize guided tours, displays and activities to enrich the visitor experience.

Since beginning in Hamilton in 2003, under the leadership of Donna Reid, the Doors Open Hamilton event has registered over 150,000 site visits to over 90 Hamilton landmark buildings and sites all for free.  As in years past, all sorts of sites related to history, architecture, nature and culture will be encouraged to participate.

Some sites may be reflective of this year the Doors Open Ontario theme of “Defending a nation”.  This theme commemorates 2012 as the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 – a significant and defining event in Canadian history.  While this theme encourages the participation of the War of 1812 sites, it also serves to commemorate other locations, event and persons connected to the defence of our province and our country.

Please navigate through the website to learn more and get information about this year's event! You can download PDF versions of our promotional material to the left.