Feature story
Ever walk, cycle, or drive by a historical or iconic building and wonder what lies behind its closed doors? How is it designed? What happens in the building? What stories can the walls tell? The 22nd annual Doors Open Ottawa event on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 is your chance to actually open those doors and peek inside!
Over 80 buildings will be offering in-person or virtual tours behind-the-doors, including returning favourites like the Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa Jail Hostel and School of the Photographic Arts Ottawa: Photographic Arts Centre. Several buildings are also opening their doors to the public for the first time, including Chaudière Falls and the cancer research lab at The Ottawa Hospital.
This year, explore the theme “Music in our Nation’s Capital” with live performances, talks, music history lessons and more at many of these buildings. In partnership with Ottawa Chamberfest, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this season, Doors Open Ottawa will be organizing unique, engaging and free pop-up concerts as part of the music theme.
Visit ottawa.ca/doorsopen to see the full list of participating buildings, schedule of music activities, and download the printable guide.
Just like a city’s architecture, music is fundamental part of a city’s heritage. Music is a living history book that preserves our stories and traditions for generations to come. Here are some of the buildings and facilities participating in this year’s music theme:
Since its founding in 1988, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) has built a significant permanent collection with more than 1,450 works, including paintings, sculpture, graphic arts, photographs and new media.
On Saturday, June 1 from 1 to 2 pm, join the Ottawa Art Gallery’s partner the SHHH!! Ensemble as they perform the SHHHuffle. Explore new sonic worlds through a myriad of percussion instruments and piano at this free live concert. Check out the Open Art Market while you’re there too!
Built in 1932, the Knox Presbyterian Church combines elements of English Gothic and Norman church architecture in both its interior and exterior design. Knox Presbyterian Church is also home to what Mozart described as “the king of instruments” – an impressive pipe organ!
Knox Presbyterian Church will be offering musical interludes throughout Doors Open Ottawa. Have a chance to see – and hear – Knox's Casavant organ up close as organist Simon Pinsonneault shares the joys and challenges of playing "the king of instruments."
The last surviving market building in Ottawa, the ByWard Market Building has been the focal point of Lowertown since 1848. Home to food merchants, speciality boutiques and talented artisans, this building combines indoor spaces with outdoor vendor stalls for a unique shopping experience.
During Doors Open Ottawa, buskers will be performing throughout the ByWard Market Building. Artwork and historical information will be displayed on the second floor highlighting the rich history of this building.
Ottawa’s first high school, Lisgar Collegiate Institute, has been located downtown beside the Rideau Canal since 1874. With an impressive 660-seat auditorium that maintains much of its original character, it is no surprise that the school has a rich history in music.
The Lisgar Collegiate Institute will be offering live music from representatives of their orchestra and musical ensembles as part of this year’s theme. Two resident ghosts may also make an appearance!
