About Event
During this early June event, you can visit more than 100 significant buildings across Ottawa—including many that normally charge admission or are closed to the public—for free.
Explore embassies, breweries, churches, museums and other fascinating places during Doors Open Ottawa—the second-largest event of its kind in Canada and one of the largest in the world! The featured properties are valued for their historical, cultural, functional or architectural significance. In the past, visitors have been able to see a Victorian jail that’s now a hostel, a 1920s garage that’s now a brewery, and the artefact storage facility of a National Historic Site.
The roster of buildings—some of which offer special behind-the-scenes access—changes slightly from year to year. Many sites are within walking distance of downtown hotels, and shuttle buses run between strategic locations.
Hosted by Ottawa Tourism
The official website of tourism in Ottawa, Tourism Ottawa promotes and highlights and promotes what is going on in Ottawa and what to see.
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Madweyàshkà | Like a Wave
This exhibition highlights a selection of works of art by First Nations and Métis artists from the Canada Council Art Bank collection. The Art Bank, which has proudly featured works by Indigenous artists since its inception in 1972, further supports the Canada Council’s commitment to public engagement and diversity.
Illuminated Seasons
Highlighting the four seasons and local plants of the Outaouais region in Quebec, L’atelier de l’Aube (Marie Drolet and Oleksandr Polishchuck), in collaboration with Emily Rose Michaud, created Illuminated Seasons. Using hand carving and moulding techniques, each porcelain tile is illuminated to showcase the delicate and intricate craftmanship. Each piece holds personal meaning to the artists and serves as a greater symbol of our innate connection to Earth.
Wan Word
This exhibition brings together artists Kanna Anigbogu, Abdul Hamid Kanu Jr. and Don Kwan to explore memory, cultural history and the diasporic experience. Through black-and-white photography, digital art and mixed media inspired by family archives, the works reflect cultural resilience and personal narratives. Kanu captures Sierra-Leonean communities reconnecting with their heritage. Anigbogu uses Igbo motifs to evoke the freedom of youth. Kwan illuminates intergenerational Chinese-Canadian stories through resonant objects.Curator Yanaminah Thullah examines "diasporic nostalgia" — a longing for one’s homeland…