Bata Shoe Museum image

Bata Shoe Museum

Museum

The 4,500-year history of footwear is explored through hundreds of shoes such as specialty clogs. People often mention shoes, museum, history, Bata, exhibits, footwear, interesting, Museum, floors, Shoe,


Address

327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada

Website

www.batashoemuseum.ca

Contact

+1 416-979-7799

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: shoes (82) museum (48) history (36) Bata (21) exhibits (20) footwear (20) interesting (19) Museum (18) floors (17) Shoe (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Arif R. 1 year ago on Google
    It's an OK museum. It won't take too long to finish unless you are checking the design of each shoe. It kind of gives an idea of how shoes evolved and also what's the future design may look like. We definitely found some interesting shoes that showed creativity. Don't forget to take the Match it game cards to make your walk through interesting. Honestly, it felt like the cost is a bit high for the size and shows of the museum.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 shahrooz s. 2 months ago on Google • 256 reviews New
    Bata Shoe Museum One of the famous museums of Toronto. It's full of interesting shoes 👞. The history of shoes and the nature of shoe-making were established properly. The shoes of famous characters and famous companies are exhibited there. I liked 👍 this museum and I recommend it. 👞 👟 🥿 👡 👢 👠 👞 👟 🥿 👡 👢 👠
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Almog B. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite museums in all of Toronto. Their exhibits are apparently always changing so I’ll have to come back but just really cool learning about the history of footwear and all the evolutions of it in different cultures. Also it’s free on Sundays right now so don’t miss out.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anuj G. 1 year ago on Google
    Superbly laid out museum. Very structured and shows the entire history of shoes intertwined with world history, which makes for great reading, not boring at all. 5 floors of exhibits. Start from the basement which is fascinating. Can easily spend two hours here going through the loads of displays and attached descriptions.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Funi H. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a small museum that doesn't need to spend much time visiting; however, there are many interesting cases and stories to explore! Recommend family and friends to join together!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jemy J. 9 months ago on Google
    A fascinating museum! Really learned a lot about the niche topic of shoes. It gave a very good overview of shoes from ancient history to modern times. Lots of interesting and beautiful collection as well! Highly recommend visiting it and give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shilpa 10 months ago on Google
    Very nice museum to learn the history of shoes categorized by different eras, cultures, countries and even religious significance. Great and surprising facts to learn and to see so many varieties of shoes from eons ago and from the current century and some futuristic ones. Beautifully organized. Very conveniently located. Traveled by TTC, so not sure about the parking. ROM is less than 10 mins walk from Bata museum. The Bloor Yorkville village is also 10 mins by walk.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anita W. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited today when the admission was FREE - to mark the opening of a new exhibit "All Dolled Up". I was very impressed with the narrative throughout the museum, providing good information about context, culture, and inclusivity - referencing fashion rather than just showcasing pretty and quirky shoes. 👞👠👟
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S R. 1 year ago on Google
    A hidden gem a block over from the Royal Ontario Museum. Learn history and the history of shoes. Designer shoes-check, shoes for dolls-check, shoes for celebrities and royals-check. Some amazing historical facts are also presented in great detail and keeping in mind the sensitive nature of some of the topics. Kids can have fun trying to find the different images in a scavenger hunt, paint a shoe and even try out different styles of shoes. Overall a unique experience that will surprise you.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Su R c. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing museum that takes you on a journey of history through the shoes of the ages. Well curated and documented museum.A must visit when in Toronto downtown/midtown. This is surely an Anthropology and history buff's delight.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna P. 3 months ago on Google • 236 reviews New
    Visiting this museum is a great treat, not only for shoe lovers. very relevant exhibits - with the permanent one on the first floor presenting the history of shoes and showcasing some unique pairs from the museum's collection. if you go before Christmas make sure to check out and vote for one of the gorgeous ginger houses displayed in the basement level. The upper floors exhibits change every few months - and there is always something intriguing and though provoking.

  • 5/5 Meleq H. 3 months ago on Google • 114 reviews New
    We went this Saturday to Bata Shoe Museum. Usually entrance is free only on Sunday but today was free as part of an event. When you will enter inside the lady there is so kind and helpful,she will give you some advices to help you have a better experience. It was history of wearing shoes and different kind of shoes from all around the world. We spend around an hour there. 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 zoe!! 7 months ago on Google • 110 reviews
    When you hear 'shoe museum', the first thing that comes to mind is "how can that be entertaining?" The Bata Shoe Museum proved us so wrong. We entered in the afternoon of a Saturday, where we were able to quickly purchase tickets for only $38(there were four of us). The elevator happened to be out of service at the time, but the employees assured us that it was running just fine in the winter. Each exhibit added more to my knowledge of shoes. And let me tell you, I've never wanted a pair of shoes so bad. Would definitely come again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marz K. 8 months ago on Google
    I got the MAP pass from the Toronto Public Library (the passes are available online so you can check out the library website to learn more). My mom loves flowers so the idea was to bring her there to see the newest exhibition. There are 4 floors, they recommend us start from the basement, where kids and adults can enjoy trying on and playing with some humongous shoes 👞 👟 👠 The Bloom exhibition was on the 3/F. Upon arrival we borrow their wheelchair (their website mentioned there is 1 wheelchair available, first come first serve). The whole museum was very accessible despite there were different floors. It was nice to see the history, culture and evolution of shoes. The Bloom exhibition did not disappoint, we loved the flower installation in the middle of the space. It’s a small museum and quite delightful. The staffs were friendly. In terms of parking, there are some parking spaces on Huron road, north of Bloor.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Himani H. 1 year ago on Google
    I really like 👍🏻 this museum. Worth visiting. They have 4 floors dividing all the areas in different categories. I really like the concept as well that gives you royal 👸 vibes. One can try there shoes as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alan H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Bata Shoe Museum was ok, but a bit underwhelming. It’s $14/adult to enter. You enter on the 1st floor but have to go to the ground floor to get started. Then climb each floor to see the rest of the museum. I wish it was the other way around so you can take the elevator up and then walk downstairs. The ground floor exhibit was interesting. It talks about the history of shoes throughout generations and by cultures. Each example had 1-3 shoes. There was a small exhibit about dolls and breaking barriers which was neat, not not really about shoes. The top floor exhibit was beautiful, but didn’t make sense and didn’t offer a lot. One part of the museum was closed. What I wanted to see was more modern examples of shoes throughout generations. I wanted to see more “famous shoes” from celebrities or significant moments in time. Apparently the museum has a huge collection of shoes. I wish the ground floor exhibit was more robust.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Metal M. 4 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Entry is free on Sunday, and worth a visit to enjoy a history of Bata shoes. There's plenty of seating on the floors, allowing you to sit for awhile and enjoy the exhibits. Plenty of photo opportunities of the shoes through the ages, some of which are quite amusing. Gift shop was quite small and a bit disappointing. Wanted to get a postcard of the outside as the building is shaped like a Bata shoebox, but was only available as a fold out note card. Some of the bizarre shoes would have made excellent postcards. Marketing opportunities right there 😄.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kate A. 1 month ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    After visiting Bata, I went to Fluevog to buy a pair of weird, handmade boots. It's heaven for shoe lovers and addicts. They gradually take you through different eras, from the old times to modern times, showcasing everything from pret-a-porte to mass-market companies. Great museum! Def worth the visit. P.S. You can try some of the shoes on!

  • 3/5 Noura H. 8 months ago on Google
    Nothing interesting that much, I went to Toronto to see how they arranged the flowers between shoes boxes but I found the place empty inside, its seem that the lovely decor was in the first days of the exhibition but they still advertise the flower theme and no flowers only the artificial one on the window outside. For the shoes collection it was diverse but not worth the trip. ( I think the photo is enough for the people who are interested )
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samantha L. 2 years ago on Google
    A great museum. Excellent architecture and the museum is expertly designed. You get a good overview of how shoes have been used across the world. It took me about 1.5 hours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 prab C. 6 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    The whole museum requires 1-2 hrs to cover 3 floors. It’s quite interesting you will see the evolution of foot wear right from back 16th century to current. By the end, you may observe how humans perception keep changing from need to want by simplification and modernization. Definitely one time watchable. Another observation you may see that LV was into shoe rack business.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lais De B. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful! Everything is just amazing! I really do recommend going! It is something amazing that you can do with friends, family or by yourself and every Sunday is free! Four floors to explore and everything in great detail, if you’re a fashion enthusiast or not, you can learn a lot!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica R. 9 months ago on Google
    Loved the new exhibit In Bloom, including the main floor window display. I went as part of Doors Open Toronto but there is free admission on Sunday’s. Easily accessible via TTC, parking in that area can be a challenge.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A M. 10 months ago on Google
    Pleasantly surprised by this museum. Visited as part of Doors Open Toronto. There are 4 floors with different exhibits. If is recommended to start from the basement and then make your way up. Very interesting history of shoes, starting with the first ever pair of shoes ever recorded in history and it's evolution in many parts of the globe. The exhibits in the basement, the shoes of the future, and botanical shoes were our favorite.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrew C. 11 months ago on Google
    Enjoyed my visit to this small but interesting museum. There are 4 floors including the basement, with a range of exhibits ranging from the history of shoes to contemporary sports wear and 3d printed shoes! Got in with free community day Sundays.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nadine R. 1 year ago on Google
    Go to the basement and pick up the eye spy cards for the different rooms. Helps hold the attention of those you're visiting with. Elton John's shoes are not there unless I totally missed them.... small sex in the city display. The Louboutin boots were lovely!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick G. 2 years ago on Google
    Cool description on all objects
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Hester P. 1 year ago on Google
    Total of 3 floors of exhibition. Visit month is August 2022. Tip is - come on Sunday as they offer free visit..and if you run out of things to do while in /visiting Toronto. First floor - Informative on history of footwear , however very poor layout. As there are plenty of reading/info to do (in a chronological order) there was line of people backlogged..while other spots are completely empty. The whole layout and display is unfortunately not the best. Second floor- i assume special exhibition done by artists/different set of people. Tiny and not shoe/footwear-focused but footwear related. During my visit it was about Barbie’s shoes collection. Third floor- also seems done by independent team/artist on Future of shoes (VR/AR stuffs) - the QR code didnt work to view the AR shoe(s?). small size collection too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eli H. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice area for seeing different shoes of other countries and our ancestors. Not big a lot. Free on Sundays and free for support workers on all days
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justice 1 year ago on Google
    Best museum in Toronto in my opinion. Although it’s small, I find it has the best storytelling and continuity. Very interesting and fascinating exhibits!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hyelni H. 2 years ago on Google
    It had many interesting and informative exhibits. The museum showcased shoes from throughout history from different continents and cultures. Most importantly, it contained a lot of relevant and little known facts between shoes and race relations. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah P. 6 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    This is one of the smaller museums in the city (something to keep in mind) but is definitely worth checking out if you love shoes, or interested in how footwear differs through time and different countries. The museum is good for all ages, and is easily accessible by transit, located right outside the west exit of St. George subway station. Depending on how often you visit this place, and how much time you take to read the exhibit descriptions, you can expect to spend one to three hours here. Self guided tours and free WiFi are available, and the museum is very easy to navigate. Their permanent collection on the lower level explores 4,500 years of footwear history, from ancient Egyptian sandals to contemporary worn by celebrities to shoes made for modern days dolls like Barbie and Polly Pocket. They also change the exhibits on their other floors regularly. Some of the featured exhibits I've checked out over the years included Manolo Blahnik, All Dolled Up, and most recently In Bloom all of which I found interesting.

  • 5/5 Nana K. 1 month ago on Google • 53 reviews New
    I visited here alone and I had a great time going through their collections, and reading about the history of shoes and evolution of footwear trends. I think there were three floors and I was able to go through majority of the exhibitions within an hour. Highly recommend visiting!

  • 5/5 TYree S. 2 months ago on Google • 43 reviews New
    I loved stepping into History. The Mesmerizing World of the Bata Shoe Museum was a captivating realm where fascination, intrigue, and a wealth of information await every visitor. From ancient footwear to contemporary styles, the museum provides a thought-provoking journey through the evolution of shoes across time. With three floors dedicated to the diverse world of footwear, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. The Bata Shoe Museum takes you on a captivating journey, unraveling the stories woven into the soles of shoes from different eras. The exploration from historical footwear to modern trends serves as a source of provocative food for thought, offering a unique perspective on culture, fashion, and craftsmanship. I was immersed in a world of shoes, shoes, and more footwear across three floors of the museum. The sheer variety and artistry displayed make it a treasure trove for shoe enthusiasts and those intrigued by the evolution of fashion and style. My visit left me both amazed and curious, as the Bata Shoe Museum exceeded my expectations. The intriguing exhibits and the diverse array of shoes on display captured my imagination, making it a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for history and fashion. The Bata Shoe Museum prides itself on being accessible to all. With a fully roll-in automatic door entry and elevators, the museum ensures that everyone can partake in the fascinating journey through the history of footwear. What's even more delightful is the reasonable pricing, making this cultural gem accessible to a broad audience. What began as a visit turned into a prolonged exploration, as the captivating exhibits and immersive displays held my attention for much longer than I anticipated. The Bata Shoe Museum offers a rich experience that invites visitors to linger and absorb the fascinating narratives embedded in each pair of shoes. Conveniently located just two blocks from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), the Bata Shoe Museum complements Toronto's cultural landscape. Consider combining visits to both museums for a day filled with diverse perspectives on history, fashion, and human expression. The Bata Shoe Museum is a hidden gem that seamlessly weaves together history, art, and culture through the lens of footwear. From its accessible design to the rich narratives within, this museum promises an enriching experience that transcends expectations. Step into the Bata Shoe Museum, where every shoe tells a story waiting to be discovered. #meandmywhill #bknomadnesstraveltribe #bktyontheroadagain #toronto #BataShoeMuseum

  • 5/5 Mahtab 4 months ago on Google
    I had a great experience visiting this museum. It was an absolutely fun experience to explore this 4-story museum and learn about the journey of human footwear. The museum has a great collection of shoes and itself is well designed.

  • 3/5 sziang s. 6 months ago on Google
    This museum provides interesting nuggets of evolution of shoes ranging from ballerina to astronauts to the famous Jordans. It is not too big and can probably cover all the exhibits in half a day. The only problem for me is that as a long time bata shoe user since my formative years, there isn't anything much about bata's history in the museum. I always thought that Bata is from my home country until much later thanks to Wikipedia.

  • 5/5 Sara B. 7 months ago on Google
    There is something so uniquely special and cool about a museum of shoes. Learning the history from the fabrics to the dyes, the different stitching and techniques to the innovations that has brought about our mass shoe collections. The different ways that shoes have become symbols in society from function, to story telling to your status in society. How our obsession with shoes has been exacerbated by the media. The Bata shoe Museum has several exhibits across the five floors and every time they have a special exhibit i find myself entranced learning something new that brings a new perspective. If you find yourself in the area looking for something unique to do for a few hours, stop in, you'll be glad you did!

  • 5/5 Brady S. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a unique museum. Obviously great if you are interested in fashion or shoes, but there were great temporary shows while I was there that looked at doll fashion, and one about footwear in the Arctic. Really interesting to see the world through such a specific focus.

  • 5/5 Manish K. 5 months ago on Google
    Such a unconventional museum but a place not to be missed. Took my 11 years and 4 years old daughters here and they were so excited to understand and know the history of shoes.

  • 5/5 Steve H. 2 years ago on Google
    Fascinating museum. Beautiful building. Very educational.

  • 5/5 treasurefinder123 2 years ago on Google
    It has a great variety of shoes and it’s amazing to go and visit the museum and experience different shoes from different parts of the world and from different times.

  • 5/5 Hamed H. 7 months ago on Google
    The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto is an absolute gem that truly walks you through the fascinating history of footwear. This unique museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience that's both informative and enjoyable. From ancient sandals to modern sneakers, the diverse collection of shoes is awe-inspiring. The displays are well-curated, making it easy to follow the evolution of footwear styles and their cultural significance. The museum not only showcases shoes but also provides insights into the lives and societies that produced them. With its engaging exhibits and interactive elements, it's a place where learning meets fun for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the world of shoes, the Bata Shoe Museum is a must-visit destination that will undoubtedly leave you with a newfound appreciation for the stories our footwear can tell.

  • 5/5 Susana N. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing seeing the historical evolution of shoes as well as how certain nations use animal skin and such to make footwear. We're watching now Marco Polo and it's cool to see that fiction has depicted history so accurately. However, it's also neat to see how we evolved from then.

  • 3/5 julian L. 2 years ago on Google
    Honestly a bit of a let down. I came in expecting more and some more focus on the modern day "hype" of popular shoes. Given the popularity of certain shoes and the impact socially I would've thought there are more modern comparisons. What I was met with was very historical forms of shoes which was fascinating but felt a lacking experience in general. That being said it was still an interesting

  • 5/5 Helena H. 2 years ago on Google
    I personally like this place a lot. Granted, it's small - as in, a tenth of ROM?? So you'll be in and out in an hour, no matter how much you try to extend the visit. Regardless, the exibits are unique, both the regular ones - African king slippers, tiny Chinese binding shoes, Indian, Buddhist, Medieval, etc etc footwear (reading the info is a must!) and their going through the decades (1930s, 1940s, etc), and any special exhibits that they have on. Have been there 5+ times, and it's always a great break from the daily routine.

  • 5/5 KUNZE WU (. 2 years ago on Google
    It's free on Toronto Doors Opening day. Nice small museum.

  • 5/5 Matías Guillermo del Solar G. 2 years ago on Google
    We love the history of shoes!!

  • 5/5 Lydia 8 months ago on Google
    Brilliant museum, which walks you through human history through shoes! The whole family found it highly engaging. The In Bloom temporary exhibit was fascinating and stunning. Go. You will likely love it there.

  • 5/5 Kevin L. 2 years ago on Google
    On the top floors there are two special exhibits which I enjoyed tremendously. One focused on gold but the final one focused on liberty and equality, which looks at how the challenges of women and minorities have been reflected in shoes and fashion. Loved exhibits, it’s intimate, it’s educational, it’s beautiful. The admission price is fair and it is the type of place you would come back to.

  • 5/5 Josie S. 2 years ago on Google
    Better than I expected. Great source of information and nicely showcased.

  • 5/5 jake K. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent the displays were well laid out and easily viewable and to photograph.

  • 4/5 Keegan W. 2 years ago on Google
    A really cool place to go! Was also really surprised at how cheap the admission was. There was someone doing work in a certain part of the building when I went, though. It was so loud that I had to cover my ears and I even decided to leave the area before I could look at everything.

  • 5/5 Mohamed M. 11 months ago on Google
    It is a nice museum. Me and my kids enjoyed it so much. It was interesting to see shoes from different eras and cultures. It was a fun one. Also my kids enjoyed the drawing area. They had a nice time trying different shoes and taking a lot of photos with them.. The musem has a cloak room free of charge.

  • 5/5 RSH D. 2 years ago on Google
    An immersive, educational and eye-opening experience. Better than expected with a balanced tone. Learned a lot from this visit with much to reflect and unpack.

  • 4/5 elaine p. 2 years ago on Google
    Was ok wish the sneakers were on display was interesting well laid out

  • 5/5 tamara b. 1 year ago on Google
    I recently attended the launch event for Sneakers Now - Virtual Sneakers or cutting-edge kicks. The launch was phenomenal, they showcased over fifty futuristic thought were designs from the auto-lacing Nike MAG to the virtual RTFKTx Staple Meta-Pigeon. They have these really cool displays showcasing the history + evolution of sneakers over time, there were a ton of timeless super limited sneaker drops that I was hyped to finally see irl. They really did a good job showcasing how cutting-edge technologies and new ideas are transforming footwear today. Featured designers and brands include: Salehe Bembury, Steven Smith, RTFKT, Mr.Bailey, Zaha Hadid, D’Wayne Edwards, Nike ISPA, Safa Sahin, Tom Sachs, EKTO VR, Saysh, Benoit Meleard, SCRY, Yeezy and many more. I recommend checking out the Bata Museum.

  • 5/5 Azi E. 2 years ago on Google
    This museum is amazing, has three levels with lots of interesting shoes from around the world. It's worth spending some time there.

  • 5/5 Vishwa P. 2 years ago on Google
    Cute little place with the history of shoes. Very well maintained clean and informational. Would definitely visit again. Also Sundays were free last time I visited :)


Call +1 416-979-7799 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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