Doors ready to open in Orillia, May 25 and 26

 (ORILLIA) – The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust, is excited to welcome you to Doors Open Orillia.

Doors Open is a unique event held every year from April to October, where communities across the province open the doors to hundreds of historic buildings, places of worship, museums, private homes, industrial areas, green buildings, heritage gardens and other interesting venues, some of which are rarely accessible to the public – all free of charge. 

This year’s theme, set by Ontario Heritage Trust, is “Cultural Expressions” in celebration of the relationship between heritage and the arts.

We invite you to join us this year as we come together to open doors to Orillia’s rich cultural heritage May 25 and 26.  The two-day event coincides with the Mississaga St. Sidewalk Sale and the Peter Street Arts Festival. New this year are a variety of local galleries and cultural spaces, including a sneak peak at the renovations happening at the Orillia Museum of Art and History. 

“Doors Open Orillia is shaping up to be extraordinary with over 20 sites, 2 street festivals, 1 mini pow wow, 5 galleries and 3 museums!” says Jacqueline Soczka, Manager of Culture for the City of Orillia.  “The streets and venues are poised to come alive with music, artistry, crafters and storytellers in celebration of the strong connection between history and the arts.”  

Plan your experience by visiting www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/orillia for a detailed listing of participating venues and events, most of which are happening in the downtown core.   Those interested in a Saturday or Sunday drive are encouraged to also visit our satellite sites.  For instance, take in afternoon tea at Regan House, step back in time at the Coldwater Museum, join the opening of Rodney Frost’s whirligig and whatchamacallit exhibit at the Leacock museum, or attend an interactive sculpture demonstration at Lakehead University.

As you tour our galleries, museums and theatrical spaces, interwoven amongst the outdoor festivities happening in the historic downtown, we hope you will be inspired to take part in Doors Open Ontario’s Art Contest.  Bring along your paints and your canvas and produce a watercolour of a heritage building. Let your imagination run away with you and create a sculpture of a famous artist. Explore featured Doors Open Ontario sites – pristine landscapes or architectural gems – and send them your best photos.  Visit their website www.doorsopenontario.on.ca for further details.

  

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