Bata Shoe Museum
Bata Shoe Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Bata Shoe Museum: For Every Shoe There's a Story The Bata Shoe Museum is home to the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of shoes and footwear-related objects. The mission of the BSM is to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the role of footwear in the social and cultural life of humanity. Through acquiring, conserving, researching, communicating and exhibiting material evidence related to the history of footwear and shoemaking, the Museum illustrates the living habits, the culture and the customs of people from every corner of the world.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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from $11.44
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Old Toronto
How to get there
- St. George • 2 min walk
- Spadina • 4 min walk
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4,792 within 3 miles
Attractions
557 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- InfinitepigMinneapolis, Minnesota22 contributionsGo an hour before closingI had a really enjoyable experience on a Friday afternoon at around 3:45 and spend about an hour and a half in the museum. It was not crowded at all. Shoes and left leaning social commentary from ancient times to modern times. A bit more thought provoking than I thought it would be. Highly recommend if there are no crowds. Would love to see HOKAs make their way into the museum.Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten July 22, 2023
- AmarilisVosJabbeke, Belgium2,297 contributionsShoes, shoes, ... shoesWe visited the museum on June 26. The museum has four floors. Although you can visit the museum in any order, we think it's best to start in the basement with the history of the shoe and why the museum exists. In the basement there is also a place where you can put on different shoes so that you can feel like a clown or a hipster.Visited June 2023Written August 18, 2023
- margatemensch2016Coconut Creek, Florida799 contributionsA Fascinating Foray Into The Study of ShoesIn the middle of August,I had an interesting visit to the Bata Shoe Museum.I learned about the history of footwear from Period of the Prehistoric Otzi Man (5300 years ago in what is currently the Czech Republic-replica of sandals)to the present day.I saw Indian Shoes with metallic toe rings(1840),Asante African Sandals,Pope Benedict IV's Shoes(1914-1922),Chestnut Crushing Clogs from France(1914),Moravian Dance Boots,and 20th Century Peter Max designed shoes,among a plethora of others. At the temporary"Flower in Bloom"exhibit,I saw impressive shoes with floral designs by the Wardat Nation("Persian Buttercup"),iconic shoe designer,the late Beth Levine("Iris"),Yves Saint Laurent("Phulkari Acanthus Shoe"),and "Strawberry Shoes",among others. Going to the Bata Shoe Museum was a unique experience for me.The staff of this museum was very helpful.I was a newcomer to the study of shoes.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 26, 2023
- TYsadventuresBrooklyn, New York791 contributionsStepping Out in TorontoI 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 #BataShoeMuseumVisited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,363 reviews
Excellent
604
Very good
549
Average
173
Poor
31
Terrible
6
Sherry C
White Plains, NY133 contributions
Aug 2021
If you think a museum of shoes would appeal only to fashionistas, think again. This one does a stellar job of giving historical context to the shoes on display with engaging, informative, and never stuffy commentary. A visit is an ideal way to spend 60-90 minutes, see some fascinating artifacts, and learn about much more than shoes.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway21469
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
May 2019
I know it's shoes.... but.... you'll be amazed by their amazing collection. There are many century old shoes, rare finds, and many interesting stories that go with them. They also offer great exhibits of more contemporary artists such as Manolo Blahnik, with his exquisite sketches. It is worth the visit.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TYsadventures
Brooklyn, NY791 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
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
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
Written January 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikez_nj
New York City, NY61 contributions
Aug 2022
Interesting, fun museum. I'm a bit of a sneakerhead, so this was the type of quirky museum that appealed to me (though it is decidedly NOT a sneaker museum). Only knock on it (hence the 4 stars vs 5) is that it's not that big! I was expecting to spend at least an hour or two going through everything, but we were done in about 45 min.
It is a great deal, though, if you're going with a family. The family package was incredibly affordable, especially compared to the other attractions Toronto has to offer.
It is a great deal, though, if you're going with a family. The family package was incredibly affordable, especially compared to the other attractions Toronto has to offer.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
margara7
Toronto, Canada108 contributions
Dec 2022
The Bata Shoe Museum is worth visiting even if you live in Toronto. It's conveniently located near St. George Subway Station, and the information provided is fascinating and educational. This is not a big museum, so you won't get overwhelmed while visiting the exhibits. You could easily spend over two hours here and don't even notice. I went there on a Tuesday morning, and there was only a hand full of people, which was great because I could enjoy my visit. Highly recommended!
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSQRD1
Kent, OH798 contributions
Feb 2020
I as staying nearby and had some time to fill so I decided to check out the shoe museum. The building is interesting and the displays of the history of shoes were informative. I ended up spending less than an hour but it is worth a stop if you are in the area.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Infinitepig
Minneapolis, MN22 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I had a really enjoyable experience on a Friday afternoon at around 3:45 and spend about an hour and a half in the museum. It was not crowded at all. Shoes and left leaning social commentary from ancient times to modern times. A bit more thought provoking than I thought it would be. Highly recommend if there are no crowds. Would love to see HOKAs make their way into the museum.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheryl w
Ontario, Canada28 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
A very complete history of the shoe well displayed in chronological order. Interesting exhibit of the future of shoes. And currently featuring bloom-displaying shoes of various decoration of each flower type. Was a lack of children in the museum as they may not find this their style. It's nice to see people reading the panels and not spending 30 minutes pacing through a museum like I sometimes do.
Written April 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmarilisVos
Jabbeke, Belgium2,297 contributions
Jun 2023
We visited the museum on June 26. The museum has four floors. Although you can visit the museum in any order, we think it's best to start in the basement with the history of the shoe and why the museum exists. In the basement there is also a place where you can put on different shoes so that you can feel like a clown or a hipster.
Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
margatemensch2016
Coconut Creek, FL799 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
In the middle of August,I had an interesting visit to the Bata Shoe Museum.I learned about the history of footwear from Period of the Prehistoric Otzi Man (5300 years ago in what is currently the Czech Republic-replica of sandals)to the present day.I saw Indian Shoes with metallic toe rings(1840),Asante African Sandals,Pope Benedict IV's Shoes(1914-1922),Chestnut Crushing Clogs from France(1914),Moravian Dance Boots,and 20th Century Peter Max designed shoes,among a plethora of others.
At the temporary"Flower in Bloom"exhibit,I saw impressive shoes with floral designs by the Wardat Nation("Persian Buttercup"),iconic shoe designer,the late Beth Levine("Iris"),Yves Saint Laurent("Phulkari Acanthus Shoe"),and "Strawberry Shoes",among others.
Going to the Bata Shoe Museum was a unique experience for me.The staff of this museum was very helpful.I was a newcomer to the study of shoes.
At the temporary"Flower in Bloom"exhibit,I saw impressive shoes with floral designs by the Wardat Nation("Persian Buttercup"),iconic shoe designer,the late Beth Levine("Iris"),Yves Saint Laurent("Phulkari Acanthus Shoe"),and "Strawberry Shoes",among others.
Going to the Bata Shoe Museum was a unique experience for me.The staff of this museum was very helpful.I was a newcomer to the study of shoes.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waar komt de naam bata vandaan
Cathy W
Toronto, Canada101 contributions
The word is actually a family name. The Batas are Canadians who emigrated to Canada from the former Yugoslavia I think. I'm not positive about their birth country. They made a fortune by manufacturing shoes that are affordable and I believe those shoes are now sold all around the world. The Museum was a project generously undertaken by Mrs. Sonja Bata.
Alex Hymers
Windermere, Ontario, Canada14 contributions
Are there guided tours for adult visitors?
Ann C
San Francisco, CA78 contributions
Yes. they do have guided tours for adults and seniors. Please bear in mind that you will need at least ten visitors to qualify for the guided tour. If you need detailed info, please google "beta shoe museum guided tour". Hope this helps.
mommika1
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Does AGO membership allow me into this museum?
Grimsbybud
Grimsby, Canada280 contributions
Actually, The BAATA Shoe Museum is a privately developed and run entity and is not connected to any of the other museums and galleries in Toronto.
However, as the previous commenters have said, the entry is VERY reasonable and we found it a worthwhile visit offering a look WAY back in the history of what we put on our feet...
anewphoneonoct052014
Toronto, Canada
can you make a little Shoe keyChan
tp0ps
Manchester, UK73 contributions
No you can't and the gift shop is very disappointing. The museum is fascinating.
SyedAbbas26
Chennai (Madras), India1 contribution
Is there an entry fee into the Museum?
Olivia P
Toronto, Ontario, Canada17 contributions
$14 Adult
$8 Students
$5 children 5-17
jenniferkefer
Bethesda, MD19 contributions
How long should I plan to spend at the museum? Thanks!
AntiqueNuts
Washington DC, DC48 contributions
1-1 1/2 hours
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