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 AU$17.56
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
At the heart of Toronto, Downtown is the destination for cheap eats and fast fashion. Cut through by hip and trendy Yonge Street, the vibe here is young, with a strong student influence from the Ryerson University Campus. As a result, the Downtown area is always in flux: undergoing the construction of new facilities, with fresh retail spaces and pop-up cafes. Home to Toronto's largest indoor shopping mall, a number of vintage cinemas, and a healthy nightlife centered on the area's Distillery District bar and clubs near the East End, it's both an easygoing daytime spot and a popular party place after sunset. It also features some of Toronto's best outdoor landmarks, including Yonge-Dundas Square and the Nathan Phillips Square: perfect for a concert, a skate, or a relaxing sit-down.
How to get there
- St. George • 2 min walk
- Spadina • 4 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- cheryl wOntario, Canada27 contributionsWorth a TripA 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.Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 25 April 2023
- InfinitepigMinneapolis, Minnesota12 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 July 2023
- AmarilisVosJabbeke, Belgium2,318 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 18 August 2023
- margatemensch2016Coconut Creek, Florida796 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 August 2023
- TYsadventuresBrooklyn, New York351 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 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,362 reviews
Excellent
604
Very good
548
Average
173
Poor
31
Terrible
6
TYsadventures
Brooklyn, NY351 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 6 January 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.
mayuriassudani
Nagpur, India87 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
It has been the most memorable experience in a shoe museum. I really liked how detailed the history with each creation was. All exhibits were brilliant.
A must visit.
A must visit.
Written 24 November 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.
Christine A
7 contributions
I love it. So many different kinds of shoes and history, I couldn't help but wonder how people walked in them!
Really short visit 30 mins tops.
Really short visit 30 mins tops.
Written 5 November 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.
Carrie K
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Loved this place! Its a very nicely designed museum and created the essence of what shoes are all about from a historical standpoint. I highly encourage anyone who loves and is passionate about shoes to check this place out! Gift shop was really great an offered a variety of items for the shoe lover!
FYI: I didn’t need to pay more for a ‘skip the lines pass’ as there wasn’t a line any didn’t sense that wait times or a long line would ever be an issue.
FYI: I didn’t need to pay more for a ‘skip the lines pass’ as there wasn’t a line any didn’t sense that wait times or a long line would ever be an issue.
Written 22 October 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.
Yeti1988
Denver, CO99 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I love, LOVE oddly specialized museums, so this seemed like the perfect place for me to come. I was just somehow expecting... more. What they have is interesting,and the history is certainly fascinating, I couldn't help but feel as though something was missing. Something I have yet to quite put my finger on. It's worth going once if you have never been, but it does not have a lot of "repeat visit" value.
Written 21 October 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.
Sharon H
Ware, UK49 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Wasn't expecting much as just whiling away a couple of hours before leaving town but we were pleasantly surprised. It was very interesting & we learned a fair bit, definitely worth a visit.
Written 29 September 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.
MomRocco
Chicago, IL541 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
I'm willing to consider that my interests in shoes may not match up with what others found interesting here, but we were very disappointed in this museum. The exhibit on sports footwear was just okay. The exhibit which tried to tie in flowers to the shoes on display was very weak. The exhibit which attempted to create a narrative about footwear and sex was ridiculous and missed the mark. Would not recommend.
Written 26 September 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.
MWG12
Leonia, NJ207 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Interesting exhibits. I liked the lower floor exhibit on the history of shoes. I did not enjoy as much the exhibits which showed countless sneakers, with more information about them that I needed to know.
Written 8 September 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, FL796 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 26 August 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.
tam
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We spent 1.5 hours here. The exhibit shows shoes over history and from various cultures. You will see designer shoes and boots and one of a kind pairs. The signage is easy to read. I loved it!
Written 22 August 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, Canada108 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, CA79 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, Canada308 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, UK74 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, MD13 contributions
How long should I plan to spend at the museum? Thanks!
AntiqueNuts
Washington DC, DC54 contributions
1-1 1/2 hours
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Claim your listingBata Shoe Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bata Shoe Museum
- Bata Shoe Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost AU$17.66, while a popular guided tour starts around AU$76.40 per person.
- Hotels near Bata Shoe Museum:
- (0.06 km) Kimpton Saint George
- (0.30 km) The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel Toronto
- (0.46 km) Park Hyatt Toronto
- (0.62 km) The Hazelton Hotel
- (0.29 km) Madison Manor Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Bata Shoe Museum:
- (0.03 km) Bar Mercurio
- (0.05 km) Alternity
- (0.05 km) Chatime
- (0.07 km) L'Espresso Bar Mercurio
- (0.09 km) Gyubee
- Attractions near Bata Shoe Museum:
- (0.32 km) Royal Conservatory of Music
- (0.19 km) Let's Roam Toronto
- (0.30 km) Koerner Hall
- (0.44 km) University of Toronto
- (0.42 km) Royal Ontario Museum