Doors Open Ottawa – June 5 & 6, 2010

The success of Doors Open Ottawa – the region’s largest heritage and architectural event -- is simply a no-brainer. Who doesn’t like to peer behind closed doors? slip through barricades? or walk right past ‘not open to the public’ signage? That’s what everyone is allowed to do during two days each year when more than 100 buildings open their doors to the public free of charge.

Along with tulips and warm weather, Doors Open has become a favourite rite of spring in Ottawa. The first Saturday and Sunday every June, people wearing comfortable shoes and armed with sunscreen and a Doors Open guide take to the streets to see a side of Ottawa they’ve not seen before. And it’s just not for the Nosy Parkers among us. Doors Open Ottawa attracts history buffs, architectural students, interior designers, politicians, families – pretty much everyone.  

The participating buildings range from embassies to science labs and from radio studios to traffic control stations. So, there’s something of interest for every age and stage, from boomers right through Generations X, Y and Z.  One of the new buildings for 2010 that is sure to be a hit is the Parks Canada Conservation Laboratories building, which will whet the appetites of all of those curious about underwater archaeology.

And as remarkably different as the buildings are, they all share one thing in common – they’re special. Each one is historically, architecturally or functionally unique. Many are all three.

For more information on this year’s participating buildings or to become a volunteer, go to ottawa.ca/doorsopen.