Live, Work, Play: Exploring London's Rich Heritage in the Forest City at Doors Open 2024

London, Ontario is once again preparing for one of its most anticipated annual cultural events—Doors Open London. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the event, hosted by the London Heritage Council, where 45 unique sites will open their doors to the public for an immersive experience celebrating the city’s vibrant history, culture, and architecture. Taking place on September 21 and 22, the event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. With enhanced programming, it promises to be an unforgettable weekend for all attendees. Read on for our exclusive interview with Dhira Ghosh, Director of Operations at the London Heritage Council, for the inside scoop on what to expect at this year's event!

Part of the larger provincewide Ontario Heritage Trust program, the event will highlight London’s unique charm as the "Forest City," in line with the theme “Live. Work. Play: In the Forest City”—a theme that invites everyone to explore how London’s rich natural heritage intertwines with its cultural identity. London earned its nickname "The Forest City" due to its long-standing commitment to preserving green spaces and urban forests, a defining feature since the city’s early settlement. With pop-up theatres, guided walking tours with dance performances, musical showcases, and more, this year's event offers something for everyone. Last year, to celebrate Doors Open London, Teachers on Call's in-person and online tutoring team featured a community spotlight with the London Children's Museum, known for its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) based learning. You can read the full interview here. This year, we're excited to bring you an interview with the lead organizers, offering you the inside scoop on everything new for 2024!

Plan Your Visit to Doors Open London

With 45 sites available to explore, planning ahead will help you make the most of Doors Open London. Fortunately, the event spans two full days—September 21 and 22—so there's plenty of time to spread out your visits and take in as many sites as possible. We recommend reviewing the event’s official website to map out your top locations and create a schedule that works for you. For those coming from nearby cities like Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, or St. Thomas, consider making a day trip out of it to fully enjoy the experience and immerse yourself in London’s rich history and culture.

New Additions to Doors Open London 2024

This year, several new and exciting sites are joining Doors Open London, adding fresh experiences for visitors. Here are many additions and events to consider:

• Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London (920 Huron Street, London, ON N5Y 4K4): Enjoy a soccer tournament and cultural activities celebrating the French-speaking community’s contributions.
• Centre of Movement Arts Walking Tour (Old East Village, London, ON): Explore Old East Village on a guided tour that takes you back 100 years with pop-up dance performances led by local artists.
• Chinmaya Mission London (2156 Trafalgar Street, London, ON N5V 1A2): Delve into Hindu philosophy with meditation sessions, yoga classes, and a taste of diverse Indian cuisine.
• Fanshawe Conservation Area (1424 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 5B9): Learn about natural heritage and conservation efforts while exploring scenic trails and natural landscapes.
• First St. Andrew’s United Church (350 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1X6): Explore the history and architecture of one of London’s oldest churches, a central part of the community.
• Labatt Memorial Park (25 Wilson Avenue, London, ON N6H 1X2): Take a tour of the world’s oldest continually operating baseball grounds and explore its rich sporting heritage.

• Platinum Training Facility (1828 Blue Heron Drive, London, ON N6H 0B7): Get an inside look at this sports training center, where athletes of all ages and skill levels prepare for success.
• South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre (1119 Jalna Boulevard, London, ON N6E 3B3): Tour this essential community hub, offering support services to the diverse residents of South London.
• Talbot Street Church (513 Talbot Street, London, ON N6A 2S5): Visit this historic church in the heart of London and learn about its role in the community.
• Wesley-Knox United Church (91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7): Step inside one of London’s most beautiful churches and discover its architectural splendor and long history.
• Westland Gallery (156 Wortley Road, London, ON N6C 3P5): Celebrate local art with rotating exhibitions featuring both contemporary and historical artworks.
• World Car-Free Day in Wortley Village (Wortley Village, London, ON): Experience Wortley Village without cars, enjoying pedestrian-friendly activities and sustainability programs.
• World Car-Free Day on the Thames Valley Parkway (Thames Valley Parkway, London, ON): Take part in this eco-friendly event with cycling, walking tours, and outdoor activities along the parkway. You can read more about this exciting initiative here.

An Interview with the Organizers Behind Doors Open London

Check out our interview with Dhira Ghosh, Director of Operations at the London Heritage Council on what to expect at this year's event!

What are some of the standout experiences visitors can expect during Doors Open London this year?

Visitors can expect enhanced programming at each site, including pop-up theatres, guided tours, musical performances, and guided walking tours with pop-up dance performances.

Beyond London, where do your Doors Open visitors come from?

Many visitors come from communities located within an hour's drive from London, extending the event's reach beyond the city.

How was the theme 'Live. Work. Play: In the Forest City' chosen for Doors Open London, and what inspired its focus for this year’s event?

Our team at the London Heritage Council brainstormed this theme as it aligns well with the participating sites and resonates with our community, capturing the spirit of London as a place where people live, work, and play.

How does London’s status as a UNESCO City of Music influence its cultural offerings during Doors Open, and what does it mean to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Music?

Our UNESCO City of Music status is a point of pride for Londoners. This year’s event incorporates more musical performances to celebrate this designation, making it a special part of the Doors Open experience.

What local restaurants or coffee shops do you recommend for visitors looking to take a snack or lunch break during the event?

Most sites are located near coffee shops and restaurants, so visitors can easily enjoy local cuisine during their Doors Open experience.

What is your favorite tip to share about your event?

With so much programming available, we recommend checking out our website -  Doors Open London — London Heritage Council - and planning your day ahead by scheduling visits to your must-see sites.

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Teachers on Call's online and in-person tutoring service invites everyone to explore Doors Open London 2024 and experience such a special place as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music. This prestigious designation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlights the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange through music. With enhanced programming and exciting new additions, this year’s event promises to immerse visitors in the beauty, history, and culture that make London, Ontario truly unique. Don’t miss the chance to visit these incredible sites and be a part of the community spirit that defines this event. 

For educators in the London area, this weekend also coincides with Teacher Appreciation Weekend at Indigo! Be sure to stop by your local Indigo store to sign up for plumTeacher and enjoy 20% off all your purchases as a token of appreciation for all you do. We wish everyone an exciting and educational experience this weekend!