Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor Street West M5S 1W7 Toronto, ON, Canada

We are so excited for tomorrow's workshop with Justine Woods! Stay tuned next week for when we announce our next virtual workshop - make sure you sign up a-sap before we sell out again! #BSMFromHome

Fun Fact: Our founder, Sonja Bata was named after Sonja Henie! Find out more about this pair of skates worn by Norwegian Olympic gold-medal skater and celebrity Sonja Henie (1912-1969) in our latest blog post ~ http://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//from-vault #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

Spots are filling up quick for our next Salon on February 24! Thank you so much to Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund for making this possible. RSVP here ~ https://zoom.us//r/3016111584503/WN_lzf5isV_Tc-s_e2THraCww #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

Today's #TuesdayShoesday features a donation we received from D'Wayne Edwards, founder of PENSOLE Design Academy! Did you know, he was also honoured with the Icon Award for Social Impact at the first virtual Footwear News Achievement Awards in 2020 - well done! Learn more about the shoes he donated to the museum in our Unboxing the BSM YouTube video series ~ https://youtu.be/ZH2uQ86pbdg #BlackHistoryMonth

Happy Family Day! We are so excited to share SOCKS: Between You and Your Shoes VIRTUALLY! Visit our website now to take a look and stay tuned for more https://batashoemuseum.ca/socks/ #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

Since we’re all stuck at home these days, our conservator, Ada, takes us back to visit 2011 in today's new blog post ~ https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//travels-t #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

Happy birthday Margaret Atwood! This pair of pumps was won by Margaret Atwood, circa 1980-1988. It's made of blue crocheted cotton and adorned with a peacock's feather #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

We are so excited to launch a new blog series today in celebration of Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO). Today we begin with SECTION 35 ~ check out our blog, Step into the BSM to read the full interview. #IFWTO runs November 26 - 29. http://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//indigenous

Check out our latest Storytime with the BSM that is premiering now on our Youtube channel ~ https://youtu.be/ZiZ4nmMNchI #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

Starting with ideas of modesty in the 18th century, join us on December 9 as guest speaker Romana Mirza discusses the impact colonizers had on the culture and society of the biblical lands, specifically focusing on the loss of rights for women. RSVP ~ https://zoom.us//r/6616052116834/WN_kjUuZfR1RwC0zgohf7VQbg #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

8 days away from this year's Founder's Lecture with @marcirodgers_! Marci will share her creative process when approaching costume design for major projects, how she creates iconic looks that influence culture and, of course, the importance of shoes! RSVP here ~ https://zoom.us//r/4016034585994/WN_fXyYDxAMTTSTfNSrER_wIw

Explore the Aga Khan Museum for free this weekend if you are a Friend of the BSM! Learn more about our reciprocal weekend and how to book advance tickets here ~ https://batashoemuseum.ca/ev/friends-of-the-bsm-reciprocal/ #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

In Italy, chopines were worn under women’s skirts thereby not only increasing the amount of textile used to create the skirts but also the cost. Learn more about this pair in our new blog post ~ https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//from-vaul #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

Slap-sole shoes were developed in the early 1600’s as a means to protect the shoe from sinking into the ground. It featured a 2-part system where a shoe was slipped inside a flat sole mule (backless shoe). By the mid-17th century these two components had become integral and primarily a dress staple for the fashionable woman ~ learn about the conservation of this pair of 17th century slap-sole shoes in our new blog post https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//the-heigh #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

This pair of men’s house slippers features Berlin work; a type of embroidery that was hugely popular in Europe during the 19th century ~ visit our website for more info on these shoes featured in this week's colouring sheets https://batashoemuseum.ca/bsm-colouring/ #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

In 1989 the BSM acquired a beautifully embroidered jacket with matching leggings. The museum collects clothing to display with footwear to help the visitor better understand the overall look of a complete outfit. Learn more about Métis embroidery in our new blog post ~ https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//metis-emb #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

Tune in at 7pm EST on our Youtube channel for this week's Storytime with the BSM! See what happens when pumpkins fly #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt7yRkgGbMY

At the direction of the Government of Ontario, the Bata Shoe Museum will temporarily close beginning Monday, November 23. Your safety and the safety of our community is our top priority. Throughout this difficult time, we will continue to offer you engaging online content and virtual programs. Until we can welcome you back into the museum, we hope that you and your loved ones stay well.

Peruse our online shop and discover adorable stocking stuffers! Swipe through to see our favourites (that are also under $20!) https://shop.batashoemuseum.ca #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome

Every Tuesday, Elizabeth Semmelhack answers YOUR questions for our Ask a Curator IGTV series! Have a question? Let us know by commenting below! #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

Did you attend our first Salon Series? You won't want to miss the next one! On October 21 at 7pm EST, we'll be speaking with Dr. Kimberly Alexander about "Patriotism and the Politicization of Shoes, 1760s -1780s" ~ https://zoom.us///1216020922516/WN_xAbj8s92SsunFl9804jSGw #BSMFromHome

HAPPY #HALLOWEEN!! Are you dressing up this year? Don't forget, kids in costume get in free this weekend and get a craft bag to take home! See the details on our website on how to get advance tickets ~ https://batashoemuseum.ca/event/halloween-at-the-bsm/ #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

Happy Thanksgiving to all of those who are celebrating today! We are so grateful for all of you and hope you have an amazing time with loved ones on this extra day off

Peruse our online shop and get your holiday shopping started! http://shop.batashoemuseum.ca/ #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

We want to wish our favourite architect (and the architect of the BSM) a very happy birthday! Designing our award-winning building 25 years ago, along with myriad spectacular buildings around the world, Mr. Moriyama is a Canadian treasure and icon. We hope you have the best day celebrating your birthday

While it might not look like it at first glance, this rolled up bundle is a parka made and worn by Irene Davis of Nunivik Island, Alaska. Read more about this parka in our recent blog post ~ https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//spotlight #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

We are so thrilled with the amazing response for this year's Founder's Lecture with Marci Rodgers! Spots are filling up quickly for our annual event so be sure to RSVP a-sap if you want to hear her talk, "From Scripts to Sneakers" ~ https://zoom.us//r/4016034585994/WN_fXyYDxAMTTSTfNSrER_wIw #MuseumFromHome

Explore the exhibit through colour by downloading our 18th century colouring sheets. Each artefact is also on display in our new exhibit, "The Great Divide" #nbTO20 www.batashoemuseum.ca/nuit-blanche-great-divide

Learn about the process of fabricating mannequins in this new blog post by Ada! Read about displaying pants and shorts here: https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//fabricati #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

This week's colouring sheets features this pair of 20th century Han Chinese shoes! Mothers and grandmothers often made footwear for beloved children that featured animals. Pigs were a favourite choice as they symbolize abundance and good fortune. Visit our website to download them ~ https://batashoemuseum.ca/bsm-colouring/ #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

Tune into Storytime with the BSM tonight at 7pm EST on our Youtube channel as we read one of the cutest stories ~ Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes by Eva Chen! https://youtu.be/yDzkZihkuTU #BSMFromHome #MuseumFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

Spots are filling up quick for our second Salon Series with Dr. Kimberly Alexander! In this talk, Kimberly and Elizabeth will be discussing "Patriotism and the Politicization of Shoes, 1760s -1780s". Sign up here ~ https://zoom.us//r/1216020922516/WN_xAbj8s92SsunFl9804jSGw

This man's shoe would have used to express both gender and class. Its low heel conveyed that it was masculine and the expensive fabric and ostentatious bow conveyed that it was upper class. Its use of pink might confuse us today, but in the 18th century pink was not gendered. See more of our artefact highlights on our website ~ available only until 7am!! #nbTO20

Our anniversary book is the perfect addition to any coffee table! Did you know you can get your copy on our online shop? Visit shop.batashoemuseum.ca to see our selection of thoughtfully-chosen items inspired by our collection and exhibitions! #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

Do you follow us on Instagram and Tiktok? We recently started a new series, "Off the Shelf" where we take you to our storage room to learn some fun facts about our collection! https://www.tiktok.com/@batashoemuseum//6880923926772321537 #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

#bornthisday was singer, John Lennon. The Beatles not only revolutionized music in the early 1960’s, but also fashion. A key element to their signature look included the "Beatle boot". This boot was worn by John, and was given to a fan by Mal Evans, the Beatles’ road manager. According to Mal, this boot was very sentimental to John because he wore it when the band first came to London

Pumpkin spice & everything nice at the BSM this weekend! From October 30 - November 1, kids in costume get in free and get a craft bag to take home (ages 12 & under) ~ find out more info on our website https://batashoemuseum.ca/event/halloween-at-the-bsm/ #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

Discover what "The Great Divide" looks like IRL piece by piece by solving our puzzles! Visit our website here: www.batashoemuseum.ca/nuit-blanche-great-divide #nbTO20

Did you hear? We announced this year's Founder's Lecture speaker, Marci Rodgers! Join the conversation on November 10, 2020, 7pm EST for her talk, "From Scripts to Sneakers" Sign up here ~ https://zoom.us//r/4016034585994/WN_fXyYDxAMTTSTfNSrER_wIw #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

Explore our new exhibit, "The Great Divide" during Nuit Blanche! For a limited time (7pm - 7am), our virtual teaser will be available on our website! https://batashoemuseum.ca/nuit-blanche-great-divide/ #nbTO20

This stylish bathing shoe from the 1920s can be identified as rubber because of its flexibility, characteristic smell and production date. Learn more about plastics identification on our blog ~ https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//plastics- #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

Storytime with the BSM returns TONIGHT at 7pm EST on our Youtube channel. Tune in every Saturday as our staff members read shoe-themed books! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqOJRgJsqbs #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

Halloween may look a bit different this year but that’s not stopping us from celebrating this fun annual tradition. And what better way to show off your costumes than at Toronto’s favourite shoebox! Kids 12 and under wearing costumes get in free and also take home a craft bag! Learn more by visiting our website ~ https://batashoemuseum.ca/event/halloween-at-the-bsm/

We are so excited to announce our next Salon Series guest ~ Dr. Kimberly Alexander, Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of New Hampshire (@silkdamask)! Exploring the impact of 18th century issues today and beyond, as featured in our exhibition "The Great Divide", we hope you can join us as Kimberly sits down (virtually) with Creative Director & Senior Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack, to discuss Patriotism and the Politicization of Shoes, 1760s -1780s. Sign up here ~ https://zoom.us//r/1216020922516/WN_xAbj8s92SsunFl9804jSGw

Lancashire clogs typically have wooden soles that feature metal reinforcements at the heel and along the sole to the toe. They also typically feature thick leather uppers closed with buckles, instep straps, or lacing. Find out more about this pair in our blog post here ~ https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//from-vaul

The Pinet brand continued into the 20th century. While the style of shoes reflected contemporary fashion, many examples featured lavish embroidery, long a hallmark of Pinet footwear. #FashionFriday

This Peruvian side-saddle stirrup was made in 1711 for the Countess of Torre Tagle, a member of a powerful colonial Spanish family in Peru. It was decorated with symbols to ensure it was read as being a product of colonialism in South America including an image of an imagined Indigenous person in feathered headdress, long a symbol for America, and a llama, an animal native to the region and a beast of burden in silver mining. In this period, gender norms forbade women from straddling horses as it was considered immodest. Instead, women had to ride side saddle. This was achieved by securing one leg over the pommel of their saddle and placing the foot of the other slipped into a stirrup. Learn more in our new exhibition, The Great Divide ~ https://batashoemuseum.ca/great-divide/

Missed our latest Storytime with the BSM? Tune in to watch Gus read "Bear Needs Help" ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dy7QWBAHSs #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

Storytime with the BSM returns this Saturday at 7pm! Tune in as Adrienne reads, "Mama's Work Shoes" by Caron Levis! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqOJRgJsqbs #MusuemFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

Check out our IG story to get a glimpse of our exhibit, "The Great Divide"! #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

The most beautiful addition to your coffee table Learn more about our anniversary book, The World At Your Feet by visiting our website! https://batashoemuseum.ca/the-world-at-your-feet-the-bata-/ #regram @TheKit

Add some glitz to your Tuesday with these 19th century shoe buckles! Inscribed, it says "To Admiral Viscount, 29 September 1803" #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

#TuesdayShoesday: This pair of 19th century nalin shoes has exceptionally fine inlay and may have been made for use by a bride. Read more about this pair on our blog series, From the Vault ~ https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//from-vaul #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

There are still a few spots in our Salon Series debuting THIS Wednesday, September 30 at 7pm EST! Find out more information about this exciting series on our website: https://batashoemuseum.ca//salon-series-exploring-the-imp/ #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

Did you miss the #AskACurator event? Every week, we'll be posting all the answers from our curatorial team on our blog, Step into the BSM to catch up! Read about the most dangerous object, advice on becoming a conservator & more in Ada's blog post here. https://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com//ask-conse

Can't make it to the BSM this weekend? Check out our exhibit, "Standing TALL: The Curious History of Men in Heels" on Google Arts & Culture! https://artsandculture.google.com//standin/BQJSZR_j5AhtLA #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

Happy birthday to the iconic, Serena Williams! This pair of "Extrena" tennis shoes in our collection has orange and white with gold detailing, in an asymmetric design. This design was created for the tennis star to wear on the court. Serena Williams is an American professional tennis player who has earned 23 Grand Slam titles

In the 18th century, English shoemakers offered women 'exotic' shoes that featured details such as upturned toes. Our newly released colouring sheets features shoes that you can see IRL in our exhibit, "The Great Divide" ~ Visit our website to download https://batashoemuseum.ca/bsm-colouring/

In less than a week, Elizabeth will be chatting with Dr. Ben Barry on "The Future of Fashion" in our first ever "Salon Series" ~ Reserve your spot by visiting our website: https://batashoemuseum.ca//salon-series-exploring-the-imp/ #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome #SeeTorontoSoon

In 1863, as the Battle of Gettysburg "one of the most important battles of the American Civil War " raged, a bullet knocked the heel off the boot of an Army soldier named Gorgon. Army-issued footwear was notorious for being poorly-made forcing many men to procure their own boots. It is difficult to tell if this heel would have been attached to an army-issue boot as this is all that remains. It also leaves ones hoping that all the soldier lost that day was his heel. American 1860-1863.

#TuesdayShoesday features these gold mojari as seen in our new exhibit, "The Great Divide" They are thought to have been worn by the Nizam of Hyderabad, Shikander Jah (r. 1803 -1829) but may date to later in the century. Heavily worked in gold and ornamented with precious jewels, these shoes reflect the wealth and power of Hyderabad in the 19th century. The majesty of its rulers was closely linked to Mughal traditions including the use of gold as a means of proclaiming power. These royal shoes are evidence of this. They are heavily decorated with zardozi embroidery which translates as gold work and includes the use of gold metal thread called sunehri kasab and gold sequins called sitara. The ‘throats’ of the mojari are bejewelled with rubies, diamonds and emeralds set in enameled gold. Hyderabadi, 19th century

Come to Toronto's favourite shoebox! The BSM always has something exciting to see ~ plan your visit by checking out our website (PS: Don't forget your mask! ) http://batashoemuseum.ca/welcome-back/ #regram: @jay.y.y.y.y.y.y #MuseumFromHome #BSMFromHome

We wanted to say a huge congratulations to Catherine O'Hara for last night's Emmy's win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series! O'Hara and the rest of the Schitt's Creek cast swept the comedy category during last night's event. Anyone else agree the BSM should have more of the cast's shoes in our collection? - In 2011, O’Hara revived one of her most popular SCTV characters, Lola Heatherton, while performing a live show benefiting charity. She purchased these shoes at a thrift store especially for this performance and during her time on stage, she relied on co-star Eugene Levy to help keep her steady.