What is Doors Open Niagara?
A unique chance to step inside some of the bi-national Niagara region’s most interesting buildings, many of which are not normally open to the public. The weekend-long event will feature buildings on both sides of the Niagara River, from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario to East Aurora, New York.

What is the purpose of Doors Open?
The purpose of Doors Open Niagara is to make people more aware of their built and cultural heritage by providing free access to buildings of architectural, historic, or decorative value. Doors Open creates access, heightens awareness, and generates excitement about our region.

Where did the Doors Open concept come from?
The inspiration for Doors Open Niagara has it origins in Scotland. In 1990 Glasgow became the first city to launch a Doors Open event. Now, throughout Europe, 40 countries host Doors Open Days events. In 1998, 19 million visitors participated, according to the Council of Europe, the organizing body. Recently, Sydney, Australia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Toronto have launched their own Doors Open events.

Toronto was the first North American city to launch this prestigious event dedicated to built heritage, architecture, and design. In its first year (2000) Doors Open Toronto attracted approximately 70,000 visitors to 96 buildings throughout the city of Toronto.

Who came up with the idea for Doors Open Niagara?
Building on the successful Toronto model, the Ontario Heritage Foundation has launched Doors Open Ontario this year. From April to October, 2002, 17 cities, towns, and community clusters are kicking off their own Doors Open Ontario programs. Last fall, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism approached New York State tourism officials with the idea for a collaborative, bi-national Doors Open pilot program that would feature buildings on both sides of the Niagara River corridor. Doors Open Niagara was born in the spirit of regional and bi-national cooperation.

Who is organizing the event?
The Bi-national Niagara Tourism Alliance, a group of arts, cultural, heritage, hospitality, and tourism industry partners who are working together to develop the Niagara region as an international tourism destination.

When will it take place?
October 19 & 20, 2002
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.*
(* The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, however, each building determines its own schedule. Program is subject to change.)

How much will it cost?
Admission is free. No pre-registration. No tickets required.

What buildings will be participating?
Approximately 70 buildings in Western New York and the Niagara Region of Southern Ontario will be included in this year’s event, among them:

• The Jacobs Executive Development Center, formerly the Williams-Butler House. One of the largest – and most spectacular – houses ever built in Buffalo.
• The Roycroft Inn and Campus. This National Landmark in East Aurora has been restored to its turn-of-the-century glory.
• The Kenan Center. Built in 1859, this rose brick Lockport landmark features four levels of rooftop culminating in an observatory.
• The Court House. Built in 1847, the Court House is a notable example of a 19th Century public building and a focal point of the Niagara-on-the-Lake streetscape.
• Fralick’s Tavern. A Niagara Falls, Ontario tavern built in the Greek Revival style characteristic of the 1830s.
• Mahoney’s Dollhouse Gallery. Overlooking the Niagara River in Fort Erie, the Gallery is best known as an Underground Railroad safe house.
  

Where can I get more information?
By calling the Friendship Festival offices at1-888-333-1987 or the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-BUFFALO.