The historic Metropolitan Theatre on Donald Street is a vision from the past that few Winnipeggers get to see up close. Built in 1919, its neoclassical facade has witnessed over a century of the city’s evolution. This weekend, however, the theatre’s ornate interior will welcome visitors as part of Doors Open Winnipeg, a celebration that turns our city inside out.
“People are always surprised when they step inside,” says Cindy Tugwell, Executive Director of Heritage Winnipeg, as she walks me through the theatre’s restored lobby. “They’ve passed by hundreds of times without realizing what treasures hide behind these walls.”
This year marks the 21st anniversary of Doors Open Winnipeg, an annual event that invites the public to explore historically and architecturally significant buildings that are typically closed to the general public. Running May 25-26, the event features over 80 locations, from century-old churches to modern architectural marvels.
I’ve covered Doors Open for years, but each time I’m struck by how the experience connects Winnipeggers to their shared history. Last year, more than 21,000 people participated in the weekend tours, according to Heritage Winnipeg records.
“The event isn’t just about beautiful buildings,” Tugwell explains as we continue our preview tour. “It’s about understanding our collective story as a city – who built these places, who lived and worked in them, and how they shaped the Winnipeg we know today.”
This weekend, visitors can explore iconic locations like the Manitoba Legislative Building, the historic Exchange District, and hidden gems like the Vaughan Street Jail. Many sites offer guided tours led by passionate volunteers who share stories that textbooks often miss.
For newcomers to Winnipeg, the event offers a crash course in local history. Arjun Sharma, who moved to the city from India three years ago, attended his first Doors Open last year.
“I visited the Ukrainian Labor Temple and was fascinated to learn about early Ukrainian immigrants and their impact on Manitoba,” Sharma tells me. “These buildings tell stories that help me understand my new home better than any guidebook could.”
What makes Doors Open particularly special is its inclusivity. The event is free, accessible to all ages, and provides a rare opportunity for families to connect with history in a tangible way.
“Kids especially love the interactive elements,” says Daria Zozulya, a volunteer coordinator at Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, another participating site. “When they can touch the stones of a historic wall or see where people actually lived 150 years ago, history becomes real for them.”
According to data from Statistics Canada, knowledge of local heritage significantly increases community engagement and sense of belonging. This connection is something Doors Open fosters deliberately.
Beyond buildings, the weekend celebrates Winnipeg’s cultural diversity through special performances. The Manitoba Underground Opera will perform at Dalnavert Museum, while traditional Indigenous storytelling will take place at the newly opened Qaumajuq Inuit art centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Climate change and sustainability concerns have also found their way into this year’s programming. Several sites, including the newly renovated Forks Market, will highlight green building technologies and adaptation strategies for heritage structures facing environmental challenges.
“Old buildings are actually incredibly sustainable,” notes Tugwell. “The greenest building is the one that already exists. Repurposing historic structures rather than demolishing them prevents tonnes of waste from entering landfills.”
The economic impact of heritage preservation is substantial. A 2022 report from the National Trust for Canada found that rehabilitating heritage properties creates 21% more jobs than the same investment in new construction, while driving tourism and increasing property values in surrounding areas.
During last year’s event, I spent an afternoon at the Louis Riel House in St. Vital. The modest home, once owned by the Métis leader’s family, sits quietly among modern developments. As I listened to the interpreter describe Riel’s complex legacy and the struggles of the Métis people, I watched visitors’ expressions shift from casual interest to deep reflection.
This transformation – from passive observer to engaged citizen – is perhaps Doors Open’s greatest achievement.
“When people understand the stories behind their city, they care more about preserving it,” says Reverend Brenda Whitfield of Augustine United Church, another participating location. “They become stewards of our shared heritage.”
For those planning to attend this weekend, organizers recommend checking the Doors Open Winnipeg website for a complete list of locations and hours. Some popular sites like the Manitoba Legislative Building dome tours require advance registration.
Whether you’re a lifelong Winnipegger or a recent arrival, Doors Open offers something rare in our fast-paced world: a chance to slow down, look up, and see our city with fresh eyes – to recognize that we are all part of a continuing story written in brick, stone, and memory.
As I finish my preview tour at the Metropolitan Theatre, a shaft of afternoon light streams through the stained glass windows, illuminating dust particles that dance in the air. I’m reminded that these buildings aren’t just artifacts from the past – they’re living spaces that continue to shape our experience of the city, if only we take the time to notice.
