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The Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St W) has amassed more than 10,000 pairs of footwear and related artifacts from 2,500 BC to the present day. Since founder Sonja Bata began collecting shoes in the 1940s, pop stars, politicians, and everyday folk have all entrusted their shoes to her. When she decided to open a museum, local architect  Ray Moriyama designed a cunning shoebox-like structure whose "lid" seems to be lifting off. There are neat surprises everywhere, like chestnut crushing shoes from France and platform running shoes worn by Spice Girls member Ginger Spice. Exhibits change regularly, but starting at the lower level you'll find a neat overview of the history of shoes and a sampling of extraordinary shoes that reveal the breadth of the collection. |
