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| The Bata Shoe Museum Reviews |
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Address: 327 Bloor Street West Toronto ON Canada M5S 1W7
Tel: 1 416 979-7799
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| "An incredible treasure not to be missed!!!" |
by George (from Coquitlam, BC)
September 2007 - I know, I know, it sounds eccentric to go to a museum dedicated to shoes but the Bata family has built an incredibly interesting, beautiful and awe-inspiring facility dedicated to our lowly footwear! The building itself is stunning; a famous architect and dedicated exhibit designers have combined to make this a peaceful, informative and beautiful experience. We were a mixed group of ages, genders and interests so I wasn't sure what too think when everyone agreed to come along but we all had a great time.
The displays are laid out chronologically, starting with reproductions of the infamous Ice Man found in the Alps on the Swiss/Italian border. Travelling through time and locations/cultures such as Egypt, south-west US natives and the stars of modern film and sport, the unique displays are extremely informative and well laid-out. There are platform shoes over 30 cm high for women to wear in the Turkish baths so as not to burn their feet, giant cowboy boots from Leon, Mexico, for shoe store window displays, an entire section dedicated to the shoes worn in the courts of Louis XIV and the rest of Europe. Shoes worn by Marily Monroe, Queen Victoria, Dianna, Princess of Wales, Terry Fox, Elvis, and others are highlighted in various displays throughout the building. A pair of socks worn by Napoleon after his infamous fall and banishment have an incredible story! Don't miss them!
The story of the Bata family itself is not really told which is a shame--their history and rags-to-riches story and the story of how Mrs. Bata started the museum needs to get some coverage. They are an important part of Canadian retail history (and the rest of the world--I have been in Bata stores in India, Mexico and many other countries).
Honestly, travellers to Toronto and locals who haven't been there, take the time to visit the museum; it is not overwhelmingly huge and can be done quite thoroughly in under three hours. Everyone in our group talked about it for days after and it was one of the hightlights of our family trip to Toronto!
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