Awards

2025 - Best Architecture

A Portal to Ukrainian Culture

Located at 1175 Main Street

Learn about the history of the first wave of Ukrainian homesteaders to Canada through the lens of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Manitoba Branch. Discover the handmade artifacts in the Museum, originally acquired by the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants and their descendants and the breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral, based on the original design by George Korbin and Alexander Powtsenko with exterior mosaic designed by Leo Mol. Ukrainian traditional beading and embroidery demonstrations will take place throughout the day.

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2022 - Best Architecture

Dalnavert Museum

Located at 61 Carlton Street

Choose-your-own-adventure through Winnipeg’s Victorian Past! Built on Treaty 1 land in 1895, Dalnavert is now a national historic site and one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Revival architecture in Western Canada. The fully furnished family home of the Macdonald’s is filled with period artifacts and antiques featuring a day in the life of an affluent family in 19th century Winnipeg. At Doors Open, you will be treated to a unique and in depth tour of 3 rooms of your choosing.

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2021 Best Architecture

Dalnavert Museum

Located at 61 Carlton Street

Go back in time as soon as you step into this small mansion in the heart of Downtown. One of the finest examples of Queen Anne Revival architecture in Western Canada, the house has an impressive collection of 19th century decorative arts all out on display as they might have been back in 1895. A national historic site, it feature rooms on the main floor such as the Kitchen stove with built-in waffle iron, and the parlour with its papier-mâché chess board table!

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2020 Best Tour

Haunted History Tour

Located at 444 York Avenue

Join one of Winnipeg’s most experienced guides, Matthew Komus, author of the book Haunted Winnipeg: Ghost Stories from the Heart of the Continent, on a tour of haunted history. The walk combines historical fact with ghost stories connected to three well-known Winnipeg buildings. Starting at Vaughan Street Jail, the tour proceeds to the Manitoba Legislature Building and concludes at Dalnavert Museum.

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2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Best Restoration

Dalnavert Museum

Located at 61 Carlton Street

The Dalnavert Museum and Visitor’ Centre has undergone an incredible transformation through detailed restoration that is immediately visible to guests as they enter the 1895 home of Sir Hugh John MacDonald, son of Prime Minister John A MacDonald. The grand old house was nearly lost in the 1970s, and was slated for demolition. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and philanthropists, restoration to the house began almost immediately after the purchase.

Then again in 2014 Dalnavert Museum was closed and in risk of being lost forever. The Friends of Dalnavert Museum was formed and took over ownership with a new business model. In 2015 the museum officially reopened stronger than ever, guaranteeing it will be part of our social and architectural fabric for generations to come.

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2015 - The 'Hidden Gem'

Celebration Heritage 2026

Located at 3180 Portage Avenue

The Historical Museum of St. James-Assiniboia located at 3180 Portage Avenue is a museum that strongly reflects the history of its community. There are three buildings on the property for visitors to explore, including the William Brown Red River Frame House circa 1856 and the old Municipal Government Hall, built in 1911, which now houses displays about the development of St. James-Assiniboia as well as an interpretive centre showcasing pioneer life in the late 19^th century. A long-standing participant in Doors Open Winnipeg, the Historical Museum of St. James-Assiniboia is one of many incredible museum experiences that the city of Winnipeg has to offer. Truly an historical asset to the Doors Open event, we are very pleased with their continued participation.

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2014 - Best Restoration

La Maison Gabrielle-Roy

Located at 375 Rue Deschambault

La Maison Gabrielle-Roy is the childhood home of prominent Canadian author Gabrielle Roy. The house was built in 1905 by her father and features a gabled attic, sweeping veranda, and beautiful white Corinthian columns. Gabrielle Roy was one of Canada’s great novelists both in English and in French, as well as being an immensely important figure in French Canadian culture. One of the books she wrote Rue Deschambault, or Street of Riches in English, was based on her childhood in this home. This Doors Open site is one of many in the St. Boniface area of the city and provides tours in both French and English. The goal of the museum is to not only preserve the life, works, and personality of Gabrielle-Roy, but also to play an active role in the cultural life of Manitoba, particularly in the French-speaking community.

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2012 - Best Overall Experience

Celebration Heritage 2026

Located at 3180 Portage Avenue

Winnipegers were invited to return to a time past at the St. James Museum….and they did…and they loved it! Visitors were able to visit the three historical buildings on site: The William Brown Red River Frame House (constructed waaaaay back in 1856), the historic Municipal Hall, and the Display Building housing artifacts of blacksmithing, farming and transportation. In the William Brown House, trained Actors transported visitors back to early Manitoba pioneer life in late 19th century. For the second year in a row, Winnipegers have let Doors Open and the St. James Museum know that they love the site, the programming and St. James history in general.

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2012 - Best Guided Tour/Programming

Winnipeg Law Courts

Located at 408 York Avenue

Those participating in the guided 45-minute tour from the Law Courts got a chance to see the beautiful interior spaces of some of the highest courts in Manitoba. In addition to seeing Courtroom 330 (the Manitoba Court of Appeal) and Courtroom 210 (the Court of Queen’s Bench), those on the tour visited the Great Library. Hundreds of visitors nervously interacted with Courtroom 210: kids and adults alike, enjoyed sitting in the chairs of the judges, counsel and jury. While sheepish at first, more than a few put on a stern face and mimicked the motion of slamming a gavel down for silence. The tour guides patiently pointed out that Canadian justices do not use gavels. The engaging tour guides and rich symbolism of the building ensured that no one will soon forget the Law Courts.

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2011 - Best Overall Experience

Celebration Heritage 2026

Located at 3180 Portage Avenue

Winnipegers were invited to return to a time past at the St. James Museum….and they did…and they loved it! Visitors were able to visit the three historical buildings on site: The William Brown Red River Frame House (constructed waaaaay back in 1856), the historic Municipal Hall, and the Display Building housing artifacts of blacksmithing, farming and transportation. In the William Brown House, trained Actors transported visitors back to early Manitoba pioneer life in late 19th century.

• See it this year!