Spadina Museum

The Spadina Museum, also known as Spadina House, is a historic mansion in Toronto that is now operated by the city as a museum of historic domestic life. The building stands on a hill whose name derives from the Ojibwe word for "hill" or "sudden rise." The history of the estate goes back to 1818, when Dr. William Warren Baldwin built the first house here. After a fire and later sales of parts of the land, James Austin, founder of the Dominion Bank, bought the property in 1866. His son Albert Austin considerably expanded the house in the early 20th century, including the addition of a third floor. The family lived on the estate until 1982, when the last resident donated the house and all of its furnishings to the city to save it from demolition. It has been a museum since 1984, bringing to life the lifestyle of Toronto's wealthy at the beginning of the 20th century.

The architecture of the house blends Italian influences with Victorian and Edwardian elements. Eye-catching features include the bay windows, the brick terraces, the brick chimneys, and the ornately carved keystones. Inside, a floating staircase in the central hall, tall baseboards, plaster ceilings, and plank floors stand out. Following a comprehensive renovation completed in 2010, the interior is presented in the style of the interwar period of the 1920s and 1930s. On guided tours through the 55 rooms, you can explore the political, economic, and social aspects of that era. Particularly noteworthy are original artifacts such as Albert Austin's mechanical chair and a statue that staff affectionately call "Wonder Woman."

Another highlight of the museum is its extensive gardens, which reflect the landscape character of the Austin family's time. Across six hectares (about 15 acres), more than 300 different kinds of flowers and vegetables bloom, complemented by formal beds, an old orchard, a stone pergola, and a fieldstone wall. The natural surroundings are legally protected and offer an unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline and the lake. The estate is also a popular spot for photo shoots, film productions, and weddings, which underscores its architectural and scenic appeal.