New Toronto sneakers exhibition platforms dozens of rare shoe creations from KAWS to Basquiat 

You don’t have to pinch yourself Toronto — you’re not dreaming! Rows of rare sneakers from some of the world’s most beloved artists are touching down in the city and it’s an event shoe lovers simply can’t miss.  

The Bata Shoe Museum’s newest exhibition, Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists takes you into the fascinating environment of sneakers in the art world to explore its cultural significance — with some pretty wicked kicks on display! 

From era-defining artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat to famed designers like KAWS, Kenzo Minami, and Virgil Abloh, the third floor of the Bata Shoe Museum is literally (sneaker) heaven on earth! 

As part of this special programming, the Bata Shoe Museum is also hosting its annual Founder’s Lecture on Tuesday, November 5 with Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, former Nike design director. Known as the brains behind the iconic Air Jordan 21 and 22, Edwards has also been named one of Business Fashion’s 500 Most Influential People and founder of PENSOLE Academy, a footwear design company based in Portland, Oregon.

Tickets for this exciting Founder’s Lecture sneaker discussion can be purchased online from the Bata Shoe Museum website. And bonus — tickets include entrance to the wine and hors d’oeuvres reception! 

Ready to level up your kick game? Bata Shoe Museum general admission gets you access to Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists and it’s always free on Sundays.

BATA SHOE MUSEUM presents ART/WEAR: SNEAKERS X ARTISTS

When: Thursday, October 3, 2024 until Sunday, March 23, 2026
Where: Bata Shoe Museum —327 Bloor Street West
Cost: General admission $14. Free on Sundays