Toronto’s museum dedicated to footwear, the Bata Shoe Museum, has unveiled its 2026 annual spring exhibition, Unearthing Vindolanda: Footwear from the Edge of the Roman Empire. This exhibit will feature 100 artifacts from Vindolanda, including Roman leather shoes dating back nearly 2,000 years. Here’s what to know.

On view starting May 7, 2026, in partnership with The Vindolanda Trust, the new exhibit will be showcased in North America for the first time ever. This is your chance to travel back in time – with footwear.

What to expect

According to the exhibition’s description, it steps into daily life at Vindolanda, a Roman fort in Northumberland, England. It’s located near Hadrian’s Wall, where unique soil conditions preserved hundreds of leather shoes.

These finds are part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“When archaeologists at Vindolanda began finding a wide variety of shoes, our understanding of who lived in Roman military forts and settlements was changed,” reads the exhibit’s description.

“Researchers had long thought that Roman military garrisons were the domain of men alone. As excavation work continues, it is now clear that nearly 2,000 years ago, a vibrant community surrounded the Roman military garrison that included men, women, and children in significant numbers.”

If you love what you see and want more, Unearthing Vindolanda is accompanied by a number of activities. These include public programs, lectures, workshops, and even special events. These will surely bring the stories of Rome’s northern frontier to life.

“The Vindolanda Trust is delighted to collaborate with the Bata Shoe Museum on the Unearthing Vindolanda exhibition,” says Barbara Birley, curator at Vindolanda Museum.

“We hope this internationally co-curated exhibition will engage new audiences and inspire visitors to connect with the rich legacy of the Roman past.”

You have until September 2027 to enjoy the exhibit. Tickets are available and start at $16 for adults. Additional workshops may vary in price.

Add this museum experience to your spring plans!

Unearthing Vindolanda

When: Opening May 7, 2026
Where: Bata Shoe Museum – 327 Bloor St. W.
Cost: $16+

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