The 2021 Doors Open Buffalo looks like it’s going to be pretty terrific. On Saturday, September 25, from 10am to 4pm, over 30 buildings in downtown Buffalo will open their doors to the public (for free).
This ‘behind the scenes tours’ event is one of Explore Buffalo’s most anticipated tours to date. The inaugural Doors Open Buffalo in 2019 was attended by 3,800 visitors, who made 34,000 visits to the participating buildings.
One of the reasons that this tour has become so successful so quickly is the assortment of participating buildings that are on the list, including the Buffalo Presidential Center, Buffalo Harbor Museum, Eliza Quirk House, St. Anthony of Padua Church, and Seneca One.
Anyone looking to volunteer for Doors Open Buffalo can do so by clicking here.
Pre registration required – click here for further information.
The Doors Open Buffalo information hub will be stationed at the Buffalo Erie County Library – Central location, located at 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203.
On September 25, you may pick up a map and start your tour at the Library OR start at any of the participating buildings. Maps will be distributed at all participating locations.
For General Inquiries on Doors Open Buffalo: Explore@ExploreBuffalo.org
Q. What is Doors Open Buffalo?
On Saturday September 25, 2021, Explore Buffalo will present Doors Open Buffalo. This event grants FREE public access to the interiors of downtown Buffalo’s most significant buildings. Whether it’s your first time touring downtown or you’re a seasoned Explore Buffalo tour-goer, this will be a unique occasion to see downtown as you’ve never seen it before: beyond the doors! Behind the scenes tours and buildings you may not have known that you can visit: it’s all free! Explore Buffalo will be following CDC, New York State and Erie County Covid-19 safety guidelines.
Click here to learn about the buildings open for touring on Saturday September 25.
On Sunday an additional 16 locations will be open for what is being calling Buffalo and Beyond. Click here to learn more about additional offerings at local museums for Doors Open visitors on Sunday September 26.
When is Doors Open Buffalo?
Saturday September 25, 2021.
Public hours: 10am – 4pm
Be sure to check each building’s event guide listing for specific hours and final admittance times. Not all buildings will be open for the entirety of the event.
Where is Doors Open Buffalo? How do I navigate the tour?
Doors Open Buffalo is a self-guided and self-paced tour of 30+ downtown Buffalo buildings. Visit 3 buildings or visit all 30! Free registration is required to attend this event. Begin your day at the main information hub at the Central Library or choose any of the participating buildings as your starting point. You can pick up a map at any of these locations, or you can use the Buildings On Tour section of this website as your guide. All participating buildings are within a one-mile radius of the Central Library. Be sure to check the Buildings On Tour page to learn about parking and different options for getting around downtown.
Do I need to register for this event?
Yes. Free registration is required for Doors Open Buffalo. Details on how to check in when you arrive at the event are provided on the registration page.
What is the Doors Open Buffalo Photo Contest?
Doors Open Buffalo 2021 will feature a photo contest to engage the public and give professional and amateur photographers a chance to win a Family-Level Explorer Pass Membership or walking tour passes. Through August 31st Doors Open is collecting submissions of exterior building shots. Simply choose a building from the Doors Open buildings list and enter your photo through this submission form or email olivia@explorebuffalo.org. Learn more about contest rules and check out the other contest categories. All category winners and honorable mentions will be announced and celebrated in October following Doors Open Buffalo but submissions will be featured as they come in.