401 Richmond

I worked in this building many, many moons ago and the vibe has barely changed since I collected a pay-​cheque from a non-​profit based here.
It still remains an awesome space where artists, non-​profits, art galleries, birds, a garden, a few cats, a daycare and an overpriced hat shop combine into quite the menagerie of odd venues, quirky shops… and pets. Can’t forget those pets.
The never ending creaking of the wooden floors will still drive you mad after a long stay. Sure, ‘it adds character!’ some will exclaim, and I will call you crazy for it, you hipster wanna-​be.
One thing you cannot possibly complain is the number of galleries. There a number of them on Richmond but it is great to have a few (3 or 4) of them under one roof. Speaking of which, if in season, the rooftop garden is a great place to have a quiet little lunch.
Among the plants and flowers with Toronto as you backdrop, on a bright sunny day, it can be quite the little zen moment.
I have gone to a number of receptions at the galleries and it is a great place to see local artists working in different mediums. Both inside the galleries and throughout. So it is worth to take the time to explore the multiple floors. You might just find something really interesting. Like a bunch of bird.
If so, I would suggest to use the spiralling fire escape stairs than the elevator, also they are a lot more fun… during the Summer.
Most of the stores tend to be on the eclectic side which around this parts also means very expensive for some of their unique items. In fairness I have never felt the need to purchase anything in them but of course, your mileage may vary.
Definitely worth a visit and X2 if you visit during the Spring/​Summer when the rooftop patio is in bloom.

I would have kept on just walking past this place unless my GF took me on a tour. Years ago her band used to rehearse in the basement. Not sure why this place isn’t actually better known or promoted in Toronto. Lots of cool little galleries. A nifty book store with knick nacks for that hard to buy for uncle at Christmas time. A coffee shop. And some really nice court yards and public spaces.
The place is a real labyrinth and you never know what you’ll find around the next corner. You could kill a couple hours here.
Actually, I suppose it’s better this place is not well known. It’s too easy for the galleries to be crowded out by high-​end restaurants, a Chipotle, a high end condo furniture shop, and a Marshall’s. It’s the very place people like me *will* destroy if we all descend on it with our platinum cards.

The 401 is one of those buildings that has always been there, but you might have walked past it a zillion times without ever thinking to go inside. I discovered this place because of the flamenco studio in the basement (Academy of Spanish Dance). The place has a lot of history and surprisingly, there is a lot of random stuff open to the public (the nice café on the main floor, some galleries, a design shop, a courtyard, a mini museum of musical instruments… I have yet to check out the rooftop, but that looks awesome too!). There are always events going on here and it has a creative, welcoming vibe with many events that are free. It’s nice to see this sort of artistic community still thriving in Toronto. If you need something to do, just check out their bulletin boards that always have posters for music/​dance/​theatre/​film/​visual arts happenings.

I went here to listen to an artist share a personal story through the braids in her hair. Seriously. Wild modern art show with string, hair, ice and clay. There were a few different exhibits on display when I visited and I think they are always changing. The art show was free (but donations accepted). They were also selling Steamwhistle and glasses of wine for $ 4 and had a cute little array of chips/​dip, cheese/​cracker and fruit. The building is gorgeous, and in a great location at Spadia/​Richmond. The bright white lower level has a few different rooms with exhibits and plenty of sculpture and paintings in the hallways to view. Upstairs is mostly office space, but I hear there is a great café, outdoor patio, and rooftop garden. I imagine it is even prettier in the summer.

As I was walking into the building a few weeks ago the following occurred:
Me: What is going on here?
Woman with plethora of dead pigeons (WPDP): We are putting in the new installation this year as part of X art thing.
Me: Er… are those dead pigeons?
WPDP: Taxidermy, yup.
Me: and you took down that recycled bottle orb for these?
WPDP: Yep.
Me: Wow… nice.
So, the building is still amazing, but now there are 30 dead pigeons hanging in the front entrance of the building. Consider yourselves warned. At least art won’t shit on your head.

If you can still gain access to the roof top garden (was there last week, still open as of ⁹⁄₁₉.) it’s a great place to take lunch from the downstairs café (amazing soups) and enjoy the green space that is a secret oasis away from busy Spadina St.
Roof top aviary full of fat, fluttering parakeets is photo op worthy and a sweet reprieve.
Lots of events too. The website is worth a looksie:
Nice billboard space, full of artistic endeavors, classes, and adverts 4 gallery openings. Makes me feel like the slacker I am to not have my own gallery opening.