Calling all cowboys and cowgirls, there’s a new exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum that you won’t want to miss!
In honour of the Bata Shoe Museum’s 30th anniversary, it is unveiling The Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot exhibit, which explores the story of the cowboy boot that spans back to the late nineteenth century. The exhibit highlights a history rich with contradiction, looking at boots that have symbolized both labour and leisure, freedom and domination, tradition and reinvention.
There are many highlights to check out, including 18th century Persian riding shoes that show the functional roots of heeled footwear that influenced the design of cowboy boots. Also on display are early models of cowboy boots from the 1890s, Canadian-made cowboy boots from the early 1920s, and a detailed pair from the late 1940s, featuring Renaissance-inspired blossoms and gilded leather.
The exhibit also includes a bespoke pair of boots created for Canadian country artist Orville Peck in 2024, and a mid-1930s pair of the boots designed for country singer Gene Autry, who famously collected custom boots.
Rough and Ready was curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, including artifacts from the museum’s in-house collection, as well as borrowed pieces from 13 different lenders.
Closing up the exhibit is Reclaimed, which highlights the Gwiiwzens Dreamed of Spirit Horses sculpture, created by renowned Anishinaabe (Odawa) artist, Barry Ace.
The Bata Shoe Museum is the world’s most comprehensive collection dedicated to footwear. It boasts an impressive collection of almost 15,000 shoes and related artifacts, showcasing more than 4,500 years of footwear history.
COMMUNITY DAY
In honour of the museum’s 30th anniversary and to mark the opening of the Rough and Ready exhibit, the museum is hosting a community day on May 11, from 12-5 p.m.
Attendees will be able to enjoy free access to the museum and the new exhibition, as well as an itinerary of Wild West-themed activities, guided tours running every hour, performances, games, and crafts.
The event will also feature the Rhinestone Rodeo Shows, incorporating western charm and circus-style tricks in two performances beginning at 1 and 3 p.m., respectively. Kids will also be able to try out the kid-friendly mechanical bull.
TRIVIA NIGHT
On May 27, country music fans can try their hand in a trivia competition, covering all things country music from Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash and Kacey Musgraves.
The event begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., and admission is $25.
PRIDE EVENTS
To kick off Pride Month, the museum is hosting a Wild West party on June 6 from 7 to 11 p.m.
The event is being organized in collaboration with Steers & Queers and Spurs, featuring performances from drag artists Selena Vyle, Lucinda Miu, and Fluffy Soufflé.
DJ Sigourney Beaver will be on deck, providing good vibes for this 19+ party. General admission is $30 per person, while groups can purchase a four-pack of tickets for $100.
Then on June 19th, queer culture meets the Wild West in an interesting panel. The Outlaws and Allies: Cowboys and Queer Culture Panel Discussion is happening from 7-9 p.m., addressing the intersectionality of cowboy traditions and queer identities, hidden histories of queer cowboys, cowboy symbolism in queer culture, and the rich narratives of 2SLGBTQ+ people within cowboy culture.
Tickets to the panel are $15 each and include access to all current exhibitions.The Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot exhibit runs until October 2026.
