Design Exchange - Exhibition Hall

234 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5K 1B2

General Inquiries: (416) 363-6121

Housed in the former Toronto Stock Exchange, Design Exchange is a not-for-profit museum dedicated to the pursuit of design excellence and the preservation of design heritage. We were first drawn to Design Exchange for an exhibit entitled Perspective: The View from Here which aims to raise awareness around mental health issues and the ongoing process of recovery. Once inside, we spent some time walking around and exploring the third floor Exhibition Hall which is currently showing IKEA Then & Now. The building hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the space, and can also be booked out for private events!

If you’re not familiar with the area, Design Exchange can be a bit tricky to find. An accessible entrance is located on Wellington Street, west of Bay, beside The Duke of Devon Pub. An 'L' shaped ramp leads to the accessible entrance featuring a 32 inch automatic door, and a non-automatic set of double doors that are approximately 64 inches wide. Upon entering, there is an information desk, and clear, unobstructed hallways to the elevator bank. We took the elevator (76 by 58 inches) up to the third floor which opens directly onto the Exhibition Hall.

The Exhibition Hall is a massive 3000 square-foot room with an abundance of natural light. A spacious hallway leads off of the hall towards accessible washrooms. The washrooms have push doors, and one accessible stall each. The accessible stalls measures 60 by 60 inches, have a 33 inch door that swings outward, and two grab bars (one horizontal over the toilet, and one diagonal on the adjacent wall). There are no automatic features. The sink measures 27 inches from the floor with clear space underneath, and the towel and soap dispensers are at a reachable height.

Accessible parking is available underground at 66 Wellington Street and has direct elevator access to the lobby of Design Exchange. The closest accessible subway stations are St Andrew or Union Station, which are both about a 5 minute walk, or roll, away.

Ever been to the Design Exchange? Let us know how it was in the comments below!