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Nathan Phillips Square & City Hall

100 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario

Description

Toronto City Hall (or New City Hall) was designed by Viljo Revell (and his collaborators) and opened in 1965, it consists of two semi-circular concrete towers of different height (99m and 79m) framing the circular council chamber. It replaced the neighbouring Old City Hall built in Romanesque Revival style at the end of the 19th century. Nathan Phillips Square acts as the forecourt to those monuments, the public space includes a reflecting pool with concrete arches (turned into an ice rink in winter), sculptures, a"Toronto" sign, and is framed by an elevated walkway. It holds public events, shows, demonstrations, and a weekly farmers' market.

Access & Transport

The square is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, between metro stations Queen (1) and Osgoode (1). Trams 301/501 run along its southern edge on Queen St W and #505 just to the north along Dundas St W.

Instructions & Recommendations

Nearby attractions / points of interest include the Art Gallery of Ontario, Yonge-Dundas Square and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Meta review

Social networks have made the square famous because of the "Toronto" sign and, according to online visitors' reviews, this is indeed one of the prime reasons why tourists go there. A few comments on the architecture around but not that much. Overall, it is described as a good place to take a break, and cool in the winter (ice rink) or when lit up at night.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally, there is no data at the neighbourhood level, but it is mostly concrete with few green spaces. Part of the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

The City Halls have character, we can give them that, and the square's design was clearly developed contemporaneously to the New City Hall so that there is some consistency. Very much worth a look but not the prettiest architectural ensemble you will ever lay your eyes upon as a tourist.

Key positive

Cool design of the New and Old City Halls

Toronto sign and reflecting pool with arches make for good pictures

Key negative

So much concrete gives an austere look

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:0h 40m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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