Nathan Phillips Square & City Hall
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Nathan Phillips Square - by Scott Webb on Unsplash





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.
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
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:0h 40m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo