Toronto's Old and New City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto City Hall is a striking landmark featuring a modern architectural design which sharply contrasts the Romanesque Architecture of the adjacent Old City Hall
The adjacent new and old Toronto City Halls overlook Nathan Phillips Square, a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The modern design of the New City Hall which opened in 1965, stands in sharp contrast to the 1899 architecture of the adjacent Old City Hall.
The new Toronto City Hall islocated on a large tract of land north of Queen Street West and west of Bay Street, which was the site of Toronto's first Chinatown. Much of Chinatown had to be displaced to the northwest in order to accommodate the new City Hall.
The modern design was created by Finnish architect Viljo Revell along with associates Heikki Castren, Bengt Lundsten, and Seppo Valju who won a contest to come up with the best design. The modern design consists of a rectangular base from which two curved towers rise to different heights. The circular council chambers are constructed on top of the rectangular base in between the two towers. The tallest tower reaches 27 stories (326 feet).
In front of the City Hall is a courtyard called Nathan Phillips Square featuring a reflecting pool which is used as an outdoor skating rink during the winter months, as well as the Peace Garden which serves as a memorial to the bombing of Hiroshima. The square features a weekly farmers' market, the winter festival of lights and is also used for concerts and art displays.
In stark contrast to the new Toronto City Hall and surrounding buildings, the Old City Hall sits next door and features Romanesque Architecture including a 340 foot clock tower complete with gargoyles and the third largest clock in the world. Built in 1899 this historic Toronto Building now serves as the Ontario Court of Justice.
For anyone interested in architecture, both old and new, Toronto's City Halls are a great place to explore.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoToronto City Hall Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N3, Canada
Phone: (416) 392-2489
Official Website: Toronto City Hall
Toronto City Hall Reviews
Rated out of 5
Nathan Phillips Square is a vibrant public plaza in downtown Toronto, alive with festivals, markets, and a popular ice rink in winter, framed by the iconic Toronto sign. Adjacent City Hall, a 1965 modernist masterpiece with curved towers, serves as the civic hub and offers tours. Together, they blend lively community spirit with architectural brilliance, defining mid-Toronto’s urban core. Very spacious city square. It's also fun in the winters, with Christmas lights, the tree, the deco, and a bustling ice-skating rink. The drive to it in the busy downtown area is a disaster, though, and you have to be very patient with the drive and finding parking nearby. It's worth a visit at least once in your lifetime.
IMRAN Chaudhry - 3 weeks ago
It’s a fun place to spend time in Toronto…. There are lot of events happening all around the year which brings diversity and inclusivity for people coming from different parts of the world. During winters it has ice ring for skating. Absolute fun place.
Amulya Priya - 2 months ago
I walked there just to look at all the scenery. It did not disappoint. Went at dusk on a Sunday. So pretty when the sun starts going down!
Nicole Gill - a week ago
Very spacious city square. It's also fun in the winters, with Christmas lights, the tree, the deco, and a bustling ice-skating rink. The drive to it in the busy downtown area is a disaster though, and you have to be very patient with the drive and finding parking nearby. Worth a visit at least once in your lifetime.
Bilal Kamran - 4 months ago
Nathan Phillips Square is a photographer's dream! This vibrant public space in the heart of Toronto offers a stunning backdrop for couples and engagement shoots. The iconic Toronto sign and beautiful historic architecture (built in 1965) provide endless creative possibilities. Highly recommended for a memorable photo session! 📸IG @gildedshutter
Gilded Shutter (Photography) - a week ago
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yonge-University-Spadina | Osgoode or Queen Station | 3-4 Minutes |
How to get to Toronto City Hall by TTC Subway
No Bus required. From Osgoode Station walk east along Queen Street West or from Queen Station walk west along Queen Street West. Nathan Philips Square and the Toronto City Hall is located on the north side of Queen Street West about half way between these two stations.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Toronto City Hall:
Photo Gallery
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Panoramic view of Nathan Phillips Square showing both the old and new City Hall cc licensed photo by Paolo Costa Baldi -
A view of Nathan Phillips Square with Toronto's Old City Hall in the background cc licensed photo by -Jerome- -
Ice skating at dusk in front of the old City Hall cc licensed photo by Benson Kua -
Toronto City Hall and Fountain at Night cc licensed photo by Benson Kua -
Nathan Phillips Square and the Toronto City Hall at Christmas cc licensed photo by Alex Guibord
Video
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