Nathan Phillips Square & Toronto's City Halls: A Guide

At the heart of Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square stands as a testament to the city's evolution, flanked by the architectural statements of two distinct eras: Old City Hall and New City Hall. The story of this civic space is one of ambition, transformation, and a poignant detail: the visionary architect of the iconic New City Hall, Viljo Revell, never lived to see his masterpiece completed.

Old City Hall: A Romanesque Landmark

Constructed between 1889 and 1899, Toronto's Old City Hall is a commanding example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Designed by architect E.J. Lennox, the grand stone structure served as the seat of Toronto's City Council from 1899 until 1966. Its prominent clock tower was the tallest structure in Canada from its completion until 1917.

Due to cost overruns and construction delays, city councillors denied Lennox a plaque recognizing his work. In response, the architect had stonemasons discreetly carve his name into the corbels beneath the upper eaves around the entire building. The building also faced near demolition in the 1960s to make way for the Eaton Centre, with proposals to save only the clock tower. Today, it stands as a National Historic Site.

The Modern Vision: New City Hall

By the mid-20th century, Toronto sought to project a more modern, forward-looking image. This ambition was championed by Mayor Nathan Phillips, who, after an initial plan was rejected by voters, persisted in his vision for a new civic center. In 1956, an international competition was launched, attracting over 500 entries from 42 countries.

The winning design was a striking Neo-Expressionist Modern concept by Finnish architect Viljo Revell. Construction began in 1961 on the complex, which features two curving towers of different heights (20 and 27 stories) embracing a central, saucer-like council chamber. The building officially opened on September 13, 1965. Tragically, Revell had passed away ten months earlier and never saw his groundbreaking design fully realized.

Nathan Phillips Square: Toronto's Public Forum

Named for the mayor who tirelessly advocated for its creation, Nathan Phillips Square is Canada's largest city square, covering 4.85 hectares. The site was historically part of 'The Ward,' a significant immigrant reception area. Today, it is Toronto's primary public gathering space, attracting an estimated 1.5 million visitors annually.

The square hosts a wide array of events, from concerts and a weekly farmers' market to the annual Cavalcade of Lights festival. Its reflecting pool, spanned by three 'Freedom Arches,' becomes a popular public ice-skating rink in winter. The square is also home to Henry Moore's sculpture, 'Three-Way Piece No. 2: The Archer,' and the iconic 'TORONTO' sign, a legacy of the 2015 Pan American Games. It has been the site of major celebrations, including the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA championship parade, the largest public gathering in Canadian history.