DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Toronto City Hall

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°15
Toronto City Hall (Canada)

Weather…

Toronto City Hall, opened in 1965, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell. The structure consists of two curved towers of unequal heights, 99 meters and 79 meters, which cradle a central, saucer-shaped council chamber. This futuristic design was chosen following an international competition that attracted over 500 entries, signaling Toronto's emergence as a major global city. Located at Nathan Phillips Square, the building serves as the seat of the municipal government and a bustling public gathering place. The square in front features a large reflecting pool that becomes a popular skating rink during the winter months. Its unique silhouette has made it an enduring symbol of Toronto and a frequent filming location for futuristic cinematic productions. Beyond its administrative functions, City Hall remains a cultural hub where residents and visitors celebrate the city's diversity and civic engagement.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-31611182222181251
Rain mm544953717371755966746663

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Toronto City Hall at Nathan Phillips Square is a distinctive modernist building that can be viewed from outside and inside. Public areas are accessible during business hours; the council chamber is often open to visitors.
🕒
Typical hours
City Hall is usually open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. Nathan Phillips Square is freely accessible at any time; interiors follow office hours.
📷
Photography
The building gives excellent photo subjects from outside, especially with the reflecting pond and arch. Inside, photography is allowed in public areas but without flash.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit to City Hall and the square takes about 30 minutes just for the exterior. If exploring inside as well, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour.
➕
Combine with
Nathan Phillips Square is in the heart of downtown Toronto, near the Eaton Centre and Old City Hall. The Art Gallery of Ontario is also within walking distance.
🧭
Getting there
City Hall is easily accessible by subway (Osgoode or Queen station). From Pearson Airport, take the UP Express to Union Station then the subway.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the square in summer when the reflecting pond is used as a wading pool. In winter, the square turns into a popular skating rink - skates can be rented.

Geography

Population
25,797 (2024)
Coordinates
43.65320, -79.38320

Facts

  • Officially opened on September 13, 1965.
  • Designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell.
  • The East Tower stands 99 meters tall (27 floors).
  • The West Tower stands 79 meters tall (20 floors).
  • Located at Nathan Phillips Square, named after a former mayor.
  • Selected from a field of 527 international competition entries.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ripley's Aquarium of CanadaRipley's Aquarium of Canada<1 km · SWExplore →
Gooderham BuildingGooderham Building1 km · NExplore →
Toronto Financial DistrictToronto Financial District2 km · SWExplore →
Prince Edward ViaductPrince Edward Viaduct3 km · NExplore →
Casa Loma (History)Casa Loma (History)3 km · SExplore →
Ontario Science CentreOntario Science Centre6 km · NExplore →
Richmond HillRichmond Hill8 km · SEExplore →
NewmarketNewmarket12 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Toronto City Hall (15)

Police Museum & Discovery Centre🏛 museum

Police Museum & Discovery Centre in City Hall explores the history of the Toronto Police Service.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:30-16:00🆓

CARLU🎭 culture

The Carlu is an Art Deco theatre and event space in Toronto, known for its iconic rounded lobby.

Chrysalis Theatre🎭 culture

Chrysalis Theatre in City Hall is a venue for emerging artists and experimental performances.

Gallery Arcturus🏛 museum

Museum of contemporary Canadian art in the City Hall district.

🕒 Tu-Fr 12:00-17:30, Sa 11:00-17:30🆓

Canada's Theatre Museum🏛 museum

Canada's Theatre Museum is a museum dedicated to Canadian theatre history, with costumes and sets.

Mackenzie House📍 landmark

Mackenzie House is a historic house museum in Toronto, once home to Toronto's first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie.

Canadian Airman's Memorial🏺 historical

Canadian Airman's Memorial in City Hall honours Canadian airmen who served in WWII.

Grace Toronto Church⛪ religious

Anglican church with a stone facade downtown near City Hall.

Jarvis Street Baptist Church⛪ religious

Historic Baptist church on Jarvis Street near City Hall.

Allan Gardens🌳 park

Park with a Victorian conservatory and botanical gardens.

Église du Sacré-Cœur⛪ religious

Église du Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic church with a large stained-glass window of the Sacred Heart.

Toronto City Hall🏺 historical

Toronto City Hall is the municipal government building, known for its modernist architecture and Nathan Phillips Square.

♿

Trinity Square🌳 park

Public square on the site of the former Trinity College.

George Brown House📍 landmark

Historic home of George Brown, a Father of Confederation, near City Hall.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why does City Hall look so modern?
It opened in 1965, featuring a futuristic design by architect Viljo Revell.
What is Nathan Phillips Square?
It is the large public square in front of City Hall that hosts many events.
Can you go skating there in winter?
Yes, there is a popular skating rink on the square during winter.
Is the public allowed inside?
Yes, parts of the building and the roof podium are open to the public.
What does the Toronto sign on the square represent?
It was installed for the 2015 Pan Am Games and has become a landmark.
Toronto City Hall: where is it located?
Toronto City Hall is located in Canada.
Toronto City Hall: what is there to see?
Highlights include Police Museum & Discovery Centre, CARLU, Chrysalis Theatre.
Toronto City Hall: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Toronto City Hall: why is it worth visiting?
Toronto City Hall, opened in 1965, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Canada →

Nearby cities

Mississauga — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Mississauga
A large suburban city in the Greater Toronto Area on Lake Ontario.
Brampton — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Brampton
A diverse city in the Greater Toronto Area, known as the 'Flower City of Canada'.
Hamilton — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Hamilton
A port city on the western tip of Lake Ontario, known for its industrial heritage.
London — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
London
A city in southwestern Ontario, known for its university and its nickname 'The Forest City'.
Markham — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Markham
A high-tech city in the Greater Toronto Area with a large Asian population.
Vaughan — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Vaughan
A fast-growing city north of Toronto, home to Canada's Wonderland amusement park.
Kitchener — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Kitchener
A city with a strong German heritage, part of the Tri-Cities region.
Windsor — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Windsor
Canada's southernmost city, located directly across from Detroit, USA.
Oakville — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Oakville
An affluent suburban town west of Toronto on Lake Ontario.
Richmond Hill — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Richmond Hill
An affluent town north of Toronto with many parks.
Burlington — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Burlington
A city between Hamilton and Toronto, often ranked as one of Canada's best places to live.
Oshawa — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Oshawa
A city east of Toronto, historically known for its automotive industry.
Greater Sudbury — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Greater Sudbury
A city in Northern Ontario famous for its nickel mining industry.
Barrie — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Barrie
A city on Kempenfelt Bay of Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto.
Guelph — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Guelph
Known for its high quality of life and the University of Guelph.

History & landmarks

Stratford — Toronto City Hall (Canada)
Stratford
Stratford is renowned for its annual classical theatre festival and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Avon River.