100 Queen St W Travel Guide

Toronto City Hall, situated at 100 Queen Street West, stands as a testament to modern architecture and civic engagement in the heart of Toronto. Designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, with local association by John B. Parkin Associates, it officially opened on September 13, 1965. The building replaced the Old City Hall, which had served as the city's municipal center since 1899.The building's design was selected through an international competition that drew over 500 submissions from 42 countries. Revell's winning design comprises several distinct elements: a podium, the council chamber, two office towers, and Nathan Phillips Square. The two towers, one 27 stories and the other 20, curve around the central council chamber, creating a visually striking presence.Nathan Phillips Square, designed concurrently with City Hall, serves as a public gathering space and complements the building's architecture. The square features a large reflecting pool, concrete arches, and the iconic Toronto sign, making it a popular destination for events and leisure. The square has a public pavilion with a skating rink, support facilities, food concessions, and a roof terrace.In 1991, City Hall was designated a property of historical and architectural significance under the Ontario Heritage Act. The 27th floor of the east tower once served as a public observation deck. A green roof was added to the building in 2009 and opened to the public in 2010.