Osgoode Hall — Attraction in Toronto

Osgoode Hall is a landmark building in downtown Toronto Ontario, Canada. The original 2.1/2 storey building was started in 1829 and finished in 1832 from a design by John Ewart any William Warren Baldwin. The building is named for William Osgoode, the first Chief Justice Of Upper Canada (now the province of Ontario).

As a National Historic Site of Canada, Osgoode Hall has been captivating audiences since 1832. Currently housing the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Law Society of Ontario, it remains a pivotal center of legal activity in downtown Toronto and a cornerstone of Ontario's legal legacy. The six-acre property, nestled in downtown Toronto's core, features mature trees, vibrant gardens, and the renowned iron palisade. With its eclectic mix of late Georgian, Palladian, and Neoclassical architectural influences, Osgoode Hall stands as one of the last remaining examples of mid-19th century Ontario institutional landscapes. Osgoode Hall, home to the Law Society of Ontario, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Superior Court of Justice, offers multiple avenues for exploration.

As a premier repository of legal materials in Canada, the Great Library transcends its functional role to provide an environment that inspires intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Within Osgoode Hall, two libraries are housed: the Great Library of the Law Society of Ontario and a smaller library for judges. The Great Library, constructed between 1857 and 1860 by Cumberland and Storm, features an ornate plaster ceiling, cork floors, an iron spiral staircase, and etched glass windows. The American Room, designed by Burke and Horwood in 1895, is located behind the Great Library and is accessible through it, offering a more intimate space with a spiral staircase.

The mosaic floor, staircase, panelling, and glass dome of the entry hall offer a rare glimpse into Ontario's rich historical heritage.

Convocation Hall, modeled after the medieval Inns of Court, was built as an examination room for law students. Portraits of past provincial Chief Justices and Treasurers of the Law Society adorn Osgoode Hall. A handsome cast iron fence, completed in 1867, separates Osgoode Hall from Queen Street's bustle.

Our visit to Osgoode Hall was a truly delightful and pleasant experience, providing this architecture enthusiast with a highly satisfactory experience.

Notes:

Prior to entry, visitors are subject to a security screening process similar to airport security checks. Visitors can take casual, personal photos inside Osgoode Hall, but not of people entering or leaving courtrooms, or without their consent. Professional, commercial, or staged photography is not permitted. Osgoode Hall offers tours led by Law Society staff during lunch hours in July and August. Monday to Friday in July and August, starting at 1:15 p.m. each day. No reservation required. visitors should enter through the center doors facing Queen Street West. Tour Duration: 1 hour, Limit of 20 participants Tour include the Atrium, a solemn 19 century courtroom, the Great Library and the Convocation Hall (like a Harry Potter...

Osgoode Hall is a landmark building in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The original ​2 1⁄2-storey building was started in 1829 and finished in 1832 from a design by John Ewart and W. W. Baldwin. The structure was named after William Osgoode,the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada (now the province of Ontario). It originally served to house the regulatory body for lawyers in Ontario along with its law school (formally established as Osgoode School in 1889) which was the only recognized professional law school for the province at the time. It was constructed between 1829 and 1832 in the late Georgian Palladian and Neoclassical styles. It currently houses the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court of the Superior Court of Justice, the offices of the Law Society of Ontario and the Great...

One of the most beautifully kept, historical buildings I have ever seen. Names after the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada, this building is a shrine to Canadian Law and architecture. You will see beautiful floors, an ornate plaster ceiling, a spiral iron stare case and etched glass along with thousands of law journals and gorgeous wood work. Best of all it is open to the public and is a great stop while visiting Toronto for anyone remotely interested in law...