St Lawrence Hall — Attraction in Toronto

The historic plaque in front of the building reads:

St. Lawrence Hall, one of the oldest public buildings in Toronto, was constructed following the Great Fire of 1849 that destroyed a large part of the city's core. Architect William Thomas designed the building in the Renaissance Revival style with Corinthian columns and a domed cupola.

The entrance originally led to a shopping arcade connected to the St. Lawrence Market. The building had shops on the main floor and, on the upper floors, offices and a grand meeting hall used for social events and by prominent speakers, performers, and musicians. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass, Swedish soprano Jenny Lind, and showman P.T. Barnum all appeared in the hall, as did William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first mayor and Upper Canada Rebellion leader.

In the 20th century, St. Lawrence Hall lost prominence and fell into disrepair. By 1965, it was partially derelict and threatened with demolition. A campaign led by architect Eric Arthur resulted in the restoration of the building and its recognition as a National Historic...

St. Lawrence Hall, built in 1850, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture in the city. The hall has hosted many notable events, including powerful speeches by Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved person who became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement advocating for the end of slavery and equal rights for African Americans, and Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering women's rights advocate whose efforts were crucial in the fight for women's suffrage and equal rights. The entrance to the building and the staircase are historic, and the maintenance team has done a great job preserving the original charm without excessive modifications. The hall is spacious, and the pink walls truly elevate the posh and grandeur of the place. I loved the walls. The ceiling and chandelier are beautifully decorated, adding to the overall elegance. The windows are large and impressive, providing a stunning view. Overall, this is a historic hall that hosts plays and dramas. I definitely recommend visiting if you...

St. Lawrence Hall is a meeting hall in Toronto, Ontario, located at the corner of King Street East and Jarvis Street. It was created to be Toronto's public meeting hall home to public gatherings, concerts, and exhibitions. Its main feature was a thousand-seat amphitheater. For decades the hall was the centre of Toronto's social life, before larger venues took over much of this business. Today the hall continues as a venue for events including weddings, conferences,...