Old City Hall

Old City Hall is one of Toronto’s most distinctive historic landmarks, standing prominently at the corner of Queen and Bay Streets beside Nathan Phillips Square. Completed in 1899, the building is known for its dramatic Romanesque Revival architecture, intricate stonework, and soaring clock tower that has helped define Toronto’s downtown skyline for more than a century.

What to Know

Designed by Toronto architect E.J. Lennox, Old City Hall originally served as both Toronto’s municipal headquarters and a courthouse. Its grand exterior features sandstone detailing, arches, towers, and elaborate carvings that make it a standout among the modern buildings surrounding it today.

The building sits directly across from the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and next to Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto’s current City Hall, making it an easy landmark to include while exploring downtown on foot. While access to the interior may be limited, visitors can appreciate much of Old City Hall’s architecture from the surrounding streets and public spaces.

Why Visit Old City Hall?

Old City Hall offers a glimpse into Toronto’s architectural and civic history in the heart of the modern downtown core. Its imposing clock tower and ornate facade provide a striking contrast to the contemporary design of nearby Toronto City Hall, making the area especially interesting for architecture lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors.