This past Saturday marked my first time taking part in Doors Open Toronto, an annual event that takes place during one weekend a year. City-wide well over a hundred buildings of “architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open their doors to the public” allowing visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee. Some of the locations offer guided tours and other special activities at this time. It’s a terrific (and free!) way to explore the city. My friends and I were able to have a look at seven locations: Osgoode Hall, Campbell House Museum, Canada Life, King Edward Hotel (Crystal Ballroom), Flatiron Building, St. James’ Cathedral and Toronto’s first post office. I’ve posted some of the day’s photos below and hope to explore more buildings in next year’s Doors Open!
Osgoode Hall opened in 1832 and houses the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court of the Superior Court of Justice, and the Law Society of Upper Canada. The Great Library is one of the most amazing rooms I’ve ever laid eyes on.
But the rest of it was wonderfully picturesque too.
Built in 1822, the Campell House Museum is one of the few surviving examples of Georgian architecture left in Toronto.
Canada Life was the tallest building on University Ave when completed in March, 1931.
Various views from the 17th floor tower room.
The King Edward Hotel opened in 1903 but the once magnificent Crystal Ballroom was added in 1921. Unfortunately, unlike the rest of the hotel the 17th floor Crystal Ballroom hasn’t been restored yet, although one of the tour guides assured us the current owners have plans to do so.
St. James’ Cathedral and the surrounding streets from one of the Crystal Ballroom windows.
Inside the iconic Flatiron Building which was completed in 1892 as the offices of the Gooderham & Worts brewing company. It contained the first manually-operated Otis elevator in Toronto, which has been restored and is still in operation today. Apparently there was also a tunnel linking the building to the bank across the street so Gooderham & Worts employees wouldn't have to walk outside with large bags of cash.
The former Cathedral that stood on this site was destroyed in a 1849 fire. Erected in 1859, St. James’ Cathedral is actually the fourth church to be built on this land and features the highest church tower in Canada.
This Adelaide Street East post office dates back to 1833 and is Toronto’s first post office. You can still rent a post office box there.
Osgoode Hall opened in 1832 and houses the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court of the Superior Court of Justice, and the Law Society of Upper Canada. The Great Library is one of the most amazing rooms I’ve ever laid eyes on.
But the rest of it was wonderfully picturesque too.
Built in 1822, the Campell House Museum is one of the few surviving examples of Georgian architecture left in Toronto.
Canada Life was the tallest building on University Ave when completed in March, 1931.
Various views from the 17th floor tower room.
The King Edward Hotel opened in 1903 but the once magnificent Crystal Ballroom was added in 1921. Unfortunately, unlike the rest of the hotel the 17th floor Crystal Ballroom hasn’t been restored yet, although one of the tour guides assured us the current owners have plans to do so.
St. James’ Cathedral and the surrounding streets from one of the Crystal Ballroom windows.
Inside the iconic Flatiron Building which was completed in 1892 as the offices of the Gooderham & Worts brewing company. It contained the first manually-operated Otis elevator in Toronto, which has been restored and is still in operation today. Apparently there was also a tunnel linking the building to the bank across the street so Gooderham & Worts employees wouldn't have to walk outside with large bags of cash.
The former Cathedral that stood on this site was destroyed in a 1849 fire. Erected in 1859, St. James’ Cathedral is actually the fourth church to be built on this land and features the highest church tower in Canada.
This Adelaide Street East post office dates back to 1833 and is Toronto’s first post office. You can still rent a post office box there.
