Address: 1 Front St. E.
Architecture
Year: 1959-1960
Style: Modernism (1880+)
Original Architect: Peter Dickinson and Earle C. Morgan of Page & Steele Architects
Building Description
Originally known as the O’Keefe Centre (and designated a Heritage building by the City of Toronto in 2008), the Modernist concert hall was built in 1959-60. Designed as a multi-use performance venue that catered to ballet, dance, opera and other artistic performances, the centre is Canada’s largest soft-seated theatre. The building is an innovative example of Modern design that was inspired by the international style introduced to Toronto in the 1950s and is particularly distinguished by the monumental cantilevered canopy that faces Front St. E. The interior design includes: Carrera marble, cherry wood, limestone and bronze prominently featured throughout the building. Visitors can also view an iconic 30-metre wide mural by the famous Toronto-born artist R. York Wilson (The Seven Lively Arts), a grand double-height foyer with coffered ceilings and steel/granite cantilevered staircases.