Historic photos from around City Hall, Toronto

There are a wonderful set of Toronto historic photos available online, here are all the photos that I could find from around the City Hall area in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

List of all areas in Toronto or take a look at the historic photos by date. New! You can now access the photos by street address A subset of the photos have also been arranged by subject.

1852 Historic photo from 1852 - Osgoode Hall before the dome, between the west wing and library, was removed in City HallOsgoode Hall before the dome, between the west wing and library, was removed
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
172 years ago - 1852 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1856 Historic photo from 1856 - Osgoode Hall : Queen Street West, north-side, before the central section was reconstructed by Cumberland and Storm in City HallOsgoode Hall : Queen Street West, north-side, before the central section was reconstructed by Cumberland and Storm
(Categorized under: Oldest known Toronto photos --- Osgoode Hall )
168 years ago - 1856 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1856 Historic photo from 1856 - Osgoode Hall elevation by Hopkins, Lawford and Nelson, with dome in City HallOsgoode Hall elevation by Hopkins, Lawford and Nelson, with dome
(Categorized under: Ornamental gate --- Osgoode Hall )
168 years ago - 1856 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1858 Historic photo from 1858 - Sketch of Osgoode Hall library and dome; interior perspective in City HallSketch of Osgoode Hall library and dome; interior perspective
(Categorized under: Architectural drawings --- Osgoode Hall )
166 years ago - 1858 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1859 Historic photo from 1859 - Main entrance of Osgoode Hall, Queen St. W. and University Ave. (Photo by Armstrong, Beere & Hime) in City HallMain entrance of Osgoode Hall, Queen St. W. and University Ave. (Photo by Armstrong, Beere & Hime)
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
165 years ago - 1859 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1859 Historic photo from 1859 - Osgoode Hall Library interior - stereo - Photographed by Armstrong, Beere & Rime, Toronto in City HallOsgoode Hall Library interior - stereo - Photographed by Armstrong, Beere & Rime, Toronto
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
165 years ago - 1859 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1867 Historic photo from 1867 - Photo of College Gates by Octavius Thompson; plate 34 in his Toronto in the Camera in City HallPhoto of College Gates by Octavius Thompson; plate 34 in his Toronto in the Camera
(Categorized under: University Ave Gate )
157 years ago - 1867 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1867 Historic photo from 1867 - Osgoode Hall - by Octavius Thompson in City HallOsgoode Hall - by Octavius Thompson
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
157 years ago - 1867 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1870 Historic photo from 1870 - Looking north past the gate keeps lodge and gates at  University Ave., n. side of Queen St. W. in City HallLooking north past the gate keeps lodge and gates at University Ave., n. side of Queen St. W.
(Categorized under: University Ave Gate )
154 years ago - 1870 - City Hall at 333 University Ave
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1870 Historic photo from Saturday, April 23, 1870 - Osgoode Hall gates and pedestrians - half-tone photograph in City HallOsgoode Hall gates and pedestrians - half-tone photograph
(Categorized under: Ornamental gate --- Osgoode Hall )
154 years ago - Saturday, April 23, 1870 - City Hall
Max temp: 15.6°C - Min temp: 3.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1880 Historic photo from 1880 - Gates on the north side of University Ave. at Queen St. West - looking north in City HallGates on the north side of University Ave. at Queen St. West - looking north
(Categorized under: University Ave Gate )
144 years ago - 1880 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1884 Historic photo from 1884 - Osgoode Hall Library with ornate ceiling and fireplace in City HallOsgoode Hall Library with ornate ceiling and fireplace
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
140 years ago - 1884 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1885 Historic photo from 1885 - Toll keepers lodge at University Ave., n. side, Queen St. W. in City HallToll keepers lodge at University Ave., n. side, Queen St. W.
(Categorized under: University Ave Gate )
139 years ago - 1885 - City Hall at 333 University Ave
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1887 Historic photo from 1887 - View of the Globe Foundry on Queen Street West, demolished in 1890 to make way for Toronto City Hall in City HallView of the Globe Foundry on Queen Street West, demolished in 1890 to make way for Toronto City Hall
137 years ago - 1887 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Old City Hall, clock not yet installed in City HallOld City Hall, clock not yet installed
124 years ago - 1900 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Ornate fence outside of Osgoode Hall - photo with watercolour added in City HallOrnate fence outside of Osgoode Hall - photo with watercolour added
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
124 years ago - 1900 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Old City Hall and Court House - clock not yet installed, and trees up Bay Street - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue in City HallOld City Hall and Court House - clock not yet installed, and trees up Bay Street - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue
124 years ago - 1900 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Salvation Army Temple interior - ceiling in council chamber - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue in City HallSalvation Army Temple interior - ceiling in council chamber - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue
124 years ago - 1900 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Salvation Army Temple interior - ceiling in board room - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue in City HallSalvation Army Temple interior - ceiling in board room - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue
124 years ago - 1900 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location
1901 Historic photo from 1901 - Arch on Bay Street at Richmond Street for Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in City HallArch on Bay Street at Richmond Street for Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York
123 years ago - 1901 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1901 Historic photo from 1901 - Close up of the IOF Arch - Duke of York at Toronto in City HallClose up of the IOF Arch - Duke of York at Toronto
(Categorized under: IOF Arch (1901) )
123 years ago - 1901 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1901 Historic photo from 1901 - Night time view of the IOF Arch at Bay St. at Richmond St. W.; looking e George V visit to Toronto, 1901 in City HallNight time view of the IOF Arch at Bay St. at Richmond St. W.; looking e George V visit to Toronto, 1901
(Categorized under: IOF Arch (1901) )
123 years ago - 1901 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1908 Historic photo from 1908 - Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Trinity Square during T. Eaton Co. warehouse being built in City HallHoly Trinity Anglican Church, Trinity Square during T. Eaton Co. warehouse being built
116 years ago - 1908 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Looking north over The Ward from Queen and Bay  in City HallLooking north over The Ward from Queen and Bay
114 years ago - 1910 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - City Hall clock tower in City HallCity Hall clock tower
114 years ago - 1910 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Carved Osgoode Hall Law School Library fireplace with clock in City HallCarved Osgoode Hall Law School Library fireplace with clock
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
114 years ago - 1910 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Looking down on the Osgoode Hall library from the second level in City HallLooking down on the Osgoode Hall library from the second level
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
114 years ago - 1910 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1911 Historic photo from Monday, January 9, 1911 - Toronto city council meeting in old City Hall in City HallToronto city council meeting in old City Hall
113 years ago - Monday, January 9, 1911 - City Hall at 60 Queen Street West at Bay St
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1911 Historic photo from Thursday, November 16, 1911 - Queen Street and Terauley Street (now Bay Street) in City HallQueen Street and Terauley Street (now Bay Street)
113 years ago - Thursday, November 16, 1911 - City Hall
Max temp: 0.0°C - Min temp: -6.1°C - 0.5cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1913 Historic photo from 1913 - Sheas Hippodrome Theatre on Terauley Street, under construction - building permit issued April 30, 1912 in City HallSheas Hippodrome Theatre on Terauley Street, under construction - building permit issued April 30, 1912
111 years ago - 1913 - City Hall at 424 Bay Street
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1918 Historic photo from 1918 - Colonial Theatre and Bowles lunch on south east corner of Queen and Bay Streets in City HallColonial Theatre and Bowles lunch on south east corner of Queen and Bay Streets
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
106 years ago - 1918 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from 1921 - Sheas Hippodrome, Albert and Terauley streets (demolished March 1957) in City HallSheas Hippodrome, Albert and Terauley streets (demolished March 1957)
103 years ago - 1921 - City Hall at 424 Bay Street
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Friday, January 21, 1921 - Crumbling Stonework with building - Old City Hall in City HallCrumbling Stonework with building - Old City Hall
103 years ago - Friday, January 21, 1921 - City Hall
Max temp: 10.0°C - Min temp: 2.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Tuesday, March 1, 1921 - Old City Hall roof  - southwest corner of James Street, defective plate and rafters in City HallOld City Hall roof - southwest corner of James Street, defective plate and rafters
103 years ago - Tuesday, March 1, 1921 - City Hall
Max temp: 7.2°C - Min temp: 1.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Tuesday, March 1, 1921 - Old City Hall roof rafters, Terauley Street in City HallOld City Hall roof rafters, Terauley Street
103 years ago - Tuesday, March 1, 1921 - City Hall
Max temp: 7.2°C - Min temp: 1.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1922 Historic photo from 1922 - Terauley Street Sub-station on Bay St north of City Hall - Toronto Hydro Electric System in City HallTerauley Street Sub-station on Bay St north of City Hall - Toronto Hydro Electric System
102 years ago - 1922 - City Hall at 532 Bay Street
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1922 Historic photo from Monday, November 13, 1922 - Lest We Forget on Old City Hall behind Cenotaph in City HallLest We Forget on Old City Hall behind Cenotaph
102 years ago - Monday, November 13, 1922 - City Hall
Max temp: 9.4°C - Min temp: -4.4°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1923 Historic photo from Thursday, February 22, 1923 - Colonial Theatre on Queen Street - constructed from fragments of old Customs House - aka The Bay in City HallColonial Theatre on Queen Street - constructed from fragments of old Customs House - aka The Bay
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
101 years ago - Thursday, February 22, 1923 - City Hall
Max temp: -1.1°C - Min temp: -9.4°C - 0.3cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1923 Historic photo from Saturday, April 7, 1923 - Queen and Bay, looking north-west in City HallQueen and Bay, looking north-west
101 years ago - Saturday, April 7, 1923 - City Hall
Max temp: 6.7°C - Min temp: 0.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1923 Historic photo from Friday, April 13, 1923 - Elevated view of Queen and Bay St, looking west, 5:15 p.m. in City HallElevated view of Queen and Bay St, looking west, 5:15 p.m.
101 years ago - Friday, April 13, 1923 - City Hall
Max temp: 3.9°C - Min temp: 0.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1924 Historic photo from Tuesday, November 11, 1924 - Flowers outside City Hall for Remembrance Day in City HallFlowers outside City Hall for Remembrance Day
100 years ago - Tuesday, November 11, 1924 - City Hall
Max temp: 13.9°C - Min temp: 1.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1925 Historic photo from Wednesday, November 11, 1925 - Cenotaph, City Hall - decorated with wreaths, Remembrance Day, view from south in City HallCenotaph, City Hall - decorated with wreaths, Remembrance Day, view from south
99 years ago - Wednesday, November 11, 1925 - City Hall
Max temp: 11.7°C - Min temp: 3.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1927 Historic photo from Saturday, January 29, 1927 - T. Eaton Co. Ltd. Motor Coach Trip to Niagara Falls - buses outside the Salvation Army Headquarters in City HallT. Eaton Co. Ltd. Motor Coach Trip to Niagara Falls - buses outside the Salvation Army Headquarters
97 years ago - Saturday, January 29, 1927 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
1927 Historic photo from Monday, April 18, 1927 - Chestnut Street Synagogue - aka The Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue - Ben Simon (1906-1996) in City HallChestnut Street Synagogue - aka The Shomrai Shabbos Synagogue - Ben Simon (1906-1996)
(Categorized under: Churches and other places of worship )
97 years ago - Monday, April 18, 1927 - City Hall at 109 Chestnut Ave south of Dundas Ave
Link to archive record - Map location
1928 Historic photo from Sunday, November 18, 1928 - T.T.C. armistice parade, at the cenotaph with Ritz Hotel, Lux and Neilson ads in background in City HallT.T.C. armistice parade, at the cenotaph with Ritz Hotel, Lux and Neilson ads in background
96 years ago - Sunday, November 18, 1928 - City Hall
Max temp: 11.7°C - Min temp: 6.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1930 Historic photo from 1930 - Sketch of a Cow gate outside Osgoode Hall on Queen Street West at University Ave in City HallSketch of a Cow gate outside Osgoode Hall on Queen Street West at University Ave
(Categorized under: Architectural drawings --- Ornamental gate --- Osgoode Hall )
94 years ago - 1930 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1936 Historic photo from 1936 - Union of Commerce and Industry by Robert McCausland Limited - City Hall Memorial Window in City HallUnion of Commerce and Industry by Robert McCausland Limited - City Hall Memorial Window
88 years ago - 1936 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1936 Historic photo from 1936 - Holy Trinity parsonage and the house of Henry Scadding Trinity Square , n. side, looking e. towards Yonge St in City HallHoly Trinity parsonage and the house of Henry Scadding Trinity Square , n. side, looking e. towards Yonge St
88 years ago - 1936 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1936 Historic photo from Friday, May 22, 1936 - Old City Hall foyer - stained glass, pillars, and art in City HallOld City Hall foyer - stained glass, pillars, and art
88 years ago - Friday, May 22, 1936 - City Hall
Max temp: 18.9°C - Min temp: 5.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1937 Historic photo from 1937 - Osgoode Hall before the addition of the east wing by Saunders & Ryrie in City HallOsgoode Hall before the addition of the east wing by Saunders & Ryrie
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
87 years ago - 1937 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1938 Historic photo from 1938 - Osgoode Hall interior with Coat of Arms by Dyce C. Saunders, ca 1938 in City HallOsgoode Hall interior with Coat of Arms by Dyce C. Saunders, ca 1938
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
86 years ago - 1938 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1939 Historic photo from Friday, May 19, 1939 - Decorations for visit of King George VI on Old City Hall in City HallDecorations for visit of King George VI on Old City Hall
85 years ago - Friday, May 19, 1939 - City Hall
Max temp: 28.3°C - Min temp: 5.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1939 Historic photo from Friday, May 19, 1939 - Decorations for visit of King George VI - looking south down Bay from Queen in City HallDecorations for visit of King George VI - looking south down Bay from Queen
85 years ago - Friday, May 19, 1939 - City Hall
Max temp: 28.3°C - Min temp: 5.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1939 Historic photo from Friday, May 19, 1939 - Decorations for visit of King George VI - looking east to T. Eatons Co. building in City HallDecorations for visit of King George VI - looking east to T. Eatons Co. building
85 years ago - Friday, May 19, 1939 - City Hall
Max temp: 28.3°C - Min temp: 5.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1945 Historic photo from 1945 - Alexandra Hotel - torn down for Nathan Philips Square - 102-104 Queen St. West at Elizabeth Street in City HallAlexandra Hotel - torn down for Nathan Philips Square - 102-104 Queen St. West at Elizabeth Street
(Categorized under: Hotels )
79 years ago - 1945 - City Hall at 102 Queen Street West
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1945 Historic photo from 1945 - Toronto built Mosquito bomber in the air over Toronto City Hall  in City HallToronto built Mosquito bomber in the air over Toronto City Hall
79 years ago - 1945 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1947 Historic photo from Saturday, March 1, 1947 - Stained glass window - The Union of Commerce and Industry - Robert McCausland 1898 - Old City Hall in City HallStained glass window - The Union of Commerce and Industry - Robert McCausland 1898 - Old City Hall
77 years ago - Saturday, March 1, 1947 - City Hall at 60 Queen Street West at Bay Street
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1948 Historic photo from 1948 - People at an iron gate at Osgoode Hall in City HallPeople at an iron gate at Osgoode Hall
(Categorized under: Ornamental gate --- Osgoode Hall )
76 years ago - 1948 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1953 Historic photo from 1953 - Sheas Hippodrome - built 1914, demolished in the 1950s in City HallSheas Hippodrome - built 1914, demolished in the 1950s
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
71 years ago - 1953 - City Hall at 424 Bay Street
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1953 Historic photo from Friday, April 3, 1953 - Sheas Hippodrome (the Hipp) one of the big four vaudeville theatres in North America in City HallSheas Hippodrome (the Hipp) one of the big four vaudeville theatres in North America
(Categorized under: Downtown theatres )
71 years ago - Friday, April 3, 1953 - City Hall at 424 Bay Street
Max temp: 11.7°C - Min temp: 0.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library Still not back as of March 2024)
1965 Historic photo from Monday, September 13, 1965 - Openeing of Toronto City Hall in 1965 in City HallOpeneing of Toronto City Hall in 1965
59 years ago - Monday, September 13, 1965 - City Hall
Link to archive record - Map location
1974 Historic photo from Saturday, January 12, 1974 - Scadding house (built 1862), west of Yonge Street in Trinity Square - Eatons Warehouse in background in City HallScadding house (built 1862), west of Yonge Street in Trinity Square - Eatons Warehouse in background
(Categorized under: Estates and Houses )
50 years ago - Saturday, January 12, 1974 - City Hall at 6 Trinity Square
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1974 Historic photo from Sunday, February 10, 1974 - Scadding House in Trinity Square, and Eatons warehouse looking south east from Terauley Street in City HallScadding House in Trinity Square, and Eatons warehouse looking south east from Terauley Street
(Categorized under: Estates and Houses )
50 years ago - Sunday, February 10, 1974 - City Hall at 6 Trinity Square
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1975 Historic photo from Thursday, February 6, 1975 - Snow-covered Eatons Centre construction site looking north - top right is The Art Metropole building at 241 Yonge (w/ billboard) in City HallSnow-covered Eatons Centre construction site looking north - top right is The Art Metropole building at 241 Yonge (w/ billboard)
49 years ago - Thursday, February 6, 1975 - City Hall at 241 Yonge Street
Max temp: 0.6°C - Min temp: -4.4°C - 0.3cm of snowfall - 5.0cm of snow on the ground (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1975 Historic photo from Wednesday, April 30, 1975 - View of window and roof details on Osgoode Hall in City HallView of window and roof details on Osgoode Hall
(Categorized under: Osgoode Hall )
49 years ago - Wednesday, April 30, 1975 - City Hall
Max temp: 15.6°C - Min temp: 7.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1984 Historic photo from Tuesday, February 28, 1984 - View of Nathan Phillips Square ice rink covered in snow in City HallView of Nathan Phillips Square ice rink covered in snow
40 years ago - Tuesday, February 28, 1984 - City Hall
Max temp: -4.5°C - Min temp: -6.0°C - 24.4cm of snowfall - 12.0cm of snow on the ground (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)