Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

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Massey Hall

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted July, 2007

Did you know that Winston Churchill, George Gershwin, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Rush, Alice Cooper, Brian Wilson, Jerry Seinfeld and many more have performed here over the years? You didn't? Now you know. This Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque (to the right of the three red doors) gives us this information:

Coordinates: 43.654180 -79.379155

Click here for a larger map

Since its opening in 1894, Massey Hall has served as one of Canada's most important cultural institutions. A gift to Toronto from wealthy industrialist Hart Massey, it provided the city with professional concert facilities. Its presence gave a new impetus to the city's budding music community which led to the founding of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Although criticized for its plain exterior, the concert hall has earned widespread renown for its outstanding acoustics. Over the years it has attracted orchestras, soloists and speakers from around the world.

Other plaques at this location
Massey Music Hall
Sir Ernest MacMillan (1893-1973)

Related Toronto plaque
Vincent Massey 1887-1967

More
Culture

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted February 14, 2015
You will never know how great Massey Hall really is because you have never performed on its hardwood floors. I had the occasion of doing so in the early 80's. I was on during half time when Pete Seeger was the main attraction....first talking to him back stage and then warming up downstairs in the furnace room and then being on stage looking out to the audience. It was just incredible singing to all the people etc etc. Better than any coffee house. Everyone is quiet and it's just you and your guitar, Mr. Martin and your songs and your voice. Heaven, just heaven....as long as you don't forget your lyrics. Foolish talk to those re tearing down the old grand lady. Thank you for reading.
DARK CLOUD poet/singer songwriter...and still doing it even better now than before. Dedication/passion/heart and soul means talent forever and forever. Thanks again.

> Posted October 21, 2010
I think that for its acoustics, it's still considered one of the best halls in the world. I had season tickets for the Toronto Symphony one year when it was still playing here.

> Posted February 23, 2010
I remember dad taking me and my brother to his City Hall office Christmas party when I was a kid. I remember seeing David Crombie who was mayor of Toronto at the time. I never chatted with him, just saw him. The Christmas parties they had were always fun and full of families. It's a shame I haven't been there to a concert since, but hey, it's never to late, right?
Ray Jansons, Toronto

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