Toronto’s Iconic Massey Hall Has Stood For Over 120 Years
The impressive and stunning Massey Hall in Toronto has been standing for over 120 years.
It’s one of the oldest concert halls in Canada. Because of this, it’s been a cultural landmark in Toronto for generations. The hall has hosted performances by many legendary musicians and artists over the years. Despite its age, Massey Hall is well maintained and continues to host concerts and events to this day.
Where Is Massey Hall Located?
Massey Hall is located in downtown Toronto, and there are several ways to get there:
- By public transportation: Massey Hall is conveniently located near several public transportation options, including the Queen Streetcar (501), the King Streetcar (504), and the Dundas Subway Station (Line 1 Yonge-University).
- By car: If you’re driving, limited paid street parking available in the area around Massey Hall, as well as several nearby parking lots and garages.
- By bike: There are bike lanes and bike racks available in the area for those who prefer to bike to the venue.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, it’s a good idea to check for any possible disruptions or detours ahead of time and plan accordingly.
When Was Massey Hall Built & (By Whom)?
Massey Hall was built in 1894 and was designed by architect Sidney Badgley. The hall was commissioned by Hart A. Massey, a wealthy Canadian businessman and philanthropist, as a gift to the people of Toronto.
The hall was officially opened on June 14, 1894, and has since been a iconic cultural landmark in Toronto and an important venue for music and cultural events.
Built As A Hall For Everyone, Prices Were Kept Low
The designers built Massey Hall was with the intention of providing cultural entertainment at affordable prices. This made the venue accessible to a broad cross-section of the public, including working-class people.
Hart A. Massey, the benefactor who commissioned the building, was a philanthropist. He believed in the importance of arts and culture for the up-liftment of society. He wanted to ensure that people from all walks of life would have access to live performances at Massey Hall, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Building Originally Featured State-Of-The-Art (For It’s Time) Technology
Despite being over a century old, Massey Hall has remained a renowned venue for live music and performances. It’s been praised for its acoustics and timeless elegance.
In terms of technology, Massey Hall was indeed ahead of its time when it was first built. For example, it was one of the first concert halls in the world to have electric lighting, which was a novel and cutting-edge feature in the late 19th century. The hall also had state-of-the-art ventilation systems and fireproofing measures. They designed these to ensure the safety and comfort of audiences.
Today, Massey Hall continues to be a popular venue for concerts and performances, and it has undergone several renovations and upgrades to maintain its position as a premier live music venue. However, despite these updates, the hall has managed to retain its original charm and character, and it remains a testament to the timeless beauty of Victorian architecture and engineering.
What Kind Of Shows Does Massey Hall Entertain Today?
Massey Hall genres and performances include classical music, jazz, folk, world music, rock, and pop. A diverse range of artists bless the stage, from up-and-coming talent to established legends, making it a popular destination for music lovers of all ages and tastes.
In addition to music performances, Massey Hall also hosts comedy shows, speakers, and cultural events, reflecting the diversity of the city it calls home. The venue continues to be an important cultural hub in Toronto and remains one of the most popular places to see live entertainment in the city.
How Many People Can Massey Hall Fit?
This impressive hall has a seating capacity of 2,765 people. The seating arrangements consist of both orchestra and balcony levels, offering a variety of viewing options for concertgoers. The venue has a unique design, with a horseshoe-shaped balcony that wraps around the stage, providing excellent sightlines from most seats.
In addition to its large seating capacity, Massey Hall also features a number of amenities, including a lobby, box office, and concession areas, making it a comfortable and convenient place to see a show.
Where To Find The Massey Hall Calendar Of Events & Tickets
You can find the Massey Hall calendar of events and purchase tickets on the venue’s official website, masseyhall.com. On the site, you can browse upcoming events, view seat maps, and purchase tickets online.
You can also find information about the venue, its history, and its amenities on their website. You’ll also be able sign up for their e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest events and promotions.
If you prefer to purchase tickets in person, you can visit the Massey Hall box office. They’re located at 178 Victoria Street, in Toronto. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and on show days from 10am until the headliner takes the stage.
Related: Check out our concert calendar for all upcoming performances in the Toronto area!