St. Lawrence Hall


Built in 1850 to serve as the City's public meeting place, the Hall has over the years hosted numerous memorable events. Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale, sang to packed houses here in 1851. Ten years later, Tom Thumb attracted scores of fascinated spectators.

Restored in 1967 as the City of Toronto's Centennial project, the St. Lawrence Hall continues as a site for social and business functions, large and small. St. Lawrence Hall is spacious enough to handle large conferences and meetings, yet intimate enough to hold a small gathering. The complex has a history of drawing people to it for a wide variety of reasons. Today the Hall is the facility of choice for the film industry, serving as a staging ground for TV series, movie sets and music videos.

Next time you are walking by the Hall, be sure to drop in and visit the East Room on the third floor. Over the past year, the Market Gallery, the St. Lawrence Market and Bruce Bell have been working on a historical display featuring various personalities who have performed, lectured or visited the St. Lawrence Hall over its 150-year history. We have twenty images and bios ranging from William Lyon Mackenzie to Frederick Douglass to P.T. Barnum. (A special thank you to the Library and Archives Canada, the Toronto Reference Library, the Archives of Ontario, The National Ballet of Canada Archives and K. Chew.)

Step Inside the Elegance of Another Era

NOW, VISIT THE HALL ONLINE -- click here to check out the virtual tour and slideshow! (Require Quicktime browser plug-in)

Just one glance at the superb architecture of the Hall, with its sweeping Corinthian columns and distinctive cupola, will give you some idea of the elegance inside. Walk up the grand staircase (or take the elevator) to the Great Hall, perhaps the most beautiful feature. This authentically reproduced room, with its huge gas-lit chandelier and elaborate ornamental plaster ceiling, can comfortably seat 200 people for dinner. Included in the rental fee are several anterooms and a VIP lounge. Throughout, red plush furnishings and fine paintings complement the decor and add a luxurious touch to any affair.

For information on renting the St. Lawrence Hall (157 King St. East, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1G9) and available facilities, follow the link below or call (416) 392-7130.       RENTAL INFORMATION       VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE HALL       PHOTOS OF THE HALL       HISTORY OF THE HALL

Located on the west end of the main floor of the Hall (155 King Street East) is the elegant Biagio Ristorante. Open Monday to Friday, 11:45 a.m.--2:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.--11:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday. For reservations, please call (416) 366-4040.

Other St. Lawrence Hall tenants include Heritage Toronto and Opera Atelier.