Massey Hall : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 16 Jun, 2023
- |
Located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, Canada, Massey Hall is a music venue and a National Historic Site of Canada that has been in operation since 1894. Established by the Massey family, who made their fortune in manufacturing, the venue has hosted countless concerts, talks, and events. From soul artists to blues musicians and world-renowned orchestras, the Hall has seen it all. The venue has also been used over the years for film and radio broadcasts, and occasional political events. In this blog, we’ll take a deeper look at this iconic music venue, telling you incredible facts, information, and giving you the inside track on visiting.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Massey Hall
1. Massey Hall was designed by architect Sidney Badgley in 1894.
2. The building is named after Hart Massey, founder of the Massey-Ferguson farm implement company.
3. Massey Hall is the oldest, still standing, purpose built entertainment venue in Canada.
4. The building has a concert capacity of 2,765 people.
5. Massey Hall is considered one of the best acoustics concert halls in the world by many musicians and music critics.
6. Massey Hall is home to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
7. The building’s east and west balconies are each suspended above the main floor by cast iron columns.
8. The building is 25 metres in length and 38 metres in width.
9. While modern renovations have been made, the original chandelier, seating, and wooden floor remain intact.
10. Massey Hall was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981.
History & Information About Massey Hall
Massey Hall is an iconic music venue located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The venue first opened on June 14th, 1894 as a gift from Hart Massey, a Canadian business leader, philanthropist, and father of Frederick Gardiner, the first chairman of the Metro Toronto government. The original hall had 2,000 seats. It was originally intended as a concert venue and home for the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and the Toronto Conservatory of Music.
In 1941, the hall underwent renovations to increase its seating capacity to almost 4,000. During the 1950s, Massey Hall hosted many of the world’s top musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Frank Sinatra. By the 1970s, the building was showing its age, and in the late 1980s, the hall was closed for major renovations. Between 1988 and 1994, the hall was extensively renovated to restore it to its Victorian-era grandeur.
Today, Massey Hall is open for performances of all types, from classical music to rock and pop concerts. The hall’s expansive balcony and numerous box seats provide a unique viewing experience, and its rich history continues to draw music lovers from all over the world. It is also a National Historic Site and is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Travel Guide For Visiting Massey Hall
Welcome to Toronto, Ontario and the famous Massey Hall! Massey Hall is one of Canada’s most iconic music venues. It’s hosted legendary performances ranging from Benny Goodman to Justin Bieber and everything in between. When visiting Toronto, a trip to Massey Hall should be on your list of must-see attractions.
Here’s a travel guide for visiting Massey Hall and enjoying the city of Toronto:
Getting There:
Massey Hall is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 178 Victoria Street. It’s easily accessible via the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission). You can take the subway to either St. Andrew Station or St. Patrick Station then walk the rest of the way to Massey Hall. There are also parking lots around the area for those who choose to drive.
Attractions Near Massey Hall:
The iconic venue is surrounded by amazing attractions. Some of the top attractions near Massey Hall include Yonge-Dundas Square and the Toronto Eaton Centre, both of which are a short walk away. Be sure to check out The Royal Alexandra Theatre, which is also located nearby.
Experience Massey Hall:
Once you’ve arrived at Massey Hall, you’ll want to check out the incredible performances the venue has to offer. Be sure to take some time to explore the building and appreciate its beautiful art deco interior. There’s also a bookstore located within Massey Hall where you can pick up books and music related to the venue’s past and present performers.
Accommodations:
There are plenty of great accommodation options near Massey Hall. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, check out The Fairmont Royal York. For luxury on a budget, try the Novotel Toronto Centre. Then there are also more affordable hotels like the Comfort Inn Downtown and the Park Inn by Radisson.
Food and Drink:
Fortunately, you won’t have to go too far to find a great place to eat or drink near Massey Hall. The area is home to an abundance of restaurants and bars. Some of the top spots include The Pilot, The Economic Club of Canada and The Oxley.
Whether you’re here for a show or just want to experience one of Canada’s most iconic music venues, you’ll find everything you need and more at Massey Hall.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Massey Hall
Q: How do I get to Massey Hall?
A:Massey Hall is located at 178 Victoria Street in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The nearest public transport is the Queen Street streetcar, which runs along Queen Street West. You can also reach Massey Hall via the subway, taking the King or Queen Streetcar/ Light Rail to St. Andrew station and then walking one block west on Queen Street West.
Q: Where can I buy tickets for Massey Hall?
A: Tickets for Massey Hall events can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or directly from the Massey Hall Box Office.
Q: Are there any accessibility services available at Massey Hall?
A: Yes, Massey Hall has both accessible seating and assistive listening devices available for guests with visual and/or hearing impairments. Wheelchair access is also available to all of the venue’s floors.
Q: Can I bring food and drinks into Massey Hall?
A: No, food and drink are not allowed within the theatre. However, you can enjoy refreshments before the show or during intermission at the venue’s concession stands.