Nathan Phillips Square is a lively public gathering place located immediately in front of Toronto City Hall, on the northwest corner of Queen and Bay Streets. The Square is named for Nathan Phillips, who was Mayor of Toronto from 1955 to 1962.

Mayor Phillips was an early supporter of the new City Hall and of the international design competition that was ultimately won by Finnish architect Viljo Revell.

Nathan Phillips Square is the site of many civic activities and special events. It is worth noting that a number of special events are also held at Yonge-Dundas Square, just a few short blocks away. A raised walkway leads from Nathan Phillips Square to City Hall's podium roof, where the Green Roofs Demonstration Project is located and flag raising ceremonies are held.

British sculptor Henry Moore's masterpiece Three-Way Piece No. 2 (usually called The Archer) has been installed in a place of honour right in front of City Hall.

In the middle of the Square, the Peace Garden honours the commitment of Torontonians to the principle of world peace.

In summer, tourists and locals alike congregate around the reflecting pool. In winter, the pool is transformed into a popular outdoor skating rink. Visitors can rent skates, use indoor change rooms, and enjoy a snack at the concession stand.

Outdoor chess tables are available for public use on the southeast corner of the Square, at Bay and Queen Streets.

The arches over the reflecting pond/ice rink were officially named "Freedom Arches" in 1989. A piece of the Berlin Wall lays flat at the base of the centre freedom arch on the south side. There is a plaque embedded in the piece that reads:

"Freedom Arches"

The Citizens of Toronto dedicate these arches to the millions who struggled including Canadians, to gain and defend freedom and to the tens of millions who suffered and died for the lack of it. May all that we do be worthy of them.

Only in freedom can the Human Spirit soar.

Against the Human drive for freedom nothing can long succeed. This plaque is mounted on a slab of the Berlin Wall.

On the southwest corner, Oscar Nemon's statue of Sir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of Great Britain is located.

The plaque beneath Nemon's statue reads:

"Winston Churchill 1874-1965 His faith and leadershp inspired free men to fight in every quarter of the globe for the triumph of Justice and Liberty. Presented to the City of Toronto by the Churchill Memorial Committee aided by the generosity of Henry R. Jackman, O.C., K.St.U., Q.C., October 23, 1977, David Crombie, Mayor, David P. Smith, President of City Council."

A speakers corner podium is located at the south west corner of Nathan Phillips Square, just east of the Winston Churchill statue (moved in 2004 from it's original location in front of the statue).

It was founded in 1988 as an attempt to promote free speech in Toronto proposed by metro Councillor Richard Gilbert (Davenport), who was inspired by a similar Speakers' Corner in London England.

Beneath Nathan Phillips Square is one of the world's largest underground parking garages, with space for 2,400 cars.