Enjoy family-friendly activities and behind-the-scenes access to City Hall and Nathan Phillips SquareTake in the inspiring views from the rarely open 27th floor Observation Deck and find out how municipal government works.

All visitors to City Hall must go through a security screening, which includes a walk-through metal detector. Pack light for faster entry. Objects that could compromise safety and security are prohibited.

Enjoy a remarkable view of downtown from the 27th Floor Observation Deck of Toronto City Hall. The observation deck is only open to the public during Doors Open. Volunteers are available to answer questions and guide you through the space.

Take an elevator to the 25th floor and then climb an additional 15 stairs to reach the observation deck. Stroller parking is on the main floor before entering the elevators.

Those who cannot climb stairs and require accommodation may ask volunteers or event staff for access to a separate elevator that goes directly to the 27th floor.

Location: Council Chamber

Experience a vibrant lineup of short films that reflect the global mosaic in Toronto. It features works programmed by some of Toronto’s leading film festivals, including the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Inside Out, Regent Park Film Festival, Reelworld Screen Institute, Toronto Palestine Film Festival and Toronto Japanese Film Festival.

The screening explore themes of place, movement and connection, and highlights cultures, histories and perspectives that continue to shape the city.

Interior of Council Chamber with two semi circle sections. The inner *Council chamber diagram (PDF) Last updated: November 2012 Toronto City Council Chamber is arranged in two sections of a semi circles. The outer section is theatre-style seating. The inner section is desks with computer monitors.
City of Toronto Council Chamber

 

Featured Works

  • We’ll Go Down in History directed by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas (UK, 2025), 25 minutes
  • Becoming Air directed by Alisi Telengut and Diego Galafassi (Canada/Sweden/Germany, 2024), six minutes
  • Viper directed by Raine Lemay (Canada, 2022), 12 minutes
  • Blue Garden directed by Natalie Munro (Canada), five minutes
  • i see myself in you directed by Amreen Kullar (Canada, 2025), nine minutes
  • Regent Park Project (Episode 1) by Regent Park Project / Kick Start Arts (Canada), four minutes
  • Haru’s New Year directed by Alice Shin (Canada), 19 minutes
  • Maradona’s Legs directed by Firas Khoury (Germany/Palestine, 2019), 24 minutes
  • Palestine Islands directed by Nour Ben Salem and Julien Menanteau (Jordan/France, 2023), 22 minutes

Location: Rotunda

Get hands-on with local democracy. Cast a practice ballot using a real tabulator and test your city smarts at the trivia wheel. Then, be among the first to discover Kids Vote Weekend, a new initiative for Toronto kids during advance voting this October.

Location: Rotunda & Second Floor

View the insignia of military units that have been based in Toronto and two new panels recognizing the historic and ongoing service of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit who defended Canada and upheld peace around the world.

Then, head up to the second floor to see the office of Toronto’s Mayor and explore the original furniture and art.

Centre of City Hall Rotunda with sunken exhibit space
Hall of Memory

Location: Nathan Phillips Square by front doors of City Hall

Visit the outdoor information booth where knowledgeable staff and volunteers are available to answer all Doors Open Toronto-related questions. Printed maps are available for you to begin your journey across the city. Collect an Explorer Passport for a family-friendly scavenger hunt.

Location: Nathan Phillips Square Stage

Enjoy live performance by Toronto-based artists as part of City Hall Live.

Saturday, May 23

10:30 & 11:30 a.m.

Sikuris St. Lawrence: Chilean and Peruvian ensemble.

12:30 & 1:30 p.m.

Spicy Vanilla: Diverse music of Madagascar.

2:30 & 3:30 p.m.

Lina Cao: Internationally acclaimed guzheng virtuoso.

Sunday, May 24

10:30 & 11:30 a.m.

Justin Pitters: Handpan music.

12:30 & 1:30 p.m.

Saghi Farsijani: Persian violinist and qanun player.

2:30 & 3:30 p.m.

Jerusa Leão: Afrobeat and Brazilian music.

Location: Nathan Phillips Square by ramp

Look back and see how Toronto has been for decades a global destination alive with festivals, sports, culture and community. From Caribana and World Pride to international sporting moments and neighbourhood celebrations, this exhibition of photographs reflects the people, events and stories that have shaped Toronto’s identity.

Location: Nathan Phillips Square, Live Green Toronto tent

Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes and learn more about Live Green Toronto programs and services. Join a 30-minute tour of City Hall’s podium green roof to learn how this urban oasis supports sustainability, biodiversity and climate resilience in the heart of the city.

Tour times: 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Location: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto Public Library tent

Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 25 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Drop by for some origami fun. Try your hand at the art of Japanese paper folding.

Location: Nathan Philips Square

Get the chance to win exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026™ Toronto swag, capture the moment at an interactive photo opportunity and learn how Toronto is ready to shine on the global stage this summer for the world’s biggest sporting event.

Experience a landmark which incorporates diverse design elements representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, such as Teaching Lodge, an amphitheatre, a Three Sisters seasonal garden, a Two Row Wampum walkway and more. The Spirit Garden is a contemplative landscape dedicated to the Survivors of the Residential Schools.

Spirit Garden turtle sculpture

City Hall Hub Programming Sponsor

Logo of Carpenters Local 27