City of Toronto kicks off Summer at Old City Hall with free programming to showcase and celebrate local heritage

This week, the City of Toronto will launch Summer at Old City Hall, opening the doors to the national historic site to enjoy a series of free events that will bring new life to one of Toronto’s most cherished heritage spaces.

Beginning Friday, July 11, the 126-year-old building will host programming each Friday through August, civil wedding ceremonies on select Thursdays, as well as special weekend events.

Old City Hall served as Toronto’s third city hall from 1899 until 1966. In 1972, the space was leased for use by the Provincial and City courts. In Spring 2025, the courts relocated to the new Toronto courthouse adjacent to Toronto City Hall at 10 Armoury St. and St. Lawrence Market North. The City continues to explore opportunities for sustainable future uses of Old City Hall that reflect its status as an architectural and historical treasure.

Summer at Old City Hall is part of the City’s continued commitment to reimagine the building in a way that serves the public and celebrates its role in Toronto’s past, present and future.

Free summer events include:

• Courtyard Open Days: Each Friday, relax in the open-air courtyard where tables will be set up for visitors to enjoy lunch, meet up with friends or take a break to enjoy the historic ambiance and heritage architecture. This includes the clock tower’s restored gargoyles, originally installed in 1899 and reinstalled in 2002.
• Toronto Treasures: On Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, August 23, Toronto History Museums in partnership with local cultural institutions will host on-site museum experts who will guide visitors in identifying, caring for, and preserving their artwork and cherished objects, which they are encouraged to bring with them. Visitors must register in advance on the City’s website.
• Millenium City photography exhibit: Each Friday, view archival images taken between 2000 and 2010 by City photographers that capture City events, milestones and the business of municipal government.
• Block by Block Exhibition: On Saturday July 26 and Saturday, August 23, along with every Friday in August, Toronto History Museums will partner with the Toronto Ward Museum to present this acclaimed exhibition which shares oral histories of Indigenous, newcomer and equity-deserving residents of various Toronto neighbourhoods, exploring themes of change, belonging and civic life.
• Toronto Civic Art Exhibit: On Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, August 23, explore a digital display showcasing selections from the City of Toronto’s art collection.
• Expert Talk: Join Neil Brochu from the City’s Archives team every Friday in July at noon to learn about Old City Hall, the local history, architecture and Toronto’s heritage.

All programing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More information on Summer at Old City Hall programming can be found on the City’s website.

Civil weddings at Old City Hall

The City will offer civil wedding ceremonies in the former Council Chamber on select Thursdays starting on Thursday, July 24. Civil weddings are non-religious ceremonies officiated by City staff appointed by the City Clerk.

Civil weddings will be offered by appointment only. Members of the public are encouraged to email marriage@toronto.ca to book an appointment and visit the City’s website for more information.

This summer’s programming is an opportunity for residents and visitors to rediscover Old City Hall as a landmark of Toronto’s past and a vibrant civic space with positive potential for the future.

Residents are encouraged to visit, explore the exhibits, enjoy the courtyard and experience the transformation of this extraordinary space as it is reimagined for the future.

Quote:
“I’m proud to see the City is opening the doors to Old City Hall this summer, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience one of Toronto’s most cherished architectural landmarks while staff continue the important work of planning for its long-term future.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow

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