Touring the revitalized Massey Hall with senior associate Graham Baxter and the Toronto Society of Architects

September 15, 2023

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra performed its first concert here. Bob Marley and the Wailers made their Canadian debut here. Indigenous Olympian Tom Longboat celebrated his wedding reception here. For more than a century, Massey Hall has contributed greatly to Toronto’s cultural scene. 

Over a decade ago, we embarked on a multiphase renovation and expansion project to transform the landmark for the 21st century. Working with GBCA Architects and a team of remarkable artisans and consultants, stage acoustics and audio-visual systems were upgraded, interiors were restored, custom seating solutions were installed, and new performance support spaces were added, while preserving Massey’s character-defining heritage elements. 

On September 12, Graham Baxter, senior associate on the Massey Hall Revitalization Project, joined Sharon Vattay, principal at GBCA, and the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) to give the public a behind-the-scenes tour of the beloved venue. 

Attendees toured the historic, multi-award-winning hall, learned about the building’s history and craftsmanship, along with its recent revitalization (including the repair and restoration work that revealed magnificent stained-glass windows!), and visited the new seven-story addition. 

Every year, the TSA hosts building tours, walking tours, and other events that offer unique access to buildings across Toronto, and give people a chance to explore some of the city’s most culturally significant sites. 

Learn more about TSA events here.