The historic plaque in front of the building reads: St. Lawrence Hall, one of the oldest public buildings in Toronto, was constructed following the Great Fire of 1849 that destroyed a large part of the city's core. Architect William Thomas designed the building in the Renaissance Revival style with Corinthian columns and a domed cupola. The entrance originally led to a shopping arcade connected to the St. Lawrence Market. The building had shops on the main floor and, on the upper floors, offices and a grand meeting hall used for social events and by prominent speakers, performers, and musicians. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass, Swedish soprano Jenny Lind, and showman P.T. Barnum all appeared in the hall, as did William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first mayor and Upper Canada Rebellion leader. In the 20th century, St. Lawrence Hall lost prominence and fell into disrepair. By 1965, it was partially derelict and threatened with demolition. A campaign led by architect Eric Arthur resulted in the restoration of the building and its recognition as a National Historic Site in 1967.

Visited this space for the first time this spring as a part of Doors Open Toronto. The history is very interesting and the pink room is stunning!

St. Lawrence Hall is a meeting hall in Toronto, Ontario, located at the corner of King Street East and Jarvis Street. It was created to be Toronto's public meeting hall home to public gatherings, concerts, and exhibitions. Its main feature was a thousand-seat amphitheater. For decades the hall was the centre of Toronto's social life, before larger venues took over much of this business. Today the hall continues as a venue for events including weddings, conferences, and art shows.

Beautifully restored Yesteryears hall. An amazing place to experience art forms nowadays.

Went there for the doors open event. The building is well maintained. There were performances in the great hall on the 3rd floor at the time we were there. The visitors were allowed to watch them. The place has an interesting history and significance. I gave an additional star for the volunteers who were very friendly and warm.

If you want to see a vintage touch of Toronto then you must visit this Mansion. I was lucky to attend an event there and I was mesmerized with the immense experience I got there when it comes to look and feel of the hall. I did somehow cannot find the exterior picture of the hall and I would surely update when I found or click one asap but all I can say is- beautiful.

This building is lovely on the outside. On the inside it is rather dated. While it boasts elevator accessibility, the washrooms (at least on the 3rd floor) seem as if they are an afterthought. For a potential event venue to only have 2 very tiny and non accessible stalls in the female bathroom speaks volumes of the overhaul it needs to undergo.

Toronto Historic building, and also the Training Centre for TPS staff. Nice building, but not the most accessible due to it's age. A slow elevator services the 2nd and 3rd floor for those who require.

Visited for doors open Toronto. They were very hospitable, put on a lovely little show and the main room was very pretty.

If you want a unique wedding venue this is it. Gorgeous and centrally located in Old Town Toronto

I was not able to go inside for my visit, but the exterior is just as incredible. Fine stone etchings of the exterior with so much history.

I was the volunteer in the doors open Toronto event. It's quite beautiful inside with a very large, well decorated hall and an VIP room. It's been retained quite well and still for wedding usage. The North building which is under construction will be done in the end of 2019. By that time everyone will see a new farmer's market.

It is a beautiful place at a great location. Classic and elegant. It needs a little bit of TLC since it looks a bit tired.

Not open for the public.