Our Historic Location:
St. George’s Hall
St. George's Hall, located at 14 Elm Street in downtown Toronto, has a rich history and distinctive architectural features. Constructed in 1891 for the St. George's Society, a charitable organization supporting English immigrants, the building exemplifies an eclectic blend of architectural styles, combining elements of Romanesque, Flemish, and medieval architecture.
The symmetrical front façade is notable for its central Romanesque Revival entrance, characterized by a wide stone arch flanked by heraldic crests, and a stone panel bearing the name "St. George's Hall." A stepped gable rises through two storeys to the roof, adding to its distinctive appearance. The building's brick and stone construction, steep-pitched roof with prominent dormer windows, and decorative metal string courses further enhance its architectural significance.
In 1920, the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto made St. George's Hall its home. Renovations began, notably on the Great Hall. This majestic space rises at the rear of the building rises two storeys and features pointed Gothic Revival windows with plate tracery, became a central space for the club's activities.
The interior came to include an ornately wood-panelled vestibule leading to various rooms, including the Lounge, the "Lamps Room," as well as the Library, the Club Archives, and a third-floor studio, all reflecting the club's dedication to the arts.
The building's significance in Canada's cultural history was recognized in 2007 when it was designated a National Historic Site. Today, as home to the Arts and Letters Club, St. George's Hall continues to serve as a vibrant hub for artistic and cultural activities in Toronto.