
The Great Hall’s venues are the perfect marriage of grand and intimate, traditional and modern. To achieve this, original elements were painstakingly restored to their former glory during an ambitious 16-month restoration that covered every facet of the building. From the brick and Port Credit sandstone façade, to the 19 century radiators and original window mullions, attention was given to every detail in order to reveal The Great Hall’s rich history and ageless charm.
Facilities and capacity
The backbone of The Great Hall is its broad wooden staircase adorned with hand-carved, gilded ornaments. Design gems abound, including the original coffered hallway ceiling highlighted with crystal chandeliers, and practical features, like the all-new washrooms at each venue, exhibit old-world class paired with modern convenience.
Main Hall
The historic centrepiece of the building, the Main Hall is an elegant, two-storey space of over 10,000 sq. ft. that includes a reception area, coat check, and green room. The venue exudes grandeur with a stage framed by a striking decorative wall of gilded scrollwork, a 30 ft high coffered and arched ceiling punctuated by Waterford crystal chandeliers, and a border of graceful, gilt-topped columns supporting the balcony. The west wall features four 20 ft high, arched windows that can bathe the room in natural light or be covered by the rich, deep red draperies. The wood floor of the Main Hall has been refinished to bring out a patina that artfully underlines its historical character, engrained by generations of events in this singular venue.
Capacity - Standing: 480, Theatre Seating: 230 on the main floor, 80 on balcony; Banquet Seating: 170 on the main floor, 70 on balcony
Longboat Hall
This is a long-hidden treasure that began as the first West End YMCA gymnasium in 1889. Named for renowned aboriginal distance runner and Boston Marathon winner, Tom Longboat (who trained here in the early 20th century), this unique two-storey venue is self- contained, with a street level main entrance on Dovercourt Road. The 5000 sq. ft. space features sandstone brick walls that rise up to a patterned ceiling 20 feet above the polished concrete floor. Cast iron pillars support the original running track balcony, with large windows along the west wall. The bar is backed by slate and wood recovered from the restoration of The Great Hall’s peaked roof. Together, these elements combine to lend Longboat Hall a feel of industrial elegance.
Capacity - Standing: 400, Theatre Seating: 175, Banquet Seating: 120
The Conversation Room
Secluded on the second floor, the Conversation Room is a classic Victorian “gathering place”. Crisp white walls reach up to a coffered ceiling surrounded by original hand-carved crown moulding. Tasteful crystal chandeliers hang above the chevron pattern wood floor, but the stars of this bright, airy room are the large original windows, including a panoramic corner turret and seating nook.
Capacity - Standing: 117, Theatre Seating: 110, Banquet Seating: 80
The Drawing Room
Tucked away discreetly at the top of The Great Hall’s public space, the Drawing Room has only improved with age. The original, fully restored wood floors, grand columns, crown moulding, large windows, and marble fireplace are just some of the esthetic delights in this 1,200 sq. ft. venue. The addition of a fully equipped gourmet presentation kitchen and grand bar put the exclamation mark on that claim.
Capacity - Standing: 97, Theatre Seating: 80, Banquet Seating: 50
The Great Hall has the right mix of historic elegance and contemporary Queen Street style for your next event.
Reviews
Diane Sky
November 2020
I remember this place from the mid 70's when the Polish National Union ran their newspaper printing presses on the upper floors. MY Polish School Adam Mickiewicz would host their Christmas concerts at this hall and we would get dressed and ready in the upper floors and have a big Christmas concert on the main floor. The basement was also used periodically for Polish dances practices. Would love to see you post some pictures from those great memorable days.
Alicia Buehrle
October 2020
I went here for the flea market a few weeks ago. I liked the selection of vendors but found it quite crowded considering the circumstances. I know this can't be helped in such a small space but perhaps they should look at moving to a bigger space.
Dani Dickinson
October 2020
Such a great venue, rustic vibe inside and really helpful team!
Chelsea Travis
August 2020
One of my favourite venues in GTA. The concerts I've been to are great and very intimate. The sound system is also perfect for wherever you are in the hall.The staff are great and the Bar is well stocked. Also the washrooms are very clean and not crowded
Nasim Kosarnia
July 2020
Stunning venue, great for photographers and intimate events. Renovated while preserving the old. Love the main floor stage! They used to host wrestling in the basement. Accessibilty might be an issue for some patrons.
Watson & Co. Events
View ProfileHelpful (0)
I worked on an event here with Mark in 2017. He did a great job, he was very organized and professional. The spaces are beautiful, especially the Main Hall and now that all the renovations are done, it's exceptional. Great space for weddings, concert, charity event, brand launch and more. With multiple rooms of different sizes and esthetics, you can really find a space that works for a variety of events, in a fantastic location. I would highly recommend!
The Great Hall has been mentioned inside these other vendor profiles:
Urban Acorn
Sarah Bunnett-Gibson Wedding Officiant
Watson & Co. Events
Company Overview
Company Overview
Contact Information
Name:
Mark
Title:Event Manager
Phone:Show number
Email:Send an Email
Venue Features
On-Site Ceremonies
Wheelchair Access
Audio/Visual
Wi-Fi
Catering Information
On-Site Catering
Off-Premise Catering
Kosher Food
Outside Caterers
Capacity Information
Max standing
Max seated
Drawing Room
97
50
Conversation Room
117
80
Longboat Hall
400
160
Main Hall
480
250