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Massey Hall
Toronto's historic concert hall at Shuter and Victoria Streets, opened in 1894 and reopened in 2021 after renovation, home to famous recordings by Neil Young, Rush and jazz greats.
At a glance
- Type
- Concert hall
- Area
- Downtown, Toronto, Canada
- Official site
- masseyhall.mhrth.com
Good to know
- Historic concert hall
- Smaller TD Music Hall
- Behind-the-scenes tours for members
Why we recommend it
Massey Hall opened on 14 July 1894, a gift to the people of Toronto from the industrialist Hart Massey, who financed its construction partly in memory of his son Charles. Standing at the corner of Shuter and Victoria Streets, it describes itself as one of Canada's most cherished cultural landmarks and was designated a National Historic Site in 1981.
The hall's recording history is remarkable. In May 1953 Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus and Max Roach played the concert released as Jazz at Massey Hall. Neil Young's solo show on 19 January 1971 was later released as Live at Massey Hall 1971, and Rush recorded their live album All the World's a Stage here in June 1976. For music fans, seeing a show in the same room carries real weight.
The building closed in July 2018 for a major renovation, delayed by the pandemic, and the main hall reopened in November 2021. The work restored the stained-glass windows, some of which had been hidden behind boards since the 1950s, and added the seven-storey Allied Music Centre next door. That building contains the TD Music Hall, a smaller room with 245 seats or space for 450 standing, plus a further theatre and a recording studio named after the late chief executive Deane Cameron.
The main hall holds roughly 2,500 seated, and the programme runs from intimate concerts to large events, including singers, bands and talks. Recent listings have included Gregory Porter, Matt Andersen and an evening with Ina Garten. Check the website for the current calendar and buy tickets in advance, as popular shows sell out.
Massey Hall suits music lovers, couples and anyone wanting a classic Toronto night out. Members get extras such as behind-the-scenes tours, and the venue also hosts private events. Allow time to look at the restored interior before the show starts. The hall was designed to seat 3,500 when it opened and was reduced to around 2,765 seats after renovations in 1933. The first phase of the recent project, from 2013 to 2017, cleared the neighbouring Albert Building to make room for the new music centre, which also has a 105-seat theatre on its sixth floor. Around the top of the main hall, stained-glass windows depict famous composers.
The hall is in downtown Toronto at 178 Victoria Street.
Massey Hall FAQs
When did Massey Hall open?
On 14 July 1894.
Who built it?
The industrialist Hart Massey gave it to the people of Toronto.
How many people does it hold?
The main hall seats roughly 2,500.
What famous recordings were made there?
Jazz at Massey Hall in 1953, Neil Young's Live at Massey Hall 1971 and Rush's All the World's a Stage.
Has it been renovated?
Yes. It closed in 2018 and the main hall reopened in November 2021.
What is the TD Music Hall?
A smaller venue in the new Allied Music Centre, with 245 seats or 450 standing.
Are tours available?
Behind-the-scenes tours are a membership perk.
Where is it?
At 178 Victoria Street, at the corner of Shuter Street.