Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall is a landmark building in downtown Toronto Ontario, Canada. The original 2.1/2 storey building was started in 1829 and finished in 1832 from a design by John Ewart any William Warren Baldwin. The building is named for William Osgoode, the first Chief Justice Of Upper Canada (now the province of Ontario). As a National Historic Site of Canada, Osgoode Hall has been captivating audiences since 1832. Currently housing the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Law Society of Ontario, it remains a pivotal center of legal activity in downtown Toronto and a cornerstone of Ontario's legal legacy. The six-acre property, nestled in downtown Toronto's core, features mature trees, vibrant gardens, and the renowned iron palisade. With its eclectic mix of late Georgian, Palladian, and Neoclassical architectural influences, Osgoode Hall stands as one of the last remaining examples of mid-19th century Ontario institutional landscapes. Osgoode Hall, home to the Law Society of Ontario, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Superior Court of Justice, offers multiple avenues for exploration. As a premier repository of legal materials in Canada, the Great Library transcends its functional role to provide an environment that inspires intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Within Osgoode Hall, two libraries are housed: the Great Library of the Law Society of Ontario and a smaller library for judges. The Great Library, constructed between 1857 and 1860 by Cumberland and Storm, features an ornate plaster ceiling, cork floors, an iron spiral staircase, and etched glass windows. The American Room, designed by Burke and Horwood in 1895, is located behind the Great Library and is accessible through it, offering a more intimate space with a spiral staircase. The mosaic floor, staircase, panelling, and glass dome of the entry hall offer a rare glimpse into Ontario's rich historical heritage. Convocation Hall, modeled after the medieval Inns of Court, was built as an examination room for law students. Portraits of past provincial Chief Justices and Treasurers of the Law Society adorn Osgoode Hall. A handsome cast iron fence, completed in 1867, separates Osgoode Hall from Queen Street's bustle. Our visit to Osgoode Hall was a truly delightful and pleasant experience, providing this architecture enthusiast with a highly satisfactory experience. Notes: 1. Prior to entry, visitors are subject to a security screening process similar to airport security checks. 2. Visitors can take casual, personal photos inside Osgoode Hall, but not of people entering or leaving courtrooms, or without their consent. Professional, commercial, or staged photography is not permitted. 3. Osgoode Hall offers tours led by Law Society staff during lunch hours in July and August. Monday to Friday in July and August, starting at 1:15 p.m. each day. No reservation required. visitors should enter through the center doors facing Queen Street West. Tour Duration: 1 hour, Limit of 20 participants 4. Tour include the Atrium, a solemn 19 century courtroom, the Great Library and the Convocation Hall (like a Harry Potter movie setting)

This was an incredible hour tour. The history in this building is incredible. The tour is free so no excuse not to go. Also, with this tour you get to go into the private chambers where the public is not allowed and that is just an incredible part of the Hall that needs to be seen!!

2024 May 4★ Did you commit an offence? YES - come in. See the judge. There's a few hearing rooms available. NO - are you here for a tour? YES - This is a nice building with certainly some interesting history and architecture. Stain glass and other tidbits. NO - congrats! You must be a lawyer or paralegal. No parking. Nice gardens outside. Come check it out for the right reasons!

Wonderful experience with the Toronto Doors Open event to catch a chance to get in here for free, and explore the beautiful and rich architecture and history of this building. There's such a vast variety of information to take in while walking through the many court rooms and libraries here. Definitely take your time, and worth the wait in line. (which moves relevantly quickly)

Had the chance to visit Osgood hall for doors open Toronto and it was indeed worth the long wait. The building screams of Victorian architecture and it is still fully functional and well maintained. It currently houses the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court of the Superior Court of Justice, the offices of the Law Society of Ontario and the Great Library of the Law Society.

A really nice piece of architecture. There are some really pretty cherry blossom trees in front of the hall and they are a fantastic photography opportunity. This is a nice site to visit and explore.

The building is absolutely stunning, boasting a rich history and intricate architectural design. It's definitely a must-see!

A unique, historical and beautiful location in the heart of Toronto. Features include an architecturally significant building dating back to 1829 and beautiful and tranquil gardens with several areas to sit and take in the surroundings. Large wrought iron fences surround the area and cobblestone drives are a wonderful feature. Large trees offer shade and one would not feel as though they are in the heart of a large metropolitan city.

Osgoode Hall is a landmark building in downtown Toronto Ontario, Canada. The original 2.1/2 storey building was started in 1829 and finished in 1832 from a design by John Ewart any William Warren Baldwin. The building is named for William Osgoode, the first Chief Justice Of Upper Canada (now the province of Ontario). As a National Historic Site of Canada, Osgoode Hall has been captivating audiences since 1832. Currently housing the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Law Society of Ontario, it remains a pivotal center of legal activity in downtown Toronto and a cornerstone of Ontario's legal legacy. The six-acre property, nestled in downtown Toronto's core, features mature trees, vibrant gardens, and the renowned iron palisade. With its eclectic mix of late Georgian, Palladian, and Neoclassical architectural influences, Osgoode Hall stands as one of the last remaining examples of mid-19th century Ontario institutional landscapes. Osgoode Hall, home to the Law Society of Ontario, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Superior Court of Justice, offers multiple avenues for exploration. As a premier repository of legal materials in Canada, the Great Library transcends its functional role to provide an environment that inspires intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Within Osgoode Hall, two libraries are housed: the Great Library of the Law Society of Ontario and a smaller library for judges. The Great Library, constructed between 1857 and 1860 by Cumberland and Storm, features an ornate plaster ceiling, cork floors, an iron spiral staircase, and etched glass windows. The American Room, designed by Burke and Horwood in 1895, is located behind the Great Library and is accessible through it, offering a more intimate space with a spiral staircase. The mosaic floor, staircase, panelling, and glass dome of the entry hall offer a rare glimpse into Ontario's rich historical heritage. Convocation Hall, modeled after the medieval Inns of Court, was built as an examination room for law students. Portraits of past provincial Chief Justices and Treasurers of the Law Society adorn Osgoode Hall. A handsome cast iron fence, completed in 1867, separates Osgoode Hall from Queen Street's bustle. Our visit to Osgoode Hall was a truly delightful and pleasant experience, providing this architecture enthusiast with a highly satisfactory experience. Notes: 1. Prior to entry, visitors are subject to a security screening process similar to airport security checks. 2. Visitors can take casual, personal photos inside Osgoode Hall, but not of people entering or leaving courtrooms, or without their consent. Professional, commercial, or staged photography is not permitted. 3. Osgoode Hall offers tours led by Law Society staff during lunch hours in July and August. Monday to Friday in July and August, starting at 1:15 p.m. each day. No reservation required. visitors should enter through the center doors facing Queen Street West. Tour Duration: 1 hour, Limit of 20 participants 4. Tour include the Atrium, a solemn 19 century courtroom, the Great Library and the Convocation Hall (like a Harry Potter movie setting)

This was an incredible hour tour. The history in this building is incredible. The tour is free so no excuse not to go. Also, with this tour you get to go into the private chambers where the public is not allowed and that is just an incredible part of the Hall that needs to be seen!!

2024 May 4★ Did you commit an offence? YES - come in. See the judge. There's a few hearing rooms available. NO - are you here for a tour? YES - This is a nice building with certainly some interesting history and architecture. Stain glass and other tidbits. NO - congrats! You must be a lawyer or paralegal. No parking. Nice gardens outside. Come check it out for the right reasons!

Wonderful experience with the Toronto Doors Open event to catch a chance to get in here for free, and explore the beautiful and rich architecture and history of this building. There's such a vast variety of information to take in while walking through the many court rooms and libraries here. Definitely take your time, and worth the wait in line. (which moves relevantly quickly)

Had the chance to visit Osgood hall for doors open Toronto and it was indeed worth the long wait. The building screams of Victorian architecture and it is still fully functional and well maintained. It currently houses the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court of the Superior Court of Justice, the offices of the Law Society of Ontario and the Great Library of the Law Society.

A really nice piece of architecture. There are some really pretty cherry blossom trees in front of the hall and they are a fantastic photography opportunity. This is a nice site to visit and explore.

The building is absolutely stunning, boasting a rich history and intricate architectural design. It's definitely a must-see!

A unique, historical and beautiful location in the heart of Toronto. Features include an architecturally significant building dating back to 1829 and beautiful and tranquil gardens with several areas to sit and take in the surroundings. Large wrought iron fences surround the area and cobblestone drives are a wonderful feature. Large trees offer shade and one would not feel as though they are in the heart of a large metropolitan city.