City Hall is one of Toronto's most distinctive landmarks, known worldwide for its curved twin towers and vast Nathan Phillips Square. Events marking the centenary of the birth of its architect, Viljo Revell (January 25), and the 45th anniversary of the official opening of City Hall (September 13) are planned until the end of the month.
In the rotunda of City Hall from September 13 to 26, a three-part exhibition - Revell/Toronto/Helsinki, Finnish Architecture and the Image of Modern Toronto - will feature photographs of Revell's best known architecture in Finland. This exploration of Revell’s work in Finland comes to Toronto from the Didrichsen Art Museum in Helsinki, in collaboration with the Museum of Finnish Architecture. The exhibition will also celebrate the original international design competition for City Hall (1957-58), and display plans for the current revitalization of Nathan Phillips Square.
On Monday, September 13 at 8 p.m. in the council chamber, former Toronto mayor David Crombie will offer introductory comments about the experience of working in City Hall when it was newly built. Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry will speak about his new work and his enduring relationship with Finland. Lisa Rochon, architecture critic for The Globe and Mail, will interview Gehry following his presentation.
On Thursday evening, September 23, the Revell/Toronto/Helsinki symposium will explore the impact of Finnish architecture and the cultural exchange between two great Northern countries.
Revell/Toronto/Helsinki is presented by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Society of Architects.
