View source for Massey Hall

{{Short description|Concert hall in Toronto, Canada}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox venue
|name           = Massey Hall
|image          = File:Massey Hall 2022.jpg
|image_size     =
|caption        = Massey Hall in September 2022
|address        = 178 Victoria Street
|location       = [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
|designation    = 
|coordinates    = {{Coord|43|39|15|N|79|22|44.50|W|display=it}}
| publictransit    =
{{rint|toronto|subway|1}} {{rint|toronto|streetcar|501}} {{rint|toronto|bus|97C}}
|architect      = [[Sidney Badgley]]
|owner          = The Corporation of Massey Hall and [[Roy Thomson Hall]]
|capacity       = 2,752
|type           = [[Concert hall]]
|opened         = {{Start date|1894|07|14}}
|yearsactive    = 1894–present
|rebuilt        = 
|closed         = 
|othernames     = 
|production     = 
|currentuse     = 
|website        = {{URL|masseyhall.com}}
{{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = NHSC
| designation1_offname = Massey Hall National Historic Site of Canada
| designation1_date = {{Start date|1981|06|15}}
| designation2 = Ontario
| designation2_type = Municipally-designated
| designation2_date = {{Start date|1975}}
}}
}}

'''Massey Hall''' is a [[performing arts]] [[auditorium]] located within the [[Garden District, Toronto|Garden District]] in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada. Opened in 1894, it is known for its outstanding acoustics and was the long-time hall of the [[Toronto Symphony Orchestra]] and the [[Toronto Mendelssohn Choir]]. Although originally designed to seat 3,500 patrons, after extensive renovations in 1933 its capacity was reduced to 2,765.<ref name=Kilbourn>{{cite book | last =  Kilbourn | first =  William | title =  Intimate Grandeur: One Hundred Years At Massey Hall | url =  https://archive.org/details/intimategrandeur0000kilb | url-access =  registration | year = 1993 | publisher =  Stoddart | location = Toronto | isbn = 9780773727427 }}</ref> Its extensive history includes concerts by many of the most famous artists of the past century and more, across many musical genres, which is a pattern that continues to the present day.

Massey Hall was a gift to the people of Toronto from industrialist [[Hart Massey]]. Massey Hall was designated a [[National Historic Sites of Canada|National Historic Site of Canada]] on June 15, 1981.<ref name="Parks Canada">{{cite web | title = Massey Hall | work = National Register of Historic Places | publisher = Parks Canada | url = http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=9369&pid=0 | access-date = December 24, 2014 }}</ref> The hall closed in July 2018 for a two-year-long renovation and restoration. The project includes a new seven-storey addition incorporating a performance studio and a new concert space, the Allied Music Centre. Massey Hall's re-opening was delayed by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto|COVID-19 pandemic]] until 2021. The seating capacity of the main hall is currently 2550, and of the Allied Music Centre 500.

It is operated by The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, a non-profit charitable organization.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mhrth.com/ |title=The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall |accessdate=June 10, 2022 |publisher=The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall |website=mhrth.com}}</ref> It is located at the intersection of Shuter and Victoria Streets, just east of Yonge Street, in downtown Toronto.

==History==
[[File:Hart Massey.png|thumb|left|upright|The idea for Massey Hall began with [[Hart Massey]].]]
The idea of Massey Music Hall (its original name) began with [[Hart Massey]], who wanted to build a music hall in order to fill the need for a secular meeting place where people from Toronto and area could meet and enjoy choral music not of a religious theme. Massey also wanted to construct the building in memory of his son Charles, who loved music.<ref name="Kilbourn" /> Massey also did not want the music hall to make large profits. He wanted both rich and poor to attend events. Ideally, once all expenses were paid, Massey wanted tickets for a season of lectures to sell for $1.<ref name="Bateman-2013">{{Cite web |url=http://www.blogto.com/city/2013/06/a_brief_history_of_torontos_iconic_massey_hall/ |title=A brief history of Toronto's Massey Hall |last=Bateman |first=Chris |date=2013 |website=blogTO}}</ref>

The building was designed with a neoclassical facade and features Moorish arches that span the width of the interior hall. This interior was inspired by the [[Alhambra#Nasrid palaces|Alhambra Palace]] in Spain as well as Louis Sullivan's [[Auditorium Building (Chicago)|Chicago Auditorium]].<ref name="Kilbourn" /> The exterior is [[Palladian architecture]] while the interior is [[Moorish Revival architecture]].<ref name="www1.toronto.ca"/> The exterior neoclassical facade was a preference voiced from [[Lillian Massey Treble|Lillian]], Hart Massey's daughter. Around the top of the hall are thirty stained glass windows, each depicting a famous composer made by the Faircloth Brothers glass firm.<ref>{{cite web |website=City News |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/04/09/hidden-for-nearly-a-century-massey-halls-stained-glass-windows-find-new-life/ |title=Hidden for nearly a century, Massey Hall's stained glass windows find new life |first=David |last=Friend |agency=The Canadian Press |date=April 9, 2019 |accessdate=June 11, 2022}}</ref> The foyer is finished in [[Art Deco]] style.

Designed by architect [[Sidney Badgley]], Massey Hall was completed in 1894 at a cost of {{CAD|152,390.75}}.{{sfn|Gillen|1965|p=105}} Construction was financed by Massey, the founder of the Massey Manufacturing (later [[Massey Ferguson]]) manufacturing conglomerate. The hall's debut concert was a choral performance of Handel's 'Messiah' on June 14, 1894.<ref name="Stroumboulopoulos-2014">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/news/celebrating-massey-hall-the-old-lady-of-shuter-street.html|title=Celebrating Massey Hall: The Grand Old Lady of Shuter Street|last=Stroumboulopoulos|first=George|date=2014|website=CBC}}</ref>

Ten years after the completion of construction (after the [[Great Fire of Toronto (1904)|1904 Toronto Great Fire]]), a pair of fire escape staircases were installed along the front face of the building.<ref name="Bateman-2013" /> They were installed to deal with fire concerns of the building.<ref name="Bateman-2013" /> These fire escapes (now removed) were considered an iconic part of Massey Hall's exterior. At some point in its renovation history, three of the windows at the front of the venue were converted into doors. The doors at the front of the venue were painted red (from their earlier brown-gold colour), a giant neon sign was hung above the main entrance, and notice boards listing upcoming acts were revamped on either side of those doors.
[[File:Massey Hall August 2017 01.jpg|thumb|Entrance of Massey Hall in August 2017.]]

The Albert Building, at 15 Shuter Street, was added as a janitorial residence in 1917 and later converted as backstage space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.masseyhall.com/mh_history|title=Massey Hall}}</ref> It has since been demolished and replaced by a new addition during the 2010s renovations. It had a unique two-storey oriel window.<ref name="www1.toronto.ca">{{cite web |url=http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=a401fcf074da4410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&vgnextchannel=f6a300ad867a0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029044613/http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=a401fcf074da4410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&vgnextchannel=f6a300ad867a0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |title=15 Shuter Street (Massey Hall) - Amendment of Designating By-laws - Public Notices - City Clerk's Office {{!}} City of Toronto}}</ref> In 1933, the [[Massey Foundation]] undertook further renovations to the hall. The venue simplified its name to Massey Hall at this time.<ref>{{cite Grove |date=2003 |title=Nightclubs and other venues |doi=10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J330000}}</ref> Further renovations occurred in the 1940s.

Sister venue [[Roy Thomson Hall]] was known as New Massey Hall during the early planning stages.<ref>{{cite news |title=Massey Hall start up awaits $10 million |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=April 18, 1978}}</ref> It was intended to replace Massey Hall as the primary venue for the [[Toronto Symphony Orchestra]],<ref>{{cite news |author=John Kraglund |title=Many courses on TS menu |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=February 8, 1978}}</ref> although the intention was always for Massey Hall to remain open for other purposes following renovations.<ref>{{cite news |author=John Kraglund |title=Concert hall renamed after Roy H. Thomson |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=January 13, 1982}}</ref> Its permanent name as Roy Thomson Hall was announced in January 1982, following a donation from media mogul and philanthropist [[Roy Thomson]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Concert hall to bear Roy Thomson's name |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=January 13, 1982}}</ref>

In 1994, to commemorate the hall's 100th anniversary, the basement was completely refurbished to include Centuries, a fully stocked bar. Prior to this addition, alcohol was not permitted in the hall.<ref name="Bateman-2013" /> The decor of Centuries includes hundreds of photos of artists who have performed there over the years (largely collecting portraits of popular music stars since the 1980s), including many autographs.  Centuries has a capacity of 220 people and often hosts CD releases and post-show parties for visiting artists. Roughly five years after Centuries was created, an additional bar in the balcony lounge was added.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.masseyhallandroythomsonhall.com/our-history/masseyhall/massey-hall-building-history/|title=Historical Timeline|website=The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall|language=en-US|access-date=October 8, 2017}}</ref>

In 2013, Massey Hall began a long-awaited major renovation, which included the demolition of the Albert Building and preparing the rear space for construction activities. In July 2018, Massey Hall announced phase two of the renovation, entitled "Massey Hall Forever," <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.masseyhall.com/revitalization/|title=Allied Music Centre}}</ref> which included extensive exterior and interior renovations, expanded stage, a new seven-story addition, two new smaller concert rooms and a new retractable seating system. The new addition is called the Allied Music Centre, located on the site of the Albert Building. It incorporates an artists' lab, studio, lounge and theatre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blogto.com/music/2020/12/toronto-new-music-complex-next-massey-hall/|title=Here's what Massey Hall and its new 7-storey music complex in Toronto will look like|website=blogTO|language=en-US|access-date=January 26, 2021}}</ref> It was completed in 2022.

===Historic designations===
In 1973, [[Toronto City Council]] designated Massey Hall a Heritage Property under the province's ''[[Ontario Heritage Act]]''.<ref>{{cite web | last = Yu | first = Andrea | title = Massey Hall: Past, Present and Proposed Future | publisher = Urban Toronto | url = http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/05/massey-hall-past-present-and-proposed-future | date = May 7, 2013 | access-date = December 24, 2014}}</ref> Massey Hall was designated a [[National Historic Sites of Canada|National Historic Site of Canada]] on June 15, 1981.<ref name="Parks Canada"/>

==Notable performers and events==
[[File:InMemoriamKingEdwardMasseyHall.jpg|thumb|A memorial held for King [[Edward VII]] at Massey Hall in 1910.]]

The primary use of the hall has been for musical performances, but the hall has been used for many types of events, including public memorials, speaking tours, and boxing, among others. Many dignitaries have attended the hall since its inauguration. In 1901, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (the future King [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and his wife [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]]) visited with Canadian Prime Minister [[Wilfrid Laurier]].<ref name="Stroumboulopoulos-2014" /> Many prominent choirs, comedians, musicians, musical groups, singers and speakers have appeared on the stage of Massey Hall. The hall was also a prominent location for political speeches before the development of television.<ref>{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/once-upon-a-city-archives/2015/10/28/once-upon-a-city-massey-halls-importance-to-politics.html |title=Once Upon a City: Massey Hall's importance to politics |first=Arthur |last=Milnes |date=October 28, 2015 |access-date=June 11, 2022}}</ref>

Until 1984, the primary performer at the hall was the [[Toronto Symphony Orchestra]], along with the [[Toronto Mendelssohn Choir]]. Operatic singers have included [[Montserrat Caballe]], [[Maria Callas]], [[Enrico Caruso]], [[Luciano Pavarotti]] and [[Vladimir Rosing]]. Classical musicians have included [[George Gershwin]], [[Glenn Gould]], [[Vladimir Horowitz]], [[Oscar Peterson]] and [[Arturo Toscanini]].

Popular musicians and singers have included [[Joni Mitchell]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Brad |date=June 19, 2013 |title=Massey Hall performance shows Joni Mitchell is like no other |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/massey-hall-performance-shows-joni-mitchell-is-like-no-other/article12661570/ |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=July 4, 2024}}</ref> [[Tears for Fears]], [[Justin Bieber]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Naulls |first=Kevin |date=December 19, 2011 |title=Justin Bieber's Massey Hall Christmas concert sells out in 30 minutes (prepare to be gouged by scalpers) |url=http://www.torontolife.com/informer/people/2011/12/19/justin-bieber-massey-hall-christmas-concert/ |magazine=[[Toronto Life]] |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224224037/http://www.torontolife.com/informer/people/2011/12/19/justin-bieber-massey-hall-christmas-concert/ |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Cream (band)|Cream]], [[Bob Dylan]], [[Billy Joel]], [[the Kinks]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Kraftwerk]], [[Lenny Kravitz]], [[Gordon Lightfoot]],<ref name=lightfoot>{{cite news |last=Wallace |first=Kenyon |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Those stories and that voice. Why Gordon Lightfoot's music hit home for me and so many Canadians |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/those-stories-and-that-voice-why-gordon-lightfoot-s-music-hit-home-for-me-and/article_6ff92783-d116-535d-9956-1481ccec786d.html |work=[[Toronto Star]] |access-date=May 2, 2023}}</ref> [[Yngwie Malmsteen]], [[Golden Earring]],   [[Bob Marley and the Wailers]], [[Nightwish]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aestheticmagazinetoronto.com/2018/03/22/photos-nightwish-massey-hall-toronto/|title=Photos: Nightwish @ Massey Hall|publisher=Aesthetic Magazine|date=March 22, 2018|access-date=March 27, 2018}}</ref> [[Joe Satriani]], [[Seventeen (South Korean band)|Seventeen]], [[Ravi Shankar]], [[Harry Styles]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/harry-styles-solo-tour-sells-out-sets-ticketmaster-record|title=Harry Styles's Solo Tour Sells Out Instantly, Sets TicketMaster Record|last=Hirsh|first=Sophie|date=2017|website=Teen Vogue}}</ref> and [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]].

Lightfoot played the hall over 170 times in his career, the most of any artist, including both the last show in 2018 before it was closed for renovations and the first show after it reopened in 2021.<ref name=lightfoot/>

Speakers at the hall have included [[William Booth]], [[Winston Churchill]], [[Helen Keller]], [[Thomas Mann]] and the [[Dalai Lama]]. Comics have included [[Jerry Seinfeld]] and [[Russell Peters]].<ref name="rp">{{Cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2016/10/04/russell-peters-sounds-off-on-netflix-special-almost-famous|title=Russell Peters sounds off on Netflix special 'Almost Famous |last=Slotek|first=Jim|date=2016 |newspaper=Toronto Sun}}</ref>

===Notable appearances, concerts and related media===
[[File:Massey Hall, Video Games Live, Toronto.jpg|thumb|Interior of Massey Hall during [[Video Games Live]] [[concert series]] in 2006.]]

In May 1953, Massey Hall was the location of a notable jazz concert put on by five of the genre's most prominent artists of the era: [[Charlie Parker]], [[Dizzy Gillespie]], [[Bud Powell]], [[Charles Mingus]], and [[Max Roach]]. The performance was recorded and released as ''[[Jazz at Massey Hall]]''.<ref name="Bateman-2013" />

[[Neil Young]]'s performance on January 19, 1971, was recorded and later released as a live album, entitled ''[[Live at Massey Hall 1971]]''.<ref name="Bateman-2013" /> Young has since performed several times at Massey Hall.

In June 1976, [[Rush (band)|Rush]] recorded the live album ''[[All the World's a Stage (album)|All the World's a Stage]]'' here.<ref name="Bateman-2013" /> [[Max Webster]], a Toronto band, opened for Rush and would later headline at the venue in 1977 and 1978,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxwebsterlive.ca/1976-06-11-toronto|title=MaxWebsterLive.ca|website=www.maxwebsterlive.ca|access-date=October 8, 2017}}</ref> followed by a solo performance by [[Kim Mitchell]], formerly of Max Webster, in 1984.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/_n7_4qOM3Wk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200229183055/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n7_4qOM3Wk&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n7_4qOM3Wk| title = KIM MITCHELL LIVE - 1984 !!! - The Party | website=[[YouTube]]| date = October 12, 2008 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On January 8, 1995, [[Ronnie Hawkins]] celebrated his 60th birthday with a concert at Massey, which was documented on the album ''[[Let It Rock (Ronnie Hawkins album)|Let It Rock]]''.<ref name="Bateman-2013" /> The concert featured performances by Hawkins, [[Carl Perkins]], [[Jerry Lee Lewis]], [[the Band]] and [[Larry Gowan]]. [[Jeff Healey]] sat in on guitar for most, if not all, of the performances. Hawkins' band, The Hawks, or permutations of it, backed most, if not all, of the acts. All of the musicians performing that night were collectively dubbed "The Rock ‘N’ Roll Orchestra<ref name="Bateman-2013" />."

The May 2008 performance by [[Matthew Good]] at Massey was released as a live album, entitled ''[[Live at Massey Hall (Matthew Good album)|Live at Massey Hall]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/2008/10/01/matthew-good-live-at-massey-hall/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080522/http://www.chartattack.com/news/2008/10/01/matthew-good-live-at-massey-hall/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 8, 2017|title=Matthew Good Live At Massey Hall {{!}} Chart Attack|date=October 1, 2008|work=Chart Attack|access-date=October 8, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2013, folk-rock band [[Whitehorse (band)|Whitehorse]] made their first appearance at the venue. In conjunction with the concert, the band released the 2013 EP ''[[The Road to Massey Hall]]'', comprising covers of songs by other musicians who had played the hall in the past.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://exclaim.ca/News/whitehorse_cover_bob_dylan_neil_young_gordon_lightfoot_on_road_to_massey_hall_live_ep |title=Whitehorse Cover Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot on 'The Road to Massey Hall' Live EP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202021503/http://exclaim.ca/News/whitehorse_cover_bob_dylan_neil_young_gordon_lightfoot_on_road_to_massey_hall_live_ep |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |website=[[Exclaim!]] |date=January 29, 2013}}</ref>

In 2015, Canadian rock band [[Spirit of the West]] performed at Massey. The preparations for it are profiled in the 2016 documentary film ''[[Spirit Unforgettable]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2016/04/29/unforgettable-spirit-of-the-west-documentary |title='Unforgettable' Spirit Of The West documentary |newspaper=[[Toronto Sun]] |date=April 29, 2016}}</ref>

Toronto-born comedian, Russell Peters' April 2016 appearances at Massey Hall, were recorded for his [[Netflix]] stand-up special ''Almost Famous''.<ref name="rp"/>

For the [[Juno Awards of 2021]], which was performed from a variety of venues across Canada, the surviving members of [[the Tragically Hip]] performed their 2002 single "It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken" with [[Feist (singer)|Feist]] on lead vocals, which marked the band's first televised performance since [[Gord Downie]]'s death.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Huddleston |first1=Jess |title=The Tragically Hip set to perform with Feist at the 2021 Juno Awards |url=https://www.cbc.ca/music/junos/news/the-tragically-hip-set-to-perform-with-feist-at-the-2021-juno-awards-1.6020515 |website=[[CBC News]]|date=May 13, 2021}}</ref>

On February 29, 2024, singer-songwriter [[Ron Sexsmith]] staged a retrospective concert at the hall to mark his sixtieth birthday.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ron Sexsmith Returns to Toronto's Massey Hall for Career-Spanning Retrospective |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ron_sexsmith_returns_to_torontos_massey_hall_for_career-spanning_retrospective |website=exclaim.ca |date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>

== Revitalization ==
In 2013, the Corporation of Roy Thomson and Massey Hall announced the closing of the performance space at Massey Hall for a revitalization project. The then 119-year-old building would proceed to undergo a two-phase renovation to restore some of the building's historic elements and the construction of new spaces to improve the community-driven centre.

=== Phase One ===
Phase one of the Massey Hall Restoration began in 2013 and was completed in 2017. This {{convert|16000|ft2|m2|abbr=on}}<ref name="KPMB">{{Cite web |title=Massey Hall Renovation and Expansion |url=https://www.kpmb.com/project/massey-hall-renovation-and-expansion/ |access-date=January 29, 2022 |website=KPMB |language=en-US}}</ref> project consisted of the deconstruction of the adjacent Albert Building to prepare for the foundation of the new tower that was planned to be constructed in Phase Two.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 15, 2017 |title=Ontario investing additional $4 million in Massey Hall restoration |url=https://www.canadianinteriors.com/2017/08/15/ontario-investing-additional-4-million-massey-hall-restoration/ |access-date=February 16, 2022 |website=Canadian Interiors |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Massey_Hall_streetview_day.jpg|left|thumb|Massey Hall Exterior Pre renovation]]

=== Phase two ===
The second and primary phase of the renovation was a {{convert|124000|ft2|m2|abbr=on}}<ref name="KPMB" /> project with a budget of up to {{CAD|113}} million, including contributions of {{CAD|30}} million from the Ontario and Canadian governments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2018 |title=$60 million in Massey Hall renovation funds announced - constructconnect.com |url=https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/government/2018/12/60-million-massey-hall-renovation-funds-announced |access-date=February 16, 2022 |website=Daily Commercial News |language=en-US}}</ref> The main aspects of the second phase included a full restoration of the interior and exterior elements and the construction of the new addition. The phase was completed in 2022. However, Massey Hall reopened for performances in November 2021.<ref name="Hobbs-2021">{{Cite web |last=Hobbs |first=Greg |date=November 27, 2021 |title=Massey Hall reopens after massive modernization that preserves iconic music venue's magic |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/massey-hall-renovation-reopening-1.6243825 |website=CBC News}}</ref>

==== Phase Two Full restoration ====
[[File:Massey_Hall_Exterior_Construction.jpg|thumb|Massey Hall Construction 2021]]
The renovation of the interior of Massey Hall incorporated upgrading the technology by implementing mechanized removable seating to provide space for a standing general-admission area during performances<ref name="Hobbs-2021" /> and enhancing the audio and lighting systems.<ref name="Canadian Architect-2018">{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2018 |title=New Funding Supports KPMB and GBCA's Massey Hall Revitalization. |url=https://www.canadianarchitect.com/new-funding-supports-kpmb-and-gbcas-massey-hall-revitalization/. |website=Canadian Architect}}</ref> This refurbishment allowed for more flexibility for a variety of performances. The audio enhancements included diminishing the echo effect of sound that occurs during performances by introducing sound-absorbing plaster into the space.<ref name="Bozikovic-2021">{{Cite news |last=Bozikovic |first=Alex |date=November 25, 2021 |title=At Toronto's legendary Massey Hall, a 21st-century renovation turns the lights back on |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/art-and-architecture/article-at-torontos-legendary-massey-hall-a-21st-century-renovation-turns-the/ |access-date=February 16, 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Massey Hall Interior 2022.jpg|thumb|left|View of renovated Massey Hall interior]]
The refurbishment also restored the mixed architectural styles of Moorish revival, Palladian revival, and [[Art Deco]] found within the interior of the building while also ensuring the structural integrity of the building.<ref name="McPherson-2022">{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=David |date=January 13, 2022 |title=Toronto's Legendary Massey Hall Shines Bright Again |url=https://www.azuremagazine.com/article/torontos-legendary-massey-hall-shines-bright-again/ |access-date=February 16, 2022 |website=Azure Magazine}}</ref> The main idea was to make sure the Hall looked as if nothing had changed. This refurbishment procedure included the original wood, steel beams and restorers, repairing details, and making new plaster moulds of arch features if they were beyond repair.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2239092591}} |title=Behind the scenes of the massive renovations at Massey Hall |newspaper=The National |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=12 June 2019 }}</ref> The ceiling had previously been covered in chicken wire to protect the audience below from debris.<ref name="Hobbs-2021" /> The renovation allowed audiences to see the repaired detailed ceiling. The interior renewal also consisted of keeping the Hall’s original brass railings and new seats, which mimicked the originals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2022 |title=Heritage consultants GBCA conserve Massey Hall's ceiling |url=https://www.canadianarchitect.com/heritage-consultants-gbca-conserve-massey-halls-ceiling/ |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=Canadian Architect |language=en-US}}</ref>

The renovation moreover, focused on re-establishing the 100 original stained-glass windows that had been concealed with plywood since the 1950s due to sound disturbances.<ref name="Canadian Architect-2018" /> The refurbishment of the panes involved the fitting of noise defensive shades for the glass during concerts and performances.<ref name="Canadian Architect-2018" /> The renovation also facilitated the updating of Massey Hall to meet current Canadian accessibility standards. These updates included a [[Passerelle (theatre)|Passerelle]] to connect the old Massey Hall to the addition and an elevator allowing individuals easy access to the upper levels.<ref name="McPherson-2022" /> The grand stage was rebuilt and lifted to provide better visibility from the upper gallery seats.<ref name="Hobbs-2021" /> The restoration additionally re-established new backstage artist and performer accommodations.<ref name="Canadian Architect-2018" />
[[File:Construdtion_at_Massey_Hall,_2015_12_01_(1)_(23474646285).jpg|thumb|Massey Hall exterior under construction]]

==== Allied Music Centre ====
The construction of the new southern seven-story glass addition, named the Allied Music Centre,<ref name="Bozikovic-2021" /> was designed to accommodate more support spaces for the hall. Accessible through the outdoor passerelles, the addition contains rehearsal spaces, a performance studio, a lounge, new washrooms, dressing rooms for performers,<ref name="Hobbs-2021" /> and a loading dock for equipment and deliveries.<ref name="McPherson-2022" /> On the fourth floor, is the new 500 seat TD Music Centre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TD Music Hall |url=https://www.nowplayingtoronto.com/venue/td-music-hall/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=NowPlayingToronto.com |language=en-US}}</ref> It additionally contains the Deane Cameron Recording Studio, which gets its name from the late Massey Hall CEO.<ref name="Hobbs-2021" /> Located in the basement is a bar that has another performance space as well.<ref name="Hobbs-2021" /> The new modern glass passerelles leading to the tower hangs off the side of Massey Hall and contrasts with the original brick structure creating a connection between the new and the old. This state-of-the-art facility was designed and designated as a space for the community, artistic development and outreach initiatives.

=== Architects ===
The two-phase restoration process of Massey Hall was led by [[Marianne McKenna]] of [[KPMB Architects]] and Christopher Borgal of GBCA Architects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Feds and Province Announce Major New Funding for Massey Hall. |url=https://www.canadianarchitect.com/feds-and-province-announce-major-new-funding-for-massey-hall/. |website=Canadian Architect}}</ref> KPMB mainly focused on the architecture and interior design aspects, while GBCA focused on the heritage impact and restoration perspective. The total budget was {{CAD|184}} million.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

==Public transportation==
An entrance to [[Queen station|Queen subway station]] on [[Line 1 Yonge–University]] is located nearby at the corner of Shuter Street and Yonge Street.

The [[501 Queen]] streetcar line stops at the corner of Victoria Street and Queen Street.

== See also ==

* [[List of music venues in Toronto]]

==References==
{{Reflist }}

* {{cite book | last = Gillen | first = Mollie | author-link = Mollie Gillen | title = The Masseys: Founding Family | year = 1965 |publisher=The Ryerson Press |location=Toronto, Ontario}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Massey Hall}}
*[http://www.masseyhall.com/ Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall]
*[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/massey-hall The Canadian Encyclopedia: Massey Hall]

{{Ontario parks}}
{{Theatres in Toronto}}
{{NHSC}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Concert halls in Canada]]
[[Category:Music venues in Toronto]]
[[Category:Theatres in Toronto]]
[[Category:Event venues established in 1894]]
[[Category:National Historic Sites in Ontario]]
[[Category:Designated heritage properties in Ontario]]
[[Category:Toronto Symphony Orchestra]]