Osgoode Hall, Toronto

Toronto's Osgoode Hall is a remarkable heritage building sprawling across six acres. It has captivated attention for 170 years as a hub of legal activity and was aptly named after William Osgoode, the first Chief Justice of the province. Construction on this historic structure commenced in 1829, but it took a span of 20 years and the expertise of multiple architects, including John Ewart and W.W. Baldwin, to complete.

The exterior facade proudly showcases the exquisite Italian Renaissance style, while the interior boasts an array of stunning features, such as stained glass heraldic windows, intricate ceilings, and graceful arched pillars. Elements of the Palladian architectural style can also be admired within the Hall.

Following a period of use as troop barracks from 1838 to 1843, Osgoode Hall underwent a series of restoration projects between 1844 and 1891. Until the relocation of York University's faculty in 1969, the Hall served as the prestigious home of the Osgoode Hall Law School, a renowned institution for legal education.

In 1928, to honor Ontario lawyers and law students who had lost their lives during the First World War, a memorial sculpted by Frances Norma Loring was added to the Hall's Library. In recognition of its historical significance, Osgoode Hall was officially designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1979.

Presently, Osgoode Hall accommodates the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Appeal, solidifying its enduring role as a vital center for the legal community.