Canadian Opera Company opener, Toronto, Sept. 21, 1963. Canadian Press
Concourse of O'Keefe Performing Arts Centre featuring The Seven Lively Arts mural, 1960. City of Toronto Archives
Part of Toronto’s cultural rebirth
Built in 1960 on the former site of the Great Western Railway terminal, the O’Keefe Centre (known today as Meridian Hall) was symbolic of a cultural renaissance in Toronto.
Realizing the city was lacking an up-to-date performance centre, Toronto Mayor Nathan Phillips challenged members of the city’s business community to find the money for a flagship theatre capable of revitalizing the St. Lawrence neighbourhood.
Financed by Canadian Breweries owner E. P. Taylor and designed by leading Modern architect Peter Dickinson, the building’s interior features a grand double-height foyer with cantilevered staircases that appear to float in mid-air. York Wilson’s mural The Seven Lively Arts welcomes audiences in the lobby.
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Part of Toronto’s cultural rebirth
For over a half century, the city-owned theatre has hosted culture and entertainment from Canada and abroad. Until 2006, the National Ballet of Canada and Canadian Opera Company made it their home stage.
It remains one of the jewels of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, and a reminder of the economic impact of cultural development. Adjacent to the southwest, Daniel Liebskind’s L Tower is bringing new residential life to the site and has facilitated a multi-million dollar restoration and renovation of the theatre.
