Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto City Hall

Nathan Phillips Square is the public plaza in front of Toronto City Hall at 100 Queen Street West, in the Downtown Core. City Hall, designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell and completed in 1965, is recognizable by its two curved towers of different heights framing a circular council chamber. The square in front holds the large illuminated TORONTO sign, a popular photo spot at any time of year, a reflecting pool that becomes a public skating rink in winter, and a Peace Garden and sculptures including a Henry Moore work, The Archer. In summer the pool is used for water play and the square hosts concerts, markets and festivals, while in winter the rink and seasonal lights draw large crowds. Entry to the square is free and always open, and City Hall's public areas are generally open on weekdays from about 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a visible rotunda and rooftop gardens in some seasons. A visit usually lasts about 45 minutes, longer if visitors skate or attend events. The best photographs of the sign come at dusk or at night when it is lit, and the curved towers look best from the south side of the square. The busiest times are winter weekends and event days, while weekday mornings are calm. The square is a short walk from the Eaton Centre and the Art Gallery of Ontario, and is served by Queen station on Line 1 and Osgoode station on Line 2. For visitors to Toronto, Ontario, it is both a civic landmark and a convenient meeting point in the centre of the city.