Government Building (Toronto)

The Government Building, also known as the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Building, is a heritage exhibition building at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Built in 1911 for the annual Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), the building has been used since 1993 as the Toronto location of the Medieval Times chain of dinner theatres.[1]

Government Building
Eastern facade in 2005
Alternative namesArts, Crafts and Hobbies Building
General information
TypeExhibition building
Architectural styleBeaux-Arts
LocationExhibition Place
Address15 Saskatchewan Road
Town or cityToronto, Ontario
Current tenantsMedieval Times
Opened1911
OwnerCity of Toronto
Technical details
Structural systemSteel truss
Floor count1
Design and construction
ArchitectGeorge W. Gouinlock
Website
medievaltimes.com/toronto

Description

The building is a one-storey building with an "E" floorplan. At the intersection is a large dome. The architectural style is Beaux-Arts, designed by George W. Gouinlock.[2]

History

The building was initially used for government displays at the CNE. The building became the host of the "Arts, Crafts & Hobbies" exhibit at the CNE. It was generally not used during the rest of the year, except for storage. During World War I, the building was used as barracks for Canadian soldiers. In 1959, the Government Building was used for town hall meetings on the planned Bloor-Danforth Toronto Transit Commission subway project.

In the 1990s, Toronto City Council sought to increase revenues from Exhibition Place during a time of government downloading. Medieval Times, a theatre company putting on recreations of medieval jousting, won a contract to operate the building. A support building and stable was constructed at the rear of the building.

  • View of the Government Building in September 1913
  • Eastern facade of the building, 1920 CNE
  • Postcard of the building, 1927 CNE
  • View of the building and exhibition grounds, 1930 CNE
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References
  1. "City Council Approves $30M Raptors Practice Facility". Urban Toronto, August 25, 2014 | by Jack Landau
  2. "Walking Tour". Exhibition Place. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
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