Examples Of Weaving Together Heritage And Modern Architecture To Meet The Evolving Needs Of Toronto’s City Center

The Ontario Heritage Act was founded in 1975 with the goal of preserving and celebrating history. The act allows the province to designate heritage buildings that are protected from demolition. In this photo essay, we explore two sites that are protected under this act, and how the heritage buildings were woven together with modern architecture to meet needs of expansion. The two projects are located 450 meters from one another in Downtown Toronto’s Yorkville and Queen’s Park neighbourhoods. The photos below offer new perspectives on the structures as isolated subjects and on their relationship to their surroundings.

The Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum originally opened its doors in 1914. In 1933 the museum expanded to include a wing along Queen’s Park. Both buildings are excellent examples of Canada’s 20th century Romanesque style and in 1973 became protected heritage sites. In 1984 another extension was added along Bloor Street, but in 2003 the majority of this was demolished to make way for the iconic structure we see today.