Visiting Toronto architectural gems during Doors Open TO 2025 – Community Photo Gallery
Originally posted on our site tdotshots.com.
Doors Open Toronto 2025 provided a wonderful chance to rediscover some cherished historical and architectural gems scattered throughout the city. The event showcased a diverse range of styles and eras, from the art deco elegance of the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant to the contemporary design of the recently revitalized Daniels Building at One Spadina Crescent, ensuring there was something to captivate every interest. This photo essay also features a selection of images highlighting enduring classics such as Old City Hall, Osgood Hall, and Campbell House. We hope you enjoy this visual journey through Toronto’s rich heritage.
Curated by Tdot Shots founder Mike Simpson.
Join Mike and Tdot Shots at Tdot.cc events.
Gallery
Please scroll to view the incredible images captured by our contributors. You’ll find links to their portfolios at the end of the post.
RC Harris Plant
Photos by @focusonmeephotography / Thanks to the photographer!
About RC Harris Water Filtration Pant
The R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, a National Historic Civil Engineering Site and Art Deco masterpiece, was built in the 1930s and opened in 1941. Dubbed “The Palace of Purification,” it was designed to be a showcase of the essential function of a city’s water system, and it is named after Roland Caldwell Harris, Toronto’s long-serving Public Works Commissioner. The plant, with its impressive architecture blending Art Deco, Late Romanesque Revival, and Modern Classical forms, remains a significant landmark in Toronto.
Old City Hall
Photos by @mid_midst / Thanks to the photographer!
About Old City Hall Toronto
Toronto’s Old City Hall, a grand example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, was completed in 1899 and initially served as the city’s council chamber and courthouse. Designed by E.J. Lennox, the building’s impressive facade and intricate details reflect the city’s confidence in the late 19th century. Although replaced by the current City Hall in 1965, Old City Hall was saved from demolition and now operates as a courthouse and a National Historic Site
Osgoode Hall and Campbell House
About Osgoode Hall
Osgoode Hall, named after William Osgoode, was built 1829-32 as the headquarters of the Law Society of Upper Canada. It was later expanded to house law courts and the Osgoode Hall Law School. As originally designed by John Ewart and W.W. Baldwin, Osgoode Hall was a modest 2½ storey brick building. It is one of the highlights for visitors at the annual Doors Open festival.
About Campbell House
Campbell House in Toronto is the oldest surviving building from the original Town of York, built in 1822 for Sir William Campbell, the sixth Chief Justice of Upper Canada. It’s an outstanding example of Georgian architecture, specifically a Palladian style, showcasing symmetry and classical proportions. The house was initially a private residence, later used for various businesses before being saved from demolition and moved to its current location in 1972. Today, it functions as a museum, offering a glimpse into the past through its history, collections, and unique context
Daniels Building at University of Toronto
Thank You
Big thanks for reading and viewing these pictures from our contributors.
for more information about Doors Open Toronto please visor their site:
Credits
Photos by the artists via Instagram
@mid_midst
@iamshobhit
@focusonmeephotography
@toronto_sights_and_sounds
@crystlevs
Please give our contributors a follow!
Big thanks as well for these great shots:
Campbell House / Photo credit SimonP via Wikipedia
Daniels building photo by Nic Lehoux via Flickr
Events in TO
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Check out our Tdot.cc event listings. We offer photo walk meetups, workshops and walking tours. Explore Toronto through the lens of photography!
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