Music

Iconic Toronto venue Massey Hall will close for up to two years

by Tyler Munro

Because it’s been around for more than 100 years, iconic Toronto venue Massey Hall is seemingly always under construction. The revamp, however, is about to kick into high gear with NOW Magazine reporting that planned renovations will eventually see the legendary theatre close its doors for as long as two years.

The closure is part of Phase 2 of ongoing renovations, which began in 2013 with the demolition of the Albert Building, which provided extra storage, office space and dressing rooms for more than 90 years. Because the venue was built before tour busses – and, y’know, cars — were a thing, tearing down the Albert opened up thousands of square feet for parking and load-ins, a necessity at Massey’s busy downtown location.

Phase 2, which will shut the Hall’s doors from 18-24 months starting in 2019, is aimed at sprucing up the legendary concert hall’s interior. Already renowned for its impeccable acoustics, the extended renovation will improve everything from the elevators, washroom and bars to basic accessibility innovations.

The plans were officially unveiled today at a conference that featured Rush’s Geddy Lee and rock-radio’s Alan Cross. A video, also released today and narrated Ron Sexsmith, also makes aims to explain what’s next.

Those few months without Massey Hall will be dire, especially given Toronto’s increasing lack of mid-sized venues, but you know what they say: 127 is the new 30. Hopefully these upgrades can successfully carry Massey Hall towards its Bicentennial.