Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square
City square
View of square from southwest
Features	reflecting pool/skating rink; peace garden[citation needed]
Design	Viljo Revell
Opening date	September 13, 1965[1]
Amenities	skate rentals;underground parking
Area	4.85 hectares (12.0 acres)[2]
Surface	concrete[citation needed]
Dedicated to	Nathan Phillips, Mayor of Toronto
Owner	City of Toronto
Location	Bay Street and Queen Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nathan Phillips Square Location of Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto
Coordinates: 43°39′9″N 79°23′1″W / 43.65250°N 79.38361°W / 43.65250; -79.38361

Nathan Phillips Square is an urban plaza in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It forms the forecourt to Toronto City Hall, or New City Hall, at the intersection of Queen Street West and Bay Street, and is named after Nathan Phillips, mayor of Toronto from 1955 to 1962.^[3] The square was designed by the City Hall's architect Viljo Revell and landscape architect Richard Strong.^[4] It opened in 1965. The square is the site of concerts, art displays, a weekly farmers' market, the winter festival of lights, and other public events, including demonstrations. During the winter months, the reflecting pool is converted into an ice rink for ice skating. The square attracts an estimated 1.5 million visitors yearly.^[5] With an area of 4.85 hectares (12.0 acres), it is Canada's largest city square.

Nathan Phillips Square is used regularly for art exhibits, concerts, rallies and other ceremonies. Annual events include a New Year's Eve Party and the Cavalcade of Lights Festival lighting of the official Christmas tree. The annual Nuit Blanche art festival sets up art exhibits in the square, and has also utilized the parking garage located underneath the square.