Named for the mayor of Toronto from 1955-62, Nathan Phillips Square was designed by architect Viljo Revell and landscape architect Richard Strong. The main attractions of The Square are the reflecting pool on the south-east corner and Toronto City Hall, which was also designed by Revell.
The pool, which doubles as a skating rink in the winter, features 3 concrete arches named the Freedom Arches to pay tribute to those who fought to obtain or defend freedom.
A large, illuminated Toronto sign can be found beside the pool. Installed in 2015 for the Pan American Games, the sign was supposed to be relocated but proved so popular for tourists and locals, it was made a permanent fixture of the square.
The Square also contains a number of public art displays including the Sir Winston Churchill Statue by Oscar Nemon and Henry Moore’s sculpture The Archer, which was quite the source of controversy when it was originally purchased in the early 1960s, with funding coming from the public after city officials refused to foot the $100,000 bill.
There is also a peace garden featuring the Flame of Peace which was originally lit by Pope John Paul II in the fall of 1984.
I’d love to see any shots you have of Nathan Phillips Square – and I’d also appreciate hearing what you liked about about this post! Until then, a few more shots:
COMING SOON: The next “How To” blog focusing on global edits to my long exposure / streetcar shot. If you haven’t had the chance to look at my initial pieces on it, please do.
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