Massey Hall

A beautiful hall with the history to match it. With the hall around since 1894, there is definitely a rustic appeal to the façade and the interior. A beautiful hall in a prime location makes this an amazing place to spend an evening.
Came here for a concert recently with my friend and we really enjoyed the concert itself, but there were a couple things that could be address.
First, there are pillars around the floor seats that were installed to hold up the balconies when the hall was first built. Although there is nothing they can do to remove them since it is a structural detail, they could have informed ticket buyers of the obstructed view when they purchased tickets. Had I known of this detail, I would have picked tickets elsewhere in the hall.
Second, there were many lights that were incorporated in the concert, but there were more moments where it felt that the lights were on the crowd than the performer on stage. For those of us with worse astigmatism, it makes viewing the concert you paid for harder. Not sure if it was just my seat/​area that had this effect, but I would be wary for my next concert.
With that being said, it seemed as though the whole hall had a wonderful view of the stage. If you are planning on going to a concert on the floor level, you may want to know that people get excited at a concert and start to stand up. At the floor level, you ‘may’ end up standing for the whole night to see everything, even though you have a seat.
With that being said, I would definitely come back here for a concert in the future and get a different seat now that I know the layout and best places for a seated concert (front couple rows of the balcony!)

This place is a true Toronto historic landmark. The likes of Neil Young have graced this stage. I have seen here numerous times to very memorable shows including Yo Yo Ma, Death Cab For Cutie, Swell Seasons, and even Anthony Bourdain.
One word of caution: some seats have obstructed view! Be sure to check seating arrangements in advance.

Very nice and intimate venue. We had a great time here for a Just for Laughs event.
It is definitely time for massy hall to be updated, both the décor and especially the seats. It was designed for a different generation where people over 5’9 didnt need to be comfortable for hours on end. That being said, the bathrooms were quite modern. Ill only go back if i have to.

Just saw Postmodern Jukebox at this venue and it was great for the most part!
Location: Excellent! There’s parking all around and it is relatively priced. There’s a Green P just down the street at Queen and it’s only $ 6 (at the time of posting). That is probably the cheapest parking I’ve paid in a long time when seeing a show. It is also close to the mall and restaurants so you can also kill time if you are in the area early. It’s very hectic outside because the box office is right there an there isn’t much room on the sidewalk.
Staff: I think they were pretty attentive and very welcoming. They were very polite and were great at communicating to get people to their seats in a cordial manner. They also got people in nice and quick, almost no wait!
Venue: If you want merchandise, good luck. There is only one location and it is downstairs where the washrooms are; essentially there is a huge congestion in that area. For this event there was only one girl selling the merchandise and I felt kind of bad since there was no organization and everyone was swarming her. Inside the auditorium, everything was pretty good. We were on the right balcony and the seats were cushioned (I think if you are in the top section they aren’t). There isn’t much leg space, but the chairs can slide forward/​back so it worked out for me even though I’m pretty tall. I will say that I wished people in the front rows would lean back because it makes it near impossible to see stage left from where I sat when everyone decided to lean forward; but most of the stage is clearly visible and I could clearly see the performer’s faces. The sound is amazing, and it wasn’t too loud or too much echo.
Overall, due to the sound and the view I say it was great venue! I wouldn’t mind coming back but I may have to move up a row or two to avoid those people who lean forward.

I honestly wish I could post a better review, because the staff were kind and attentive, and I have a great deal of respect for an old theatre, but I don’t feel I can.
my friend and I had to buy tickets separately, and while we both had floor seats, she was seated in the middle section, and I was on the side. she did not have any problems with the sound where she was sitting.
in my section, however, the sound was way, way off. multiple people were plugging their ears, and one of the singers was disproportionately loud, even for a lead. it isn’t the band’s fault, and I’m certain of that, because I’ve seen them many times, including just two nights prior at another venue. they have their own sound guy, so I’m left to assume there’s simply something wrong with the sound system.
I don’t mind loud, but this, unfortunately, was way off the mark. it does a disservice to Massey Hall

Fantastic venue, bar in the basement is cool!

Massey Hall is one Venue once you, ve been there you, ll always be back. The place is still beautiful with elegant old charm. The seats are comfy, although i did hear people around me say they were small. but did not find that the case.
No matter were you seats are. you got a great view. The acoustics are amazing!
most artists will tell that this is there favorite room.
there are bars on all levels. there is no elevators and isn, t wheel chair accesible, at least not on second floor. although i have seen people around me with cains on second floor. i think they wait till people leave, and make there way slowly down the stairs.
subway is in walking distance, and so is parking at the eaton centre.
ive seen several bands here. i like it better than the bigger venues as it is, an easy in and easy out. not crazy traffic.
Massey Hall is one of Toronto’s charms.

I noticed dirt or soot along the ceiling. Needs some renovation. Also concerning is the very long narrow staircases with multiple levels. Safety concerns. Needs upgrade for handicap acessiblility

I really love this venue — my favourite in Toronto. As Martin S. mentioned, the view is great from wherever you sit. Don’t you hate having to awkwardly position yourself in your seat and crane your neck so you can watch the show in between two people’s fat heads? Don’t have to do that here. Seating is comfortable too. Only con is that the bar closes super early… like, 9:30pm, which is super lame if you ask me. Also, if you’re seeing a show in the winter, bring an extra layer to wear because it’s kind of cold at the beginning. But once people start rocking out and producing more body heat, things warm up. If an artist you like is playing here, buy a ticket! You won’t regret it :)

Very disappointed with the state of Massey Hall these days. Spent over $ 200.00 for tickets to see Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea only to be distracted by clumps of dust floating down from the ceiling during the performance. Totally unacceptable and an embarrassment.

This is a world famous hall for good reason. It’s an architectural marvel. You could be anywhere in the world sitting there and you would be impressed with what you see and hear. The view from the balcony is amazing. I found myself alternating between looking at the performers, and then the hall itself, gazing over and up and further up and away, a beautiful sight to behold. Thank goodness they have planned another restoration to keep this beauty alive.
In the basement is a dungeon of a bar after you pass by a merch section (to maybe meet your favourite performer in person) as you head to the washroom nearby. As you are funneled into the cavernous bar area, on the walls check out the vintage posters from different eras showcasing the talent that graced the stage. Even though it was standing room only down there at break, everyone happily seemed to get the standard double-​fisted two-​drink maximum to take to their seat without too much spillage on the way. There were plenty of staff on hand to help to find seats and they were pleasant and engaging. Careful meeting up with friends who have your tickets because there isn’t a place to wait inside without one.

Very good acoustics, but oh my goodness are the seats small. Unless you’re about 5’2″ and 110lb you’re going to struggle to sit comfortably in the seats without having the folk either side, in front and behind digging into you.
The venue is also very limited in its accessibility for persons with disabilities. I understand there is a refurbishment in place over the next few years to address this matter, but until then it is below par for folk with mobility issues.

In the heart of downtown is this vintage venue called Massey Hall. I love and hate this venue. It’s a beautiful theatre and the acoustics are great. But if you’re on the balcony its no fun. The seats are small, wooden and painful to sit on for long hours. I sat in a balcony seat for a 3 hour concert and my legs felt so cramped. A kid sat behind me & because the seats were placed so close together I could feel every move he made. Plus stairs are steep. There is a teeny tiny elevator only for handicap use. Not sure ppl with canes should be using the stairs, which happened at the concert I attended. The washroom on the top level is tiny for this size venue. Same for the washroom on the basement level. It’s not the best planned venue I think. Still, it’s right off the subway & surrounded by restaurants & the Eaton’s centre.

I just saw red bull flying bach. The show was great unfortunately we could only see half of the stage. DO NOT SIT ON THE 3RD LEVEL. You will not enjoy the performance.

amazing venue, I have been there three times, 2 concerts and to see Maya Angelou
we had a great time, they also have couple service bars out side the hall
they also have speakers in the washroom so you wont miss any part of of show

A beautiful and historic venue in Downtown Toronto!
I recently attended the North by Northeast Music Festival in Toronto and had the pleasure of seeing Rhye and Kelela perform at this outstanding venue.
The sound in the concert hall is spectacular and chairs move out and in to let people through the aisle.

Saw The National and Daughter here and was thoroughly satisfied with the experience. Massey Hall has a floor level as well as two balconies, but all in all fits about 2,500 people, which makes it intimate. The acoustics are really solid from the floor and I’d imagine from the balconies, too. The reason I gave the venue 4 stars rather than 5 is that I wish the floor didn’t have seats, which would have allowed people to move around and dance more

Hard to believe that in all the years I’ve lived in Toronto, this is the first time I’ve been here for a show of any type.
Luckily, my Massey Hall virginity was taken by of of my all time favourite bands — Dream Theater.
Clearly there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Incredible sight lines and fantastic acoustics. It also has that incredibly intimate vibe.
If you’ve never seen a show at this venue. It’s a must.

I’ve only been here once to see Flight of The Conchords but I found this to be a great venue.
I had a seat in the middle area but on the second/​balcony level. I could see everything, sat comfortably and the sound acoustics were great.
It’s been a while but I can’t wait to see what show interests and is playing there next.

Massey Hall is kind of a big deal at least where bands/​artists are involved. It is supposedly lauded for being a fave venue because it evokes a feeling of intimacy (tell that to those in the nosebleed seats up high). I’ve been to Massey Hall three times (2 of 3 being to see legendary trumpeteers Wynton Marsalis and then most recently Chris Botti); the first time was to see Pink Martini. I wonder if it’s any coincidence that 2 of 3 of my favourite bands/​artists are from Portland, Oregon?
This venue is not senior friendly nor accesible for those in wheelchairs unless you are going to be sitting on the main floor. It’s an old building (read, no elevators — stairs only).
There are a few seats that have an obstructed view due to supporting columns being in the way, so take note.
It’s not a bad venue, but the acoustics and layout are not the best in comparison to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts or Roy Thomson Hall — however, the venue does attract a lot of amazing artists.