Art and Architecture on the Spadina Line
In alignment with social distancing directives issued by Toronto Public Health to slow the spread of COVID-19, the TSA’s in-person tours are postponed until it is safe to gather again. In the meantime, we’ve created new online programming to allow you to explore Toronto’s architecture from home! Click on the links below to learn more.
TSA HOME TOURS
Instagram Photo Series
Virtual Tour | Humber Bay
Virtual Tour | Ontario Place
Virtual Tour | The Harbourfront Part 1
Virtual Tour | The Harbourfront Part 2
About this Tour
Opened in 1978, the Spadina subway line broke from tradition – if Toronto’s subway stations had once been known for being functional but severe, the Spadina Line redefined Toronto’s commuter experience with inspiring architecture and museum-worthy artwork that set a new standard for the city’s transit system. In 2017, six new stations – each a collaboration between local architects, celebrated international studios, and renowned artists – were added to the line, making the Spadina Line one of Toronto’s most impressive and integrated collections of contemporary art and architecture.
Join us on this one-of-a-kind subway ride as we explore the stories behind the underground gallery that is the Spadina Line! From grounded brutalist hubs to playful multi-coloured stops, come explore the line’s unique stations – all drastically different from one another and featuring integrated artwork in fun and unexpected ways. Along the way we will discuss the collaborative process between architects, artists and engineers to achieve these beautiful and functional buildings, as well as some of the challenges faced when integrating art into public settings.
Highlights on this tour include stations designed by Foster + Partners, Grimshaw Architects and Will Alsop.
Details
WHEN | Select Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Noon or 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM from June to October.
DURATION | 2 hours
MEETING PLACE | 1 Bedford Road (directly across St George subway station entrance)
FINISH | Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station
COST | $15 per person (free for Children 12 & under when accompanied by a paid adult). Free for TSA members!
Our walking tours program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Association of Architects.
