The hall was used for theatrical productions, music concerts, public meetings, and lectures from 1856 to 1883.
Located on the east side of the downtown area at Church and Adelaide streets, the building was designed by Cumberland and Stone.
During the 1860s the hall was the home of the Musical Union, a Toronto-based choral society.
In 1874 the Toronto Philharmonic Society made their debut at the hall under conductor F.H.
The city turned the building into Toronto's first public library and the hall was converted into storage space.