Here we have a picture of the Bank of Montreal, taken around 1963 or 4, from the Toronto Archives (the cars parked along Front Street, date the picture).
The building was used by the bank as a head office until 1949, when they moved to a location at King and Bay Streets. After
that, it continued as a branch until 1982, when it was closed for the
last time.
It sat unused until around 1990, when it was renovated, and included in the development of BCE Place (now Brookfield Place).
It was originally intended to be an art gallery, but was secured by the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In 1993 they moved from the CNE grounds to their new home at Yonge and Front Streets.
Somewhere along the line, the clock (above the main entrance) was removed and never re-installed.
This picture was downloaded from the Torontoist.
I am sure that there have been thousands of folks who have paid the admission price and toured through the building; but how many have stopped just inside the main entrance, and had a good look around?
Here you will find a 70 by 70 foot room that rises to a 45 foot high stained glass dome, that was rendered in the best traditions of classical symbolism.
It is the largest dome of its kind in Toronto, and features 24 (count them) fanned panels, depicting dragons guarding gold from eagles.
The eight circles bear emblems representing the provinces and Canada.
NB: In the late 1800's there was only seven provinces in Canada.
