A Living Landmark

The Metropolitan Heritage Museum occupies the city's original 1887 administrative building — a Romanesque Revival granite pile that served as city hall, municipal court, and tax collection office for nearly 80 years before a new civic centre rendered it redundant in 1963.

The building was saved from demolition by a remarkable 11th-hour campaign that saw 50,000 residents sign a petition delivered by horse and cart to the mayor's office. Opened as a heritage museum in 1969, the Metropolitan presents the social, political, and architectural history of the city with a focus on traditionally overlooked voices.

The museum also serves as the formal headquarters of the Society, housing administrative offices, archives, and the council chamber in the building's original aldermanic wing.