Photo Credit : CNE Archives
Architectural Credit : John James Woolnough

Built to support the equestrian events of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 1931, the Horse Palace is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Ontario. Art Deco elements of the Horse Palace include a hard-edged angular composition, cubist forms, and strong horizontal and vertical planes. Decorating the exterior are numerous low relief sculptured friezes of horses, while four stylized horse heads sit at the base of the copper cupola. The interior’s most striking feature is a central glass ceiling which provides daylight to the main practice ring. The palace was designed by City of Toronto Architect, John James Woolnough, and his team including assistant architect Kenneth S. Gillies and designer Stanley T.J. Fryer. Woolnough was City Architect from 1925 to 1932, and was responsible for the design of all city-owned buildings constructed during this period. Today, the building continues to fulfil its traditional role during the Winter Fair, while also serving as the home to the Mounted Unit of the Toronto Police, the South Division of Toronto Animal Services, and the Riding Academy.