Medical Sciences Building (University of Toronto)

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Medical Sciences Building
Medical Sciences Building. View from north-west.jpg
Medical Sciences Building in 2018
Medical Sciences Building (University of Toronto)
Interactive map of the Medical Sciences Building area
General information
Location1 King's College Cir
Toronto, ON
Coordinates 43°39′39″N79°23′36″W / 43.6608°N 79.3934°W / 43.6608; -79.3934
Current tenants Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Opening1969;57 years ago (1969)
Owner University of Toronto
Technical details
Floor area33,837m2 [1]
Other information
Public transit access
  • BSicon SUBWAY.svg TTC - Line 1 - Yonge-University-Spadina line.svg Queen's Park
  • BSicon CLRV.svg   506  
Designated2025

The Medical Sciences Building (MSB) is the main building of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the medical school at the University of Toronto. It was built in 1969 within the historic King's College Circle on the St. George campus in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The large, predominantly concrete structure is exemplary of the Brutalist architectural style of the 1960s. [2] The building is connected to several others along College Street including the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. [3]

Contents

The building is located in Toronto's Discovery District, home to several teaching hospitals partnered with the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, including Toronto General Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). [4]

History

The original School of Practical Science "Skulehouse" building, demolished to build the MSB. Skulehouse 1904.jpg
The original School of Practical Science "Skulehouse" building, demolished to build the MSB.

The site of the Medical Sciences Building has been used by the University of Toronto in science and medical education since as early as 1850. Part of a substantial expansion of the university post-World War II, several older buildings including the School of Practical Science built in 1878 (also known as "The Little Red Skulehouse"), were demolished in 1966 to accommodate its construction. It was completed in 1969. [5] The large building allowed the Faculty of Medicine to greatly expand its research capacity with new laboratory spaces. [6]

During the 2010s the MSB underwent a C$40 million renovation to modernize its facilities as part of a C$190 million Lab Innovation for Toronto project. [2]

In 2025, Toronto City Council adopted a by-law to designate the Medical Sciences Building under the Ontario Heritage Act. [5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Faculty Buildings". Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "University of Toronto Medical Science Building". Biggs & Narciso. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Medical Sciences Building | MS". Map: University of Toronto. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  4. ↑ Richards, Larry Wayne (April 2, 2019). University of Toronto: An Architectural Tour (The Campus Guide) (2nd ed.). Princeton Architectural Press.
  5. 1 2 "Item - 2025.PB36.2". City of Toronto. October 16, 2025.
  6. ↑ "History of the Department". Department of Medicine, University of Toronto. Retrieved October 30, 2025.