Ace Hotel Toronto’s Rooftop Bar is a Celebration of Canadian Art and Culture

For Evangeline, the all-season rooftop bar crowning Ace Hotel Toronto, Atelier Ace and Shim-Sutcliffe Architects looked to the city’s rich history as a muse. Situated on the 14th floor with panoramic views of Toronto’s Garment District, Evangeline (which takes its name from Canada’s first silent film) is anchored by two massive brick fireplaces, featuring cast-concrete murals and sculpted reliefs by Montreal-based artist David Umemoto. In the lounge, a gallery space features rotating exhibitions from local artists, beginning with photographer Jorian Charlton. 

“We took inspiration from the city’s legacy of leading-edge design and its rich creative history,” notes Little Wing Lee, design director at Atelier Ace. Throughout, the design team incorporated materials such as concrete, clay, brick, copper, and wood to establish a tactile and visual stimulus evocative of Canada’s rugged beauty upon the rooftop’s brutalist canvas. Lush greenery in the lounge and bar recalls a sun-soaked patio, complemented by an earthy interior palette of mossy green and terracotta hues and custom, geometric light fixtures by Toronto studio MSDS.

“We wanted Evangeline to feel relaxed, a space for people to unwind,” says Lee, whose team curated an eclectic mix of luxe upholstery, locally sourced vintage pieces, custom furnishings, and a bevy of vintage-inspired, hand-knotted rugs, designed as a collaboration between Atelier Ace and Odabashian. The structured, cozy furnishings pair well with Evangeline’s airy, spirited tone, offering plenty of moments for guests to mingle and relish the scenic views, as well as snacks and small plates by Michelin-star chef Patrick Kriss. It’s an authentic capsule of Toronto’s unique culture, a destination where anyone will feel right at home.