Hearn Luminato

What Toronto's abandoned power plant looks like now

The massive Hearn Generating Station in the Port Lands was decommissioned in 1983, after which time it became a playground for urban explorers and photographers obsessed with ruins. Now it's coming back to life in a major way for the Unsound Music Festival as part of Luminato 2015.

Film shoots and private parties have taken place here over the years, but this is the first major event that will showcase the majestic industrial relic, which still bears loads of tangled steel, dangling wires, and row upon row of girders. The space is mesmerizing in both its scale and the potential it has to host something like Unsound.

Crews have cleared out many of the most dangerous hazards and obstacles, but the building still feels completely raw. In fact, it seems remarkable that the Luminato folks were able to get the city of Toronto on board with hosting events here. This might be the most intriguing music venue the city has ever seen.

Have a peek inside the Hearn Generating Station as it looks today in this photo gallery.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Arts

Glowing sculpture made of garbage will float in Toronto Harbour this summer

Toronto mad at Ticketmaster again after Chappelle shows sell out in seconds

Dave Chappelle just announced surprise shows next week at the Opera House in Toronto

Can subcultures survive in the internet age?

Residents pushing back against renovation of nearly 100-year-old Toronto landmark

Cirque du Soleil opens in Toronto this week with ECHO

Win a cozy Exhibit A prize pack from the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto

10 live theatre shows to watch in and around Toronto this May