The Royal Bank building in Toronto is a stunning tower inside our financial district. But did you know its colour is because of the real gold in its 14,000 windows?
Wait. Real gold?
Yep. 2,500 ounces of 24 karat gold. Amazing for a build in 1976, giving the towers their iconic gold-bronze appearance. But there’s also a practical purpose for spending, at the time, $70 per window or $980 grand.
Not Just a Pretty Face
24-karat gold sheets, only a few atoms thick, were embedded between panes of glass, which act as a solar filter to control heat and glare inside the building.
The building’s size, height and unique appearance have made it a key architectural and corporate symbol in Toronto.
The RBC building connects to the underground PATH, linking it to Union, TD Centre, Brookfield Place and The Fairmont Royal York.