The Palace Commons
Palace Commons is managed independently as a nonprofit community space, open to organizations of all backgrounds.
Nestled to the west of the Cathedral Basilica, The Palace Commons is a building with a history as distinguished as the Basilica itself. Once home to the Archbishop of St. John’s, it has been a place of learning, gathering, and community life for over 170 years. Today, it continues that legacy — offering unique spaces for events, meetings, and professional use in one of the most historically significant settings in Newfoundland and Labrador.
There is ample on-site parking for those using the Palace Commons.
The L.G. Ronalda Hutton Recital Hall
Originally constructed as the Episcopal Library beginning in 1853 and opened around 1855, this remarkable room was once described by a visitor as “the finest room in the Colony.” Built in the Italianate style under the direction of Bishop Mullock, it served as Newfoundland’s first public reading room and housed over 2,500 of the bishop’s personal books in nine languages.
Its plaster walls and ceiling, renowned for their exceptional acoustics, made it a natural gathering place from the very beginning — serving over the years as a lecture hall, concert hall, exam room, and theatre. Extensively restored in 1979 and returned to public use, the room was further honoured when it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2007.
Today, the Episcopal Library is also known as the L.G. Ronalda Hutton Recital Hall — a versatile and intimate venue that seats up to 220 guests comfortably. It is available for concerts, chamber performances receptions, workshops, and a wide variety of other events. Whatever your gathering, this space brings with it a sense of history and beauty that simply cannot be replicated.
Office Space and Boardroom
In addition to the Recital Hall and Episcopal Library, The Palace Commons offers professional office space available for rent, making it an ideal address for organizations and individuals who appreciate a setting of character and significance.
A boardroom seating 8-10 people is also available for meetings and smaller gatherings.
