Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre Centre

The beautiful Elgin and Wintergarden Theatres are the only double-decker theatre still operating in the world

Interior of Winter Garden Theatre
Interior of Winter Garden Theatre cc licensed photo by Canon in 2D

Elgin Theatre and the Wintergarden Theatre are one of the world's most elegant and ornate theatre complexes. They are a National Historic Site and are the only remaining double-decker theatre complex still operating in the world.

The double theatre was built in 1913 as the flagship of the Marcus Loew chain of theatres. At that time the theatres hosted plays and vaudeville productions. In 1928 the upper theatre was closed for several decades and the lower theatre eventually became a cinema. The theatres were sold to Famous Players in 1969. In 1981 the theatres were acquired by the Ontario Heritage Foundation at which time and plans for a complete restoration began to take shape. The theatres were completely, painstakingly and beautifully restored between 1987 and 1989.

The upper level Wintergarden Theatre boasts a unique design in which the ceiling is blanketed with 5000 hanging beech tree branches interspersed with Chinese lanterns. The effect is really quite unusual.

The theatres are now at the centre of Toronto's theatre scene and they serve premier venue to the Toronto International Film Festival. For a nominal fee the theatres offer a public tour every Thursday at 5 pm and Saturday at 11 am. For additional information about the Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre and upcoming concerts and events see their official website above.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Address: 189 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4, Canada

Phone: (416) 314-2901

Official Website: Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre Centre

Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre Centre Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I had the privilege of working on a project at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre, and I must say, the place radiates an incredible sense of history, art, and cultural heritage. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the blend of past and present. The theatre’s vintage charm, with its intricate details and timeless architecture, is truly captivating. The unique combination of artistic grandeur and natural beauty, especially the Winter Garden’s foliage-inspired design, makes it unlike any other theatre. Every corner tells a story, making it not just a venue, but a historical gem that continues to inspire creativity. This version expands on your original idea and highlights the theater’s uniqueness.
oscar akamine - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating This is my first time at Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre. Went to attend Bassem Youssef Show. And what fun it was. The theatre definitely did justice to the event and catered to the audience expected to enjoy. The stage is visible and very decent sitting arrangements. I didn’t know that this gorgeous historical theatre is the last double-decker theaters in the world, build in 1913. I highly recommend to visit this place and see how fascinating the theaters are. If you have a chance to see any event, show or any play there - go there! You will surely have a great experience! The prices are very reasonable too.
Foodilicious MuslimMom - in the last week

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5 Star Rating This is my first time at Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre. I was there for ISMO: Watch Your Language tour. Lovely opener, too. Our balcony seats were so high up that we had to take 2 escalators and some short stairways to get there. Washrooms were spacious and clean. The theatre really gave an atmosphere of being in a garden. It had fake tree trunks and branches; there were small arches of leaves; the ceiling was decorated with many green/yellow leaves and bright lanterns. The sound system and stage lighting are good.
Esther Yung - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating This theater is an absolute beauty. We visited during DoorsOpen 2024 and enjoyed walking around and the inside information provided by the staff. The Elgin theatre is located on the first floor and you need to go a level up for mezzanine. In order to get to the Winter Garden, you need to hop on the elevator and go to the seventh floor. The cool thing about the elevators is they are the original elevators built by OTIS and an operator needs to manually control them. It definitely was worth the visit.
Alaleh - FoodyTO - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating A gorgeous historical, the last double-decker theaters in the world, build in 1913. The original elevators still work! It was existing and a bit scary to ride them. After seeing my emotions the super kind and friendly staff allowed me to pull the handle and operate the elevator! What a memory! I strongly suggest to visit this venue and see how fascinating and gorgeous these theaters are. If you have a chance to see any event, show, play there - do it! You will have a great experience!
Anastasiia Ocheretna R. - 2 weeks ago

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Directions

TTC Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Yonge-University-Spadina Queen Station1 Minute

How to get to Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre Centre by TTC Subway

No buses needed. From Queen Station walk ½ block north on Yonge Street.

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