Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre Centre
The beautiful Elgin and Wintergarden Theatres are the only double-decker theatre still operating in the world
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
Official Website: Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre Centre
Fee: YesCategory: Performing Arts
Address:
189 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M5B 1M4
Canada
Phone: +1 416-314-2901
Reviews
Marlene B. Aug-18-2023
Went to see LETS DANCE THE MUSICAL on Aug 12 2023 the show was absolutely amazing! It is fun funny and a great way to put your worries aside for 2 hours and... Read More
Went to see LETS DANCE THE MUSICAL
on Aug 12 2023 the show was absolutely amazing! It is fun funny and a great way to put your worries aside for 2 hours and...Ozlem K. Aug-13-2023
This building itself is a masterpiece, work of art. It is on core downtown and home to musicals and plays. Read More
This building itself is a masterpiece, work of art. It is on core downtown and home to musicals and plays.Owen R. Apr-26-2021
Accommodations near Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre Centre:
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yonge-University-Spadina | Queen Station | 1 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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Photo Gallery
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Interior of the lower Elgin Theatre cc licensed photo by go ask alice . . . -
Facade of the double-decker Elgin and Wintergarden Theatre cc licensed photo by SimonP 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
Photo Credit: Yelp -
Photo Credit: dtstuff9 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Arbron - cc license via Flickr
