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
Fee: YesAddress: 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 out of 5
I felt like I was a part of Canadian History last night, being in the first official audience for the production of “The Last Timbit” 🍩
My mother-in-law is not much of a musical theatre fan, but she literally postponed her trip out West once she heard that we could snag 3 tickets to this show (this show sold out fast!)
We were extremely happy to learn that row B wasn’t excessively close to the stage, because there is nothing worse than spending a lot of money on sub-par seats.
It’s not a competition, but I definitely feel like I’m winning in terms of being the better daughter-in-law as of last night.
Perfect venue for this iconic performance. Can’t wait to see what happens next for this well-written, brilliantly performed and executed production!
Robyn Deverett - 3 weeks ago
2024 May 4★
A beautiful and historic place to visit. Not only for the shows, but for the architecture and history itself. Comprised of two stacked theatres inside one building. Huge height. Elevators and escalator access.
Downstairs and upstairs, you'll marvel at the intricate details and craftsmanship from the early 1900s. Upstairs is like a garden hence it's name. Made of real branches and artificial leaves, in pictures, it's stunning.
Bring your camera.
K W - a month ago
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 - a month ago
Had the chance to visit the Elgin and winter garden theatres for DoorsOpen Toronto and I was utterly mind blown. It the worlds last fully functioning double decker theatre. The Elgin theatre was elegant whereas the winter garden theatre was whimsical and mesmerizing.
They do have paid tours for 20$ per head on select dates. Check their website for more details. There are several public parking lots close by
Lajja Palaniswamy - a month ago
A theatre that would take you back in time. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Still fresh for a 100 year old theatre.
A J - a month ago
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: dtstuff9 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr
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