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![]()
This place is absolutely gorgeous, my gosh. So many incredible little details and finishes. After watching a show here I’m committed to signing up for a walking tour so I can see everything properly.
Staff were super helpful and very friendly, everything was clean and well maintained, and the lighting and acoustics were solid. It’s also very accessible by TTC, being just a short walk from Queen Station.
A note about comfort, because this was something I didn’t think enough people mentioned: I know some people mentioned the seats were narrow and I personally don’t agree?? As a 300+ pound man I knew I was taking a risk here and perhaps the seats are narrower in other parts of the theatre but I was in the mezzanine and scored an aisle seat for this exact reason and found the seats to be quite comfortable.
In terms of width, I would put them on par with Meridian Hall and probably a bit more comfortable than Roy Thomson Hall. My bigger issue was with the legroom - I am around average height and felt pretty bunched up after the first ~90 minutes. It still wasn’t an impediment to my enjoyment of the performance.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and I’m already looking for an excuse to go again! It feels so grand and special and I’m grateful to have this venue in Toronto.
Avery - 3 months ago
What an absolutely stunning venue! I went to see comedian/magician Lucy darling and had a marvelous time! The interior was absolutely gorgeous. Coat check $2 and drinks $12 were cheaper than the Mirvish or Ticketmaster owned venues which I appreciated. It is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust rather than one of the billionaires of the world. It is a piece of Toronto history and you must absolutely go at least once to see this incredible piece of architecture!
Susan Hollander - 4 months ago
This building was so beautiful inside. We were in the higher level theatre and it was covered in foliage. There are old elevators that have operators to allow people access to the higher floors without climbing the stairs. There are historical displays throughout the common spaces of the building and lots of room to move around d as everyone finds their level and refreshments. It was a lovely experience.
Jennifer Farr - 4 months ago
What a beautiful theatre. One thing I didn't know is that The Elgin is one part and the Winter Garden is another within the same venue. There are plenty of paid parking options as well. The acoustics were great during the performance I saw.
Nitin M - 3 months ago
I visited the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre recently, and it honestly felt like stepping into another era. This historic double-decker theatre is truly one of a kind — the only remaining stacked theatre in the world.
The lower level, Elgin Theatre, is classic, golden, and grand, while the upper level, Winter Garden, feels like a secret dream — the ceiling covered with real dried leaves, like you’re sitting inside a forest under warm lights. It’s breathtaking.
I attended A Night Under The Stars and it was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere, the details, the acoustics — everything felt thoughtful and magical.
There’s also a detailed architectural scale model inside the building that shows how the two theatres are built on top of each other. I loved this part — it helps you understand how rare and special this place is.
Just a heads up:
I parked at the Eaton Centre parking, and it came to around $30, which was definitely pricey. So if you’re going, maybe look for a different parking option.
Overall, this theatre is not just a venue — it’s a piece of art, history, and memory.
If you live in Toronto or are visiting, this is something you should experience at least once.
Alpha Creation - 9 months ago
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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

