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 It is an amazing theater, perfectly decorated, stylish, well-designed and equipped. I am happy when great shows are happening there.
Igor Kanshyn - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Nice big theater. Chairs are pretty comfy. Slanted floor rows gives you a good view even if you are further back. It was my first time there and I'd love to go back to see more live performances.
James Kong - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating It was my 3rd time here and never changed my rating. Very clean and great place for your show. Staffs were kind but line for the drinks were long and wasnt moving...
LeeTown - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful theatre. It was my first time going there during the JFL festival for Neal Brennan show. Comfy seats and easy to go through and exit too. The show it self wasn’t as good as I was expecting.
Sabrina Teles - 5 months 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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