Downtown Toronto Theatres

Many of the oldest theatres in Toronto are in the downtown core - near Yonge Street.

Alphabetical links: A    C    D    E    G    L    M    O    P    R    S    T    U   

List of all subjects. You can also see all the historic photos for a given neighbourhood. We also have a list of all the photos arranged by date.

And you can also go up a level to see the other photos we've put under the category of theatre photos.

A (back to top)
1960 Historic photo from Thursday, September 8, 1960 - Alhambra Theatre (1909 - originally the King George, also Baronet in 1969 and Eve Theatre in 1972) across from Honest Eds in The AnnexAlhambra Theatre (1909 - originally the King George, also Baronet in 1969 and Eve Theatre in 1972) across from Honest Eds
64 years ago - The Annex - Thursday, September 8, 1960
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1937 Historic photo from 1937 - Astor Theatre - now the Panasonic theatre - built 1935 also known as New Yorker and Showcase in Church-Wellesley VillageAstor Theatre - now the Panasonic theatre - built 1935 also known as New Yorker and Showcase
87 years ago - Church-Wellesley Village - 1937
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
C (back to top)
1918 Historic photo from 1918 - Colonial Theatre and Bowles lunch on south east corner of Queen and Bay Streets in City HallColonial Theatre and Bowles lunch on south east corner of Queen and Bay Streets
106 years ago - City Hall - 1918
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1923 Historic photo from Thursday, February 22, 1923 - Colonial Theatre on Queen Street - constructed from fragments of old Customs House - aka The Bay in City HallColonial Theatre on Queen Street - constructed from fragments of old Customs House - aka The Bay
101 years ago - City Hall - Thursday, February 22, 1923
Max temp: -1.1°C - Min temp: -9.4°C - 0.3cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Comique movie theatre marquee - 5 cents - operated 1908 to 1914 in DowntownComique movie theatre marquee - 5 cents - operated 1908 to 1914
114 years ago - Downtown - 1910
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Cosmopolitan Theatre at Yonge Street and Gould Avenue, Toronto in RyersonCosmopolitan Theatre at Yonge Street and Gould Avenue, Toronto
104 years ago - Ryerson - 1920
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1915 Historic photo from 1915 - Crystal Palace Theatre at night on Yonge Street opposite Temperance Street in DowntownCrystal Palace Theatre at night on Yonge Street opposite Temperance Street
109 years ago - Downtown - 1915
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
D (back to top)
1949 Historic photo from 1949 - Downtown Theatre - 285 Yonge Street. Built 1948, closed 1972 in DowntownDowntown Theatre - 285 Yonge Street. Built 1948, closed 1972
75 years ago - Downtown - 1949
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
E (back to top)
1949 Historic photo from Wednesday, July 27, 1949 - Eclipse Theatre at 393 Parliament Street - Opened 1947, closed 1951 in Regent ParkEclipse Theatre at 393 Parliament Street - Opened 1947, closed 1951
75 years ago - Regent Park - Wednesday, July 27, 1949
Max temp: 33.9°C - Min temp: 23.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
G (back to top)
1874 Historic photo from Saturday, August 29, 1874 - Grand Opera House - from  Canadian Illustrated News: Images in the news in DowntownGrand Opera House - from Canadian Illustrated News: Images in the news
150 years ago - Downtown - Saturday, August 29, 1874
Max temp: 25.6°C - Min temp: 13.9°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location
1927 Historic photo from Monday, February 7, 1927 - Grand Opera House on Adelaide St, east, from Bay, noon, slow moving truck forced to use second traffic lane by parked cars, faster traffic in turn forced over to wrong side of street to pass in DowntownGrand Opera House on Adelaide St, east, from Bay, noon, slow moving truck forced to use second traffic lane by parked cars, faster traffic in turn forced over to wrong side of street to pass
97 years ago - Downtown - Monday, February 7, 1927
Max temp: 2.2°C - Min temp: -2.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1890 Historic photo from 1890 - Grand Opera House, 15 Adelaide St. W. - Opened 1874, demolished 1927 in DowntownGrand Opera House, 15 Adelaide St. W. - Opened 1874, demolished 1927
134 years ago - Downtown - 1890
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Grand Opera House, Adelaide St west, with sign  in DowntownGrand Opera House, Adelaide St west, with sign
104 years ago - Downtown - 1920
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
L (back to top)
1929 Historic photo from Saturday, August 31, 1929 - Loews Theatre on right - 189 Yonge St looking north from Queen, traffic at 1 p.m in Garden DistrictLoews Theatre on right - 189 Yonge St looking north from Queen, traffic at 1 p.m
95 years ago - Garden District - Saturday, August 31, 1929
Max temp: 31.1°C - Min temp: 10.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1960 Historic photo from 1960 - Lux Italia Theatre on north side of College Street, looking north from Bellevue Avenue in Harbord VillageLux Italia Theatre on north side of College Street, looking north from Bellevue Avenue
64 years ago - Harbord Village - 1960
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
M (back to top)
1910 Historic photo from Thursday, September 29, 1910 - Mary Pickford theatre - looking east on Queen Street (Originally the Auditorium Theatre) in Alexandra ParkMary Pickford theatre - looking east on Queen Street (Originally the Auditorium Theatre)
114 years ago - Alexandra Park - Thursday, September 29, 1910
Max temp: 20.0°C - Min temp: 6.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1924 Historic photo from 1924 - Mary Pickford theatre on left - Spadina Avenue at Queen Street West, looking north in Alexandra ParkMary Pickford theatre on left - Spadina Avenue at Queen Street West, looking north
100 years ago - Alexandra Park - 1924
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1933 Historic photo from Thursday, October 12, 1933 - Mary Pickford theatre on right - looking west on Queen St. at Spadina in Alexandra ParkMary Pickford theatre on right - looking west on Queen St. at Spadina
91 years ago - Alexandra Park - Thursday, October 12, 1933
Max temp: 15.6°C - Min temp: 7.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1910 Historic photo from Thursday, September 29, 1910 - Mary Pickford Theatre on the left - originally The Auditorium Theatre - opened 1906 in Alexandra ParkMary Pickford Theatre on the left - originally The Auditorium Theatre - opened 1906
114 years ago - Alexandra Park - Thursday, September 29, 1910
Max temp: 20.0°C - Min temp: 6.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1894 Historic photo from 1894 - Massey Hall interior (Shuter St., s.w. corner Victoria St) in Garden DistrictMassey Hall interior (Shuter St., s.w. corner Victoria St)
130 years ago - Garden District - 1894
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1947 Historic photo from 1947 - Midtown Theatre  also known as the Capri - opened 1913 as the Madison in The AnnexMidtown Theatre also known as the Capri - opened 1913 as the Madison
77 years ago - The Annex - 1947
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1919 Historic photo from 1919 - Midtown Theatre - Madison Theatre at the time of the photo - College Inn Lunch next door in The AnnexMidtown Theatre - Madison Theatre at the time of the photo - College Inn Lunch next door
105 years ago - The Annex - 1919
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1945 Historic photo from 1945 - Midtown Theatre 506 Bloor Street West - now the Bloor Cinema in The AnnexMidtown Theatre 506 Bloor Street West - now the Bloor Cinema
79 years ago - The Annex - 1945
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
O (back to top)
1972 Historic photo from 1972 - Odeon Carlton Theatre - 20 Carlton Street - 1948-1973 - one of the last in Toronto with an organ in Church-Wellesley VillageOdeon Carlton Theatre - 20 Carlton Street - 1948-1973 - one of the last in Toronto with an organ
52 years ago - Church-Wellesley Village - 1972
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1948 Historic photo from 1948 - Odeon Carlton Theatre - auditorium and stage - Yonge and Carlton (?) in Church-Wellesley VillageOdeon Carlton Theatre - auditorium and stage - Yonge and Carlton (?)
76 years ago - Church-Wellesley Village - 1948
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
P (back to top)
1930 Historic photo from Monday, February 17, 1930 - Pantages Theatre and 3:50pm traffic on Yonge St, looking south, from Wilton Square (Dundas) in DowntownPantages Theatre and 3:50pm traffic on Yonge St, looking south, from Wilton Square (Dundas)
94 years ago - Downtown - Monday, February 17, 1930
Max temp: 1.7°C - Min temp: -17.8°C - 0.8cm of snowfall (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1962 Historic photo from Sunday, October 28, 1962 - Parliament Theatre (on left) next to 305-307 Parliament Street in Regent ParkParliament Theatre (on left) next to 305-307 Parliament Street
62 years ago - Regent Park - Sunday, October 28, 1962
Max temp: 12.2°C - Min temp: 2.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1979 Historic photo from Saturday, September 1, 1979 - Parliament Theatre at 309 Parliament St in Regent ParkParliament Theatre at 309 Parliament St
45 years ago - Regent Park - Saturday, September 1, 1979
Max temp: 26.7°C - Min temp: 16.0°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Collations Flickr stream)
1986 Historic photo from Monday, March 17, 1986 - Parliament Theatre with sign removed at 309 Parliament St - Originally The Bluebell then The Gay in Regent ParkParliament Theatre with sign removed at 309 Parliament St - Originally The Bluebell then The Gay
38 years ago - Regent Park - Monday, March 17, 1986
Max temp: 5.9°C - Min temp: -0.8°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Collations Flickr stream)
1950 Historic photo from Tuesday, April 18, 1950 - Portuguese Melody Theatre playbill - 344 College Street in Harbord VillagePortuguese Melody Theatre playbill - 344 College Street
74 years ago - Harbord Village - Tuesday, April 18, 1950
Max temp: 18.9°C - Min temp: 3.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1913 Historic photo from Friday, November 14, 1913 - Princess Theatre - ground floor fire doors - EXIT sign with shade in DowntownPrincess Theatre - ground floor fire doors - EXIT sign with shade
111 years ago - Downtown - Friday, November 14, 1913
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1900 Historic photo from 1900 - Princess Theatre interior (originally the Academy of Music) - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue in DowntownPrincess Theatre interior (originally the Academy of Music) - Pressed Metal Co 1900 catalogue
124 years ago - Downtown - 1900
Link to archive record - Map location
1929 Historic photo from Monday, March 11, 1929 - Princess Theatre on the south side of King St. - University Avenue extension planning in DowntownPrincess Theatre on the south side of King St. - University Avenue extension planning
95 years ago - Downtown - Monday, March 11, 1929
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1915 Historic photo from Monday, May 10, 1915 - Princess Theatre ruins - ornate trim, stairs, broken mirrors, and firehose in DowntownPrincess Theatre ruins - ornate trim, stairs, broken mirrors, and firehose
109 years ago - Downtown - Monday, May 10, 1915
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1915 Historic photo from Monday, May 10, 1915 - Princess Theatre ruins after May 1915 fire - upper balcony roof collapse in DowntownPrincess Theatre ruins after May 1915 fire - upper balcony roof collapse
109 years ago - Downtown - Monday, May 10, 1915
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
R (back to top)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Red Mill theater with crowd out front in Garden DistrictRed Mill theater with crowd out front
114 years ago - Garden District - 1910
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1913 Historic photo from Tuesday, April 8, 1913 - Red Mill Theatre opened 1906 by John Griffin under the name of The Theatorium in Garden DistrictRed Mill Theatre opened 1906 by John Griffin under the name of The Theatorium
111 years ago - Garden District - Tuesday, April 8, 1913
Max temp: 7.8°C - Min temp: -1.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1913 Historic photo from Tuesday, April 8, 1913 - Red Mill Theatre, north of Queen Street at 183 Yonge Street in Garden DistrictRed Mill Theatre, north of Queen Street at 183 Yonge Street
111 years ago - Garden District - Tuesday, April 8, 1913
Max temp: 7.8°C - Min temp: -1.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1913 Historic photo from Tuesday, April 8, 1913 - Red Mill Theatre, north of Queen Street on Yonge Street in Garden DistrictRed Mill Theatre, north of Queen Street on Yonge Street
111 years ago - Garden District - Tuesday, April 8, 1913
Max temp: 7.8°C - Min temp: -1.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1921 Historic photo from Monday, March 14, 1921 - Regent on Adelaide - The Best First Regent playbill in DowntownRegent on Adelaide - The Best First Regent playbill
103 years ago - Downtown - Monday, March 14, 1921
Max temp: 2.2°C - Min temp: -2.2°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1925 Historic photo from Saturday, February 21, 1925 - Regent on Adelaide St. west of Yonge - Ad for Forbidden Fruit by Cecil B. De Mille in DowntownRegent on Adelaide St. west of Yonge - Ad for Forbidden Fruit by Cecil B. De Mille
99 years ago - Downtown - Saturday, February 21, 1925
Max temp: 6.1°C - Min temp: -1.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1916 Historic photo from Thursday, October 5, 1916 - Rialto Theatre (side) Yonge and Shuter with Power and Weber Eye of God ad in Garden DistrictRialto Theatre (side) Yonge and Shuter with Power and Weber Eye of God ad
108 years ago - Garden District - Thursday, October 5, 1916
Max temp: 24.4°C - Min temp: 6.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1916 Historic photo from Thursday, October 5, 1916 - Rialto Theatre - Yonge and Shuter Streets - south east corner in Garden DistrictRialto Theatre - Yonge and Shuter Streets - south east corner
108 years ago - Garden District - Thursday, October 5, 1916
Max temp: 24.4°C - Min temp: 6.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1916 Historic photo from Thursday, October 5, 1916 - Rialto Theatre, southeast corner of Yonge and Shuter streets in Garden DistrictRialto Theatre, southeast corner of Yonge and Shuter streets
108 years ago - Garden District - Thursday, October 5, 1916
Max temp: 24.4°C - Min temp: 6.7°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1930 Historic photo from Monday, October 6, 1930 - Royal Alex - Soldiers outside theatre showing silent 1928 British war film Balaclava in King Street WestRoyal Alex - Soldiers outside theatre showing silent 1928 British war film Balaclava
94 years ago - King Street West - Monday, October 6, 1930
Max temp: 17.8°C - Min temp: 4.4°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1909 Historic photo from Tuesday, April 6, 1909 - Royal Alexandra Theatre in 1909 - Wizard of the Nile ran from October 10, 1908 to October 16, 1908 in King Street WestRoyal Alexandra Theatre in 1909 - Wizard of the Nile ran from October 10, 1908 to October 16, 1908
115 years ago - King Street West - Tuesday, April 6, 1909
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1955 Historic photo from Tuesday, May 31, 1955 - Royal Alexandra Theatre, built 1907,  oldest continuously operating theatre in North America in King Street WestRoyal Alexandra Theatre, built 1907, oldest continuously operating theatre in North America
69 years ago - King Street West - Tuesday, May 31, 1955
Max temp: 17.8°C - Min temp: 11.1°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
S (back to top)
1953 Historic photo from Friday, April 3, 1953 - Sheas Hippodrome (the Hipp) one of the big four vaudeville theatres in North America in City HallSheas Hippodrome (the Hipp) one of the big four vaudeville theatres in North America
71 years ago - City Hall - Friday, April 3, 1953
Max temp: 11.7°C - Min temp: 0.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1953 Historic photo from 1953 - Sheas Hippodrome - built 1914, demolished in the 1950s in City HallSheas Hippodrome - built 1914, demolished in the 1950s
71 years ago - City Hall - 1953
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1956 Historic photo from Sunday, May 6, 1956 - Sheas Victoria Theatre view from rear, during demolition in Old TownSheas Victoria Theatre view from rear, during demolition
68 years ago - Old Town - Sunday, May 6, 1956
Max temp: 12.8°C - Min temp: 8.3°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1955 Historic photo from 1955 - Sheas VictoriaTheatre, Victoria Street, s.e. cor. Richmond St. E. : Toronto Public Library in Old TownSheas VictoriaTheatre, Victoria Street, s.e. cor. Richmond St. E. : Toronto Public Library
69 years ago - Old Town - 1955
Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1910 Historic photo from 1910 - Standard Theatre, 482 Queen Street West in Alexandra ParkStandard Theatre, 482 Queen Street West
114 years ago - Alexandra Park - 1910
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1920 Historic photo from 1920 - Strand Theatre at night - Yonge Street north of King Street - opened 1915, closed 1920 in DowntownStrand Theatre at night - Yonge Street north of King Street - opened 1915, closed 1920
104 years ago - Downtown - 1920
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
T (back to top)
1945 Historic photo from 1945 - Tivoli Theatre - 17 Richmond St. East - opened Nov 10, 1917 as the Allen Theatre in DowntownTivoli Theatre - 17 Richmond St. East - opened Nov 10, 1917 as the Allen Theatre
79 years ago - Downtown - 1945
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1919 Historic photo from 1919 - Tivoli Theatre block on the southwest corner of Richmond and Victoria streets in DowntownTivoli Theatre block on the southwest corner of Richmond and Victoria streets
105 years ago - Downtown - 1919
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
U (back to top)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre - auditorium and balcony in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre - auditorium and balcony
76 years ago - Yorkville - Friday, November 5, 1948
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre - seating area with window still open to street in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre - seating area with window still open to street
76 years ago - Yorkville - Friday, November 5, 1948
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre marquee and sign for Joan of Arc with Ingrid Bergman in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre marquee and sign for Joan of Arc with Ingrid Bergman
76 years ago - Yorkville - Friday, November 5, 1948
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
1983 Historic photo from 1983 - University Theatre on Bloor St. showing Return of the Jedi (opened 1949, closed 1986) in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre on Bloor St. showing Return of the Jedi (opened 1949, closed 1986)
41 years ago - Yorkville - 1983
Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1948 Historic photo from Friday, November 5, 1948 - University Theatre on Bloor Street - sitting area and balcony in YorkvilleUniversity Theatre on Bloor Street - sitting area and balcony
76 years ago - Yorkville - Friday, November 5, 1948
Max temp: 18.3°C - Min temp: 10.6°C (weather details)
Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)