Step into the lower theatre, known as the Elgin Theatre, and you will discover yourself enveloped in the elegance of the Edwardian era. Rich gold accents, ornate plasterwork, and intricate gilded details fill the space, reflecting a time when theatres were designed as grand temples of entertainment.
Vaudeville performers once captivated audiences on this stage. Today, it hosts musicals, concerts, and live performances. The theatre was designed with unobstructed sightlines and impressive acoustics. Above it all hangs a magnificent chandelier, adding a final touch of old-world splendour to one of Toronto’s most remarkable performance spaces.
Climb the grand staircase, and the atmosphere changes entirely. The upper theatre, known as the Winter Garden Theatre, trades grand opulence for charm and imagination, with hand-painted artwork and garden-inspired motifs stretching across the ceiling. Its whimsical design feels worlds apart from the theatre below, preserving the character and creativity of the vaudeville era.
Smaller and more intimate, the Winter Garden Theatre offers a distinctly different experience despite occupying the same building. Together, the two venues create a rare architectural achievement where two unique performance spaces exist. One above the other. Under a single roof.
The theatre’s survival is a testament to what can happen when a city chooses to protect its heritage. Thanks to the efforts of preservationists, craftspeople, architects, and the Ontario Heritage Trust, this extraordinary landmark was restored rather than lost, safeguarding a rare chapter of theatre history for future generations.
Today, visitors can experience both worlds in a single visit. Visitors can take in the Edwardian grandeur of the lower theatre before climbing the stairs to the whimsical, hand-painted space above. As the world’s last operating double-decker theatre, it offers a chance not just to see history, but to step inside it.
The Need To Know Details
- What: The world’s last operating double-decker theatre, featuring two historic theatres stacked one above the other. The Elgin Theatre is known for its opulent Edwardian décor. The Winter Garden Theatre features hand-painted ceilings and a whimsical garden-inspired design. Designed by Thomas W. Lamb and opened between 1913 and 1914, the complex is a National Historic Site managed by the Ontario Heritage Trust
- When: Performances take place throughout the year. Arrive early to admire the architecture and explore both historic spaces
- Where: 189 Yonge St., Toronto, just north of Queen Street and across from the Eaton Centre
- Tickets: Available through the theatre box office and Ticketmaster. Visit the theatre’s official website for current show schedules, pricing, and available discounts.
