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 We had the opportunity to watch Music Travel Love at the Elgin Theatre last Nov15th and it was just so charming and magical. I think it works perfect with the artists who took us back in time through nostalgic songs and more. Amazing place— the traditional elevators were interesting too.
Regina Labayen - a week ago

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5 Star Rating I had the privilege of working on a project at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre, and I must say, the place radiates an incredible sense of history, art, and cultural heritage. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the blend of past and present. The theatre’s vintage charm, with its intricate details and timeless architecture, is truly captivating. The unique combination of artistic grandeur and natural beauty, especially the Winter Garden’s foliage-inspired design, makes it unlike any other theatre. Every corner tells a story, making it not just a venue, but a historical gem that continues to inspire creativity. This version expands on your original idea and highlights the theater’s uniqueness.
oscar akamine - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The Elgin and Winter Garden theatre is an exceptionally beautiful historical building. Taking a tour of the theatre is like taking a tour through time. The interior has been restored to replicate the exact style and design that was present back when it was first built. The Elgin theatre is so sophisticated and elegant - it’s fit for royalty. The Winter Garden theatre, that is stacked right on top of the Elgin theatre, is so magical and wondrous - it’s like wandering into a fairytale. The beauty of this place is really captivating. Janice, our tour guide, made the tour very interesting, immersing us into the atmosphere of those times and ensuring we felt the thrill of seeing this historical place. I’m so glad the building was saved from demolition - it truly is a treasure that will hopefully continue to inspire and amaze many, many generations ahead.
A K - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating This is my first time at Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre. I was there for ISMO: Watch Your Language tour. Lovely opener, too. Our balcony seats were so high up that we had to take 2 escalators and some short stairways to get there. Washrooms were spacious and clean. The theatre really gave an atmosphere of being in a garden. It had fake tree trunks and branches; there were small arches of leaves; the ceiling was decorated with many green/yellow leaves and bright lanterns. The sound system and stage lighting are good.
Esther Yung - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Amazing theatre to be in and visit the prestige of the old days. It is very humbling to see how much care and skill were invested in building such a beautiful place. You can just get lost in the detailing, every second you spend staring at the same spot you can find something that you missed. Beautiful!
Daniel Abi-elias - 3 weeks 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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