Claim to Fame
This is the world’s last remaining stacked Edwardian double-decker theatre — two distinct venues built one atop the other, preserved in stunning detail.
📌 Navigating Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by event, with ticket prices detailed on the theatre's website.
- How Long to Visit: Most visitors spend 1 to 3 hours at the theatre, depending on the event.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available on each level of the theatre for visitor convenience.
- Hours of Operation: The theatre operates from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours during event days.
- Important Information: It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for popular shows.
- Handicap Accessible: The venue is handicap accessible, featuring ramps and designated seating areas.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the theatre, with the exception of service animals.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours of the theatre are available and provide insight into its history and architecture.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There is a café on-site offering refreshments and light meals for visitors.
- Gift Shop: A gift shop is located within the theatre, featuring memorabilia and local artisan goods.
- Parking: Parking is available on-site, with designated spaces for visitors.
- Family Friendly: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is family-friendly, offering shows suitable for all ages.
- Photography: Photography is permitted during performances unless otherwise specified by the production.
- WIFI: Free WIFI is accessible throughout the theatre for guests.
- Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area; food is allowed only in the café.
Photos of Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is one of Toronto’s most remarkable cultural landmarks — a rare architectural and historical treasure that offers visitors a glimpse into the golden age of vaudeville and silent films. Located on Yonge Street in the heart of downtown, this heritage site houses two dramatically different but equally enchanting theatres stacked vertically, each with its own distinct atmosphere.
From its elaborately gilded interiors to the lush hanging garden motif in the upstairs Winter Garden, the building is more than a performance space — it’s a portal to early 20th-century entertainment history.
What to Expect
Visitors can explore both the Elgin Theatre (the lower level) and the Winter Garden Theatre (above it) through public tours or during live performances. The Elgin dazzles with crystal chandeliers, rich gold ornamentation, and a grand sense of old-world drama. In contrast, the Winter Garden evokes a whimsical forest, with its leaf-covered ceiling, tree trunk columns, and murals of pastoral scenes.
The theatre hosts a mix of live performances, from major theatrical productions and concerts to film festivals and cultural events. Guided tours, offered by Ontario Heritage Trust, provide deep insight into the building’s construction, restoration, and storied past.
Background and Cultural Context
Opened in 1913 by Marcus Loew, the theatre complex was originally designed for vaudeville acts and silent movies. The Elgin was intended for the general public, while the Winter Garden catered to a more upscale audience with its garden-themed décor.
After falling into disuse in the mid-20th century, the complex was lovingly restored during the 1980s in one of the most ambitious heritage preservation projects in Canada. Today, it stands as a testament to Toronto’s commitment to protecting its cultural history.
Best Time to Visit
To fully appreciate the theatre’s splendor, join a daytime guided tour (typically offered on weekends). If you prefer a more immersive experience, attend a performance to see the spaces in action. Events like TIFF, concerts, and seasonal theatre productions often take place here.
How to Get There
The theatre is centrally located at 189 Yonge Street. It’s steps from Queen or Dundas subway stations, and accessible by multiple streetcar lines. Paid parking is available nearby, though public transit is often more convenient.
Photo Opportunities
- The grand staircase and chandelier inside the Elgin Theatre
- The ceiling of hanging leaves in the Winter Garden
- Architectural details like original wall paintings, columns, and restored seating
- The building’s exterior with its classic vertical neon sign
Travel Tips
- Book tours in advance via the Ontario Heritage Trust website — they often sell out.
- Accessibility is good, with elevators and seating accommodations available.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for performances to take in the architecture.
- Check seasonal event listings — the theatre often hosts limited-run special events.
FAQs
Are both theatres used for performances?
Yes — while the Elgin is used more frequently, the Winter Garden also hosts select productions, especially during festivals.
Is photography allowed?
Photos are typically allowed during guided tours, but not during performances. Always check the venue’s guidelines.
Can I visit without attending a show?
Yes — the guided tour is the best way to explore the space if you’re not attending a performance.
Final Thoughts
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre is a rare blend of grandeur, creativity, and preservation. Whether you come for a play, a concert, or a behind-the-scenes look at theatrical history, this double-decker gem offers one of Toronto’s most atmospheric cultural experiences.