Garneau Theatre, Edmonton

The Garneau Theatre in Edmonton is a rare architectural and cultural gem-Alberta’s last remaining early modernist cinema still operating as a theatre. Designed by prominent Edmonton architect William George Blakey and opened on October 24, 1940, the Garneau remains a nostalgic yet functional venue that bridges the golden age of cinema with today’s arthouse film culture.

Built for Suburban Theatres, founded by Bill Wilson after the success of the Roxy Theatre, the Garneau opened in 1940 with a bold modernist design. Highlights included a vitrolite ticket booth, a red-tiled lobby, and royal furniture once used by King George VI. Ushers in tailored uniforms offered coat check and guided guests, creating an elegant moviegoing experience.

The theatre was equipped with Holmes 35mm arc lamp projectors, which offered impressively bright visuals for the era. Seating 780 patrons, including plush red leather “two’s company” love seats, the Garneau also featured a stage and dressing rooms to accommodate live theatre. Instead of a full balcony, Blakey’s efficient design introduced a “climbing mezzanine” terrace for additional seating.

Over time, the theatre transitioned through multiple management. Originally independent, it joined Famous Players in 1941. After a temporary closure in 1990, it was revived by Magic Lantern Theatres in 1991, which restored it in 1996 before closing operations in 2011. That same year, Metro Cinema moved in, reopening the Garneau in September 2011 as a hub for independent, classic, and international cinema.

Officially designated a Municipal Historic Resource on October 28, 2009, the Garneau has remained true to its cinematic roots. It has even embraced theatrical recycling: its current lighting fixtures include salvaged pieces from several defunct theatres across Canada and the U.S., including Edmonton’s original Varscona Theatre, Innisfail’s Royal Theatre, Melfort’s Grand Theatre, and Idaho’s Wilma Theatre.

Today, the Garneau Theatre is not just a movie house-it’s a living, breathing monument to Edmonton’s cultural history, a beacon for film lovers, and a shining example of early modernist design still doing what it was built to do: bring stories to life on the big screen.