400 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario M5N 1A2
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History
1936
History
Company History
Eglinton Theatre
Formerly The Eglinton Theatre, this historic landmark has been restored to its original 1936 grandeur, recapturing the elegant design and sophistication of this majestic facility. Boasting one spectacular ballroom, the venue is exclusively yours for the evening.
Holding true to its art deco décor, The Eglinton Grand is adorned with rich woods including mahogany and ebony, elegant marble, beautiful wainscoting and period furniture. The balcony level creates an ideal private cocktail area. The venue can host events from 100 to 450 for a sit down dinner and cocktail receptions for up to 700 guests. In addition to the main ballroom, The Gallery Room can be used for ceremonies, break out areas or as an area to enhance your event. Capacity of this room is up to 225 guests seated theatre style.
In the early 1900’s, Agostino Arrigo Sr., a 15-year-old immigrant from Italy arrived in Toronto, Canada. Over time, he saved as much money as he could while working for his uncle in order to pursue his dream of developing the land in the Eglinton corridor. At the time, the Eglinton corridor was vacant, but the area presented an opportunity to grow a diverse business community.
1936
The GRAND OPENING
On April 15, 1936, the Eglinton Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time. The theatre offered an unbelievable experience. People from all over Toronto showed up for the gala grand opening. The movie screened that evening was King Of Burlesque (starring Jack Oakie). People lined up for hours just to get a glimpse of Toronto’s newest and most vibrant movie theatre.
1932
The IDEA
In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, the depression hit but Arrigo was busy planning his biggest development project ever – a first-of-its-kind stand-alone movie theatre. A movie theatre that would set the standard for all movie theatres in the future.
1937
The ACCLAIM
The Eglinton Theatre was hailed as a success. Newspapers rushed to extol its virtues, describing it as the “Show Place Of Toronto”. The theatre’s design and architecture were so well acclaimed, that in 1937, it won the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Bronze Medal for its advanced and beautiful art deco furnishings. In fact, the theatre was at one point considered the flagship of the Famous Players national cinema chain.
The Greatness & THE GRANDEUR
All of Hollywood’s biggest stars could be seen on the Eglinton Theatre’s screen. The theatre gave movie-lovers an experience unlike any other. The theatres’ stunning art-deco interior was adorned with bold lighting, massive chandeliers, hand-carved statues, vibrant colours, hand-made murals etched in glass, plush seating and richly woven fabrics. Even the washrooms were grand in design, right down to the faucets.
The CHANGING TIMES
Through the decades, The Eglinton Theatre screened some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster movies including Sound Of Music, The Jolson Story, The Mission, Star Wars and Titanic. As years passed, the theatre business evolved. Multiplex and megaplex theatres replaced stand-alone movie houses – giving patrons multiple movie viewing options under one single roof. Even with the changing times, The Eglinton Theatre remained competitive and vibrant.
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Discover the Eglinton Grand
1936
ESTABLISHED
The Eglinton Grand always provides a brilliant backdrop for all kinds of social events, as it offers grace, dignity and luxury.
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