Downtown in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
The Majestic Theatre
Built c1860
— Alterations: 1885; 1909; 1917 —
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011
1. The Majestic Theatre Marker
This building first housed Moore’s Music Hall (Victoria’s earliest existing theatre) upstairs, above Nathanial Moore’s dry goods store.
In 1885, a new facade was constructed to match the new building next door, with identical cast iron columns.
Various commercial uses followed, which included supplying miners preparing for the Klondike. In 1898 miners’ equipment was piled high on this sidewalk.
In 1909 architect Thomas Hooper renovated the building to house the Majestic Theatre, leaving much of the 1885 building intact. The theatre was short-lived, and in 1917 C. Elwood Watkins, architect, and son of Mrs. Watkins (owner from 1884 – c1908) once more altered the facade, to a restrained brick frontage with larger windows and a metal cornice. The storefront was rehabilitated in 1989.
Erected by British Columbia Heritage Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 48° 25.608′ N, 123° 22.084′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. Marker is on Yates Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shop/Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Salvation Army (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oriental Hotel (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Percy Leonard James (about 90 meters away); Thomas Earle Warehouse (about 90 meters away); Market Square’s Main Gate Fountain (about 90 meters away); The Bank Building (about 90 meters away); Leiser Building (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
2. Detail from the Majestic Theatre Marker
[Photo credit] V.C.A.
British Columbia Heritage Trust
British Columbia Heritage Trust
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011
3. Formerly the Majestic Theatre
The marker is located on the left, below the fire ladder.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 693 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
