Exchange District in Winnipeg, Manitoba — Canadas Prairie Region (North America)
Pantages Theatre
1913
| | Historic Winnipeg | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
1. Pantages Theatre Marker
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 1913.
Location. 49° 53.94′ N, 97° 8.261′ W. Marker is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is in the Exchange District. It is on Market Avenue just east of Main Street (Provincial Route 52), on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject theatre, just to the left of the front lobby entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 180 Market Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3B 0P7, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Manitoba’s Historic Winnipeg. It is also in the Prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bloody Saturday (within shouting distance of this marker); The Confederation Building / L'ιdifice de la Confιdιration (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (about 90 meters away); Commemorating Manitoba Theatre Centre's 50th Anniversary (about 90 meters away); Union Bank Building (about 120 meters away); First Headquarters International Brotherhood of Magicians (about 120 meters away); Rowand Block / Canada Life Building (about 120 meters away); Union Bank Building / Lιdifice de la Union Bank (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winnipeg.
Regarding Pantages Theatre. Canada Register of Historic Places (2004/10/01), National Historic Site of Canada (June 1989), and Winnipeg Landmark Heritage Structure.
From Canada Register Statement of Significance:
Key elements that define the theatre's lavish yet functionalinterior include:Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 20222. Pantages Theatre Marker(marker is mounted on left side of lobby entrance)
the grand volume of the public spaces, including the high, domed lobby ceiling and tall auditorium walls stretching up to a deep cove ceiling;
the finely appointed lobby with sloped terrazzo flooring, marble wainscotting, pilasters, a richly ornamented plaster ceiling, marble staircases, torch lights, etc.;
the large auditorium with a sloped floor, stage, small, shallow orchestra pit and generous seating, including four main-floor and three upper loges and a steeply raked and curved balcony, etc.;
the grand proscenium with two massive engaged Ionic columns framing an elaborately decorated square-headed arch with inset lighting and an oversized torch-bearing cartouche.
Also see . . .
1. Pantages Playhouse Theatre.
The two-storey building features a decorative faηade with a lit marquee across the front, as well as classical decorative elements such as columns, brackets, frieze and cornice. The building continues to feature original interior layout and original lobby decor such as marble sheathing and decorative plaster ceiling. Of the 75 theatres once found in Pantages' chain, the theatre in Winnipeg(Submitted on February 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)is one of the few that have survived.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 20223. Pantages Theatre (north/front elevation)
2. Pantages Playhouse Theatre National Historic Site of Canada.
This theatre, with its particularly lavish interior, was the finest ever built in Winnipeg. Constructed in 1913-1914 to the designs of architects George W. Northwood and B. Marcus Priteca, it originally presented live theatrical, musical and vaudeville performances. The Pantages Company, a major American vaudeville chain, built numerous similar theatres in Canada. Vaudeville theatres of this type constructed between 1913 and 1930 were among the grandest ever built in Canada but few survive today. The Playhouse continues to play a central role in the social and cultural life of the city.(Submitted on February 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Pantages Playhouse Theatre.
The Pantages Playhouse Theatre is a two-storey brick and reinforced concrete structure built in 1913-14 in downtown Winnipeg and extended west through a modern addition to occupy a prime Main Street corner. The magnificent Pantages Playhouse Theatre is among the best of the vaudeville houses built in Canada between 1913 and 1920 and the first large concrete theatre in North America.(Submitted on February 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
4. Pantages Playhouse Theatre, Manitoba Provincial Heritage Site No. 116.
The structure reflects the period prestige of its chain, once the largest independently owned circuit of motion picture and vaudeville houses in the United States, and of Winnipeg, an enterprising western metropolis burgeoning with wealth. Outside and within, the theatre is a skillful display of the signature Greek Pantages style of Classical Revival architecture. Especially noteworthy is the lush interior with its rich finishes and details and good sightlines, acoustics and circulation patterns. Little of the main facade, lobby and auditorium has been altered.(Submitted on February 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
