Port Hope in Northumberland County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Port Hope Capitol Theatre
⎯⎯⎯
Le Théâtre Capitol de Port Hope
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 7, 2025
1. Port Hope Capitol Theatre/ Le Théâtre Capitol de Port Hope Marker
Constructed in 1930 and designed by Canadian architect Murray Brown, this theatre was one of the first cinemas in Canada to be created specifically for the presentation of "talkies." Its twilight sky ceiling, nocturnal ambiance and interior walls that evoke a medieval castle make it a remarkable example of a small-town atmospheric style theatre. Closed in 1987, it was restored and then reopened in 1995 as a multi-purpose theatre, thanks to a campaign led by a group of dedicated citizens. Its high level of architectural integrity and excellent physical condition make it a rare example of its kind still in operation in this country.
Construit en 1930 selon les plans de l'architecte canadien Murray Brown, ce bâtiment est l'un des premiers cinémas au pays expressément conçus pour la présentation de films parlants. Son plafond étoilé, son ambiance nocturne et ses murs latéraux, dont le décor évoque un château médiéval, en font un exemple remarquable de cinéma de style atmosphérique conçu pour une petite ville. Fermé en 1987, il est restauré puis rouvert
this page online
Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 43° 57.048′ N, 78° 17.59′ W. Marker is in Port Hope, Ontario, in Northumberland County. It is on Queen Street 0.1 kilometers south of Walton Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 Queen Street, Port Hope ON L1A 2Y8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Kawarthas Northumberland Area and in Eastern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 7, 2025
2. Port Hope Capitol Theatre/ Le Théâtre Capitol de Port Hope Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Signor Farini (William Leonard Hunt) 1838-1929 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Port Hope Early Settlement (about 90 meters away); The Great Farini (about 90 meters away); Aboriginal Settlement (about 90 meters away); Thomas Curtis Clarke 1827-1901 (about 120 meters away); The Little Station House (about 120 meters away); Port Hope Cenotaph (about 150 meters away); Cenotaph Plaque (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Hope.
Also see . . . Capitol Theatre History.
Built at the dawn of the sound film era, any theatre of this vintage might be expected to evoke the social, political and economic conditions of the decade. Yet the theatre was built at the cost of $80,000.00 and designed by the former President of the Ontario Association of Architects. The building was the first to use steel girders in its construction and at a time in history where(Submitted on June 9, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)many budgets were being slashed, the Capitol theatre did not spare any expense to ensure long-lasting, innovative results.Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 7, 20253. Port Hope Capitol Theatre in 2025
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 150 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
