Virden, Manitoba — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Municipal Building and Auditorium
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Immeuble Municipal et Auditorium
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 3, 2023
1. Municipal Building and Auditorium / Immeuble Municipal et Auditorium Marker
Acclaimed by Virden's The Empire-Advance as one the finest and best equipped opera houses in Western Canada, the Auditorium has a handsome interior and superb acoustics. It was constructed 1911-12 as an addition to the existing fire hall by local contactor Willam Thomas Manser from designs by noted Brandon architect William A. Elliott.
The "Aud" opened on 29 February 1912. It served as the home of the Virden Orchestra, and the Dramatic and Operatic Society and became a major social and enter tainment centre for the performing arts in western Manitoba. The unusual combination of municipal offices courtroom and theatre has made this building a provincial landmark. After the demolition of the fire hall, the Auditorium was restored through community efforts during 1982-83. The Municipal Building was subsequently renovated by the Town of Virden.
Repute par le journal The Empire-Advance de Virden comme l'un des etant l’un des [illegible] opéras, et l’un des mieux équipés de l'Ouest canadien, l'Auditorium est une superbe salle a
this page online
L' Auditorium fut inauguré le 29 février 1912. Il albrita l'Orchestre de Virden et la Dramatic and Operatic Society, et devint un des principaux centres de recontre dans le domaine des arts du spectacle dans l'ouest du Manitoba. À cause de l’étonnant mélange de bureaux municipaux, de salles de tribunal et de théâtre qui le composent, cet immeuble est devenu l'un des points de repère de la province. Après la démolition du poste de pompiers, l'Auditorium fut restauré par la collectivité en 1982-83; plus tard, la ville de Virden se chargea de la renovation de l'immeuble municipal.
Erected 1990.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is February 29, 1912.
Location. 49° 50.947′ N, 100° 55.896′ W. Marker is in Virden, Manitoba. It is on Wellington Street West
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 3, 2023
2. Municipal Building and Auditorium & Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Fifty-Millionth Barrel of Crude Oil (within shouting distance of this marker); Past / Present (about 240 meters away, measured in a direct line); Virden's Oil Heritage (about 240 meters away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
