The Théâtre Rialto is a historic monument in Montreal. Built in 1924 as a neighborhood cinema, it helped democratize culture in the residential and commercial district of Outremont. What made it unique at the time was its architecture. With its rich neo-baroque interior decor, it quickly established itself as a figure of Montreal culture. The marble staircases, painted ceilings, gilded moldings and stained-glass dome all attest to its grandeur.
Today, it’s an open, inclusive, multilingual and multicultural performing arts center, and the first theater in Montreal to have rooms reserved for other types of activities, such as a ballroom and billiards room. It hosts all kinds of events, and continues to entertain its audiences with a rich and diverse program. The Outremont district, where the theater is located, is a very pleasant part of Montreal, with its small cafés, numerous restaurants and green spaces. Did you know that a third of its surface area is covered by urban forests?
Anecdotes and curiosities about the Théâtre Rialto
1. Parisian inspiration
The imposing façade of the Théâtre Rialto is rather surprising in Canadian theatrical architecture. With its symmetry, grandiose composition, clear elevations and rational plan, it’s a perfect illustration of the Beaux-Arts style, and reminds us of a building in a similar style: the Opéra de Paris. Its main inspiration is the same characteristics: the same rhythm of the columns, the division into three horizontal levels and the pilasters on the main level.
2. Elias Kalogeras, or the loss of theater
The Théâtre Rialto almost became a memory when it fell into the hands of Elias Kalogeras in 1983. His grand plan was to turn it into a shopping mall, robbing it of all its cultural value. Luckily, it was listed as a historic monument, forcing Elias to keep the building, but turn it into a steak house all the same. After tearing out and demolishing much of the interior, he sold it to Ezio Carosielli in 2010 for lack of funds, who renovated it and has been perpetuating its cultural heritage ever since.
3. Emmanuel Briffa’s aesthetics
The theater’s architecture was designed by Joseph-Raoul Gariépy, but the interior was entirely decorated by artist Emmanuel Briffa. This Maltese-born painter and decorator was responsible for no fewer than 150 movie theaters in Canada, including 25 in Quebec. He had a real talent for trompe-l’oeil, but what really made his reputation was his ability to create unique atmospheres, often inspired by nature, and to immerse visitors in his universe.
Candlelight concerts at Théâtre Rialto
In keeping with its ever-innovative cultural mission, the Théâtre Rialto will be hosting Candlelight candlelit concerts, renowned for taking spectators into a timeless bubble. Combined with Emmanuel Briffa’s paintings and legendary ambiences, we’re offering you a veritable voyage. Come and revel in classical music, your face tickled by the reflection of flickering candle flames.
An eclectic program that’s sure to please everyone will take you into the most immersive of evenings. Pay homage to the Rialto by attending a show within its walls.
What else can you do at the Théâtre Rialto?
Today, the multiple rooms are used for both public and private events. On the one hand, you can attend dance, theater or concert performances, and on the other, you can rent one of the halls if you feel like organizing a gala next weekend.
The program is varied, so it’s best to find out about upcoming events online.
The Rialto Theatre bears witness to the importance of the Canadian theatrical scene in the early 20th century , and of culture in our society more generally. That’s why it’s a perfect match for Candlelight’s candlelit concerts, which take you back to classical music through the works of artists who are sometimes cult figures in the genre, sometimes more contemporary, but always talented enough to have written their names in music history.