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. Today, it is 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?
A little history of the Théâtre Rialto
The Théâtre Rialto was originally a neighborhood cinema distinguished by its elegance and refinement. Designed by Emmanuel Briffa, the famous painter/decorator responsible for numerous movie theaters in Canada, its interior is adorned with gilded moldings, painted ceilings and a stained-glass dome. In 1983, the theater almost lost its cultural vocation when Elias Kalogeras attempted to turn it into a shopping mall. Fortunately, it was listed as a historic monument and purchased in 2010 by Ezio Carosielli, who restored it to preserve its cultural heritage.
What can you do there?
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.
Among the highlights are the Candlelight candlelight concerts, renowned for taking spectators into a timeless bubble. Come and revel in classical music, your face tickled by the reflection of flickering candle flames .An eclectic program that will appeal to everyone will take you into the most immersive of evenings.
What inspires its architecture?
The architecture of the Théâtre Rialto is directly inspired by the Beaux-Arts style and the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Its imposing façade reflects perfect symmetry, with majestic columns and a division into three horizontal levels. Inside, Emmanuel Briffa has created a unique ambience with trompe-l’oeil and nature-inspired elements. With its rich neo-baroque interior decor, it is quickly establishing itself as a figure of Montreal culture. The marble staircases, painted ceilings, gilded moldings and stained-glass dome are a testament to its grandeur.
How to get there
Théâtre Rialto is located on avenue du Parc in Montreal. It’s easy to reach by public transport, with buses serving the area and metros 2 and 5 from Outremont and Mont-Royal stations.
Can I park at Théâtre Rialto?
Parking around the Théâtre Rialto may be limited. However, several options are available in the surrounding streets or in nearby public parking lots. We advise you to plan ahead to avoid any inconvenience.
The surrounding area
The Outremont neighborhood where Théâtre Rialto is located is renowned for its charm and convenience. It’s home to a multitude of small cafés, varied restaurants and green spaces. A third of the neighborhood is covered by urban forests, the perfect setting for a stroll before or after a show.
The Rialto Theatre is a testament to the importance of the Canadian theatre scene in the early 20th century , and of culture in our society more generally. It is one of the sublime venues in Montreal to host Candlelight concerts, which offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in 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.