ARTH3810 2019F Class Projects (Publication)

Introduction

The grand opening of the Imperial theater saw almost 700 people crowding along bank street, on the moderately cold evening of August 24th, 1914 (Miguelez, 112). With the first World War just beginning to get underway, the Imperial Theater opened its gates as the capital’s number one spot for the grand cinema experience and eventually would go on to survive the second world war, several owner and establishment changes and ultimately house a nightclub, an adult store and a fast food restaurant.




It was deemed “Canada’s most beautiful” theater and had hosted a whole number of films in its time, providing the viewers with a modern seating arrangement, adorned with gorgeous art deco interiors. The interior consists of a large cornice running along the ceiling, Japanese grass cloth panels on the side walls and colours of cream, ivory and soft purples lay in harmony with the satin walnut woodwork that could be spied all throughout the theater (Miguelez, 114). Unfortunately, as the building kept changing ownership it also started keeper fewer records, even though the building has been continuously in need of renovation and restoration. (Sferlazza, 8). As a result what little records do remain are not only rare in respect to the rich history of the Imperial Theater, but also tells a tale of the entire history of 323 Bank Street, from the start during the early years of the first world war to the new burgers that are now served weekly at the lower wing of the establishment. The records paint a portrait of the how the social space of the art deco theater changed over the decades and how the interiors changed to suit the needs of the people using the space.

AUDITORIUM

The seating arrangement inside the auditorium was designed in such a manner that the box seats were built right in front of the balcony, separating the space with curtains and providing the best view of the stage for the higher playing viewers (Miguelez, 114). The theater also boasted the most impressive organ in Ottawa at the time; one that gained notoriety among the citizens and theater goers due to the heavy price tag of $20,000, as was advertised in more than one variation of the opening signs for the theater. (Dean, 66).


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  1. Imperial Theater By Munawar Mobin Munawar Mobin

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