Princess Theatre

By: Ryan Krawchuk

Discover the fascinating history of the Princess Theatre in Edmonton, from its early days as a cinema to its transformation into a performing arts centre.

Introduction

The Princess Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta is a landmark of the city's cultural history. It has been a source of entertainment for generations and has undergone many transformations throughout its long history. From its opening in 1915 to its closure in 1958, the Princess Theatre saw the rise of the movie industry and the introduction of television as a new entertainment medium. However, it was not until 1971 that the theatre saw a new life as the Klondike Cinema, after being purchased by Towne Cinemas. In 1978, the City of Decatur purchased the theatre, investing $750,000 into a renovation and reopening it as the city's performing arts centre. Today, the Princess Theatre is a two-screen art-house cinema, located at 10337 Whyte Avenue in Edmonton's historic Old Strathcona neighbourhood. This blog will take a closer look at the fascinating history of the Princess Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta.

Early History of Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre was first opened on March 8th, 1915, and was designed by the architect George E. Turner. The theatre was built on a single lot along Whyte Avenue, in Edmonton's historic Strathcona district. At the time, it was the largest theatre in the district, with a seating capacity of 800.

The Princess Theatre was a hub of entertainment in its early years, offering vaudeville shows, concerts, and silent films. In the 1920s, sound was introduced to films, and the theatre quickly adapted to the new technology, offering talkies to audiences. The theatre continued to thrive throughout the 1930s and 1940s, showing popular films and hosting live events, such as concerts and talent shows.

One of the most notable events in the early history of the Princess Theatre occurred on August 7, 1941, when the theatre was reopened as a classic art deco theatre with the film Tom, Dick and Harry, starring Ginger Rogers ^[1]. The theatre remained a popular destination for moviegoers until it closed its doors in 1958 due to the competition from television and other new entertainment opportunities.

Despite its closure, the Princess Theatre remained an important landmark of Edmonton's cultural history. It was purchased by Towne Cinemas in 1970 and given a facelift before reopening as the Klondike Cinema on December 24th, 1971 ^[4]. However, this was just the beginning of the theatre's transformation. In 1978, the City of Decatur purchased the theatre, investing $750,000 into a renovation, and reopening it as the city's performing arts centre ^[1].

The 1950s and 1960s

The Princess Theatre faced stiff competition from television and other new entertainment options in the 1950s and 1960s, resulting in a significant decrease in attendance. In 1958, the theatre was forced to close its doors due to financial difficulties.

For over a decade, the Princess Theatre remained closed, until it was purchased by Towne Cinemas in 1970. The new owners gave the theatre a facelift and reopened it as the Klondike Cinema on December 24, 1971 ^[2].

The Klondike Cinema operated for just over six years until it was forced to close in 1978 due to competition from modern multiplex cinemas. However, this was not the end for the Princess Theatre building. In the same year, the City of Decatur purchased the Princess Theatre, and after a $750,000 renovation, the theatre was once again opened, this time as a performing arts centre for the city ^[1].

Renovation and Reopening

After its closure in 1958, the Princess Theatre lay vacant for more than a decade. In 1970, it was purchased by Towne Cinemas and given a facelift before reopening as the Klondike Cinema in 1971 ^[2]. However, the cinema closed again in the 1970s and the City of Edmonton ultimately purchased the Princess Theatre in 1978 ^[1].

Following a $750,000 renovation, the Princess Theatre once again opened its doors, this time as the city's performing arts centre, on February 10, 1978 ^[1]4. The inaugural performance featured a sold-out concert by folk singer Stan Rogers. Since then, the theatre has hosted a wide range of cultural events, including plays, concerts, dance performances, and film screenings.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Princess Theatre continued to serve as a vital hub for Edmonton's arts community. In 1993, the theatre underwent a major renovation that included the addition of a second screen in the basement of the building ^[3].

In the years since the Princess Theatre has continued to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the community it serves. Today, it remains one of Edmonton's most beloved cultural landmarks, a testament to the enduring power of the performing arts to bring people together and inspire creativity and connection.

Present Day

Today, the Princess Theatre continues to operate as a popular art-house cinema in Edmonton's historic Old Strathcona neighbourhood, featuring two screens and offering a variety of independent and foreign films. In 2005, the theatre was recognized by the City of Edmonton as a Municipal Historic Resource, which provides protection for the building's exterior and certain interior features.

Visitors to the theatre can still see many of the original architectural details, including the marble-faced facade and symmetrical design. However, the theatre has undergone several updates to ensure it meets modern safety and accessibility standards, such as the addition of new seating and sound equipment.

The Princess Theatre remains a beloved landmark in Edmonton, known not only for its historic significance but also for its continued contribution to the city's arts and culture scene.

Conclusion

The Princess Theatre has been an important part of Edmonton's cultural history since it first opened its doors over a century ago. From its early days as a vaudeville house to its current role as an art-house cinema, the Princess Theatre has played a vital role in the community by providing a space for entertainment, education, and artistic expression.

Preserving historic buildings like the Princess Theatre is crucial for maintaining a connection to the past and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. These buildings are not just bricks and mortar; they represent a tangible link to our history and the people and events that shaped it.

As Edmonton continues to grow and change, it is essential that we recognize the value of our city's historic buildings and take steps to protect them. Whether through government programs or private initiatives, we can all play a role in ensuring that these irreplaceable treasures are preserved for years to come.

So, let us not forget the importance of historic buildings like the Princess Theatre, and let us work together to ensure that they continue to play a vital role in our community for generations to come.

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