The Met | |
Former names | Allen Theatre (1919–1923) Metropolitan Theatre (1923–1987) |
---|---|
Address | 281 Donald St. |
Location | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
Coordinates | 49°53′35″N 97°8′34″W / 49.89306°N 97.14278°W |
Owner | Canad Inns |
Type | Theatre |
Construction | |
Opened | 2 January 1920 |
Renovated | 2012 |
Architect | C. Howard Crane |
Website | |
www | |
Official name | Metropolitan Theatre National Historic Site of Canada |
Designated | June 10, 1991 |
Reference no. | 3110 |
Municipally Designated Site | |
Designation | Winnipeg Landmark Heritage Structure |
Recognized | January 10, 1997 |
CRHP listing | July 13, 2007 |
Recognition authority | City of Winnipeg |
ID | 7725 |
The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre (also known as the Met Entertainment Centre or simply The Met)—formerly the Metropolitan Theatre—is a Canadian theatre in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, designed by American architect C. Howard Crane. It is located at 281 Donald Street,[1] across from Canada Life Centre and north of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
It was originally known as Allen Theatre, after its owners the Allen brothers, who built a chain of cinemas throughout Canada in the early 20th century. After its acquisition by Famous Players in 1923, it was renamed the Metropolitan Theatre. It is one of four surviving theatres built by the Allen brothers in Canada,[2] and one of three surviving Canadian buildings designed by Crane.[3]
The theatre was renovated in 1948 and was shuttered in November 1987. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1991 and was sold to Canad Inns in 2006, which with other investors was to convert the building for use as a rock and roll museum. Those plans were scuttled, but by 2011 work was undertaken to renovate the building to reflect its original design. The renovated building was opened in November 2012 featuring a restaurant, lounge, and special events facilities.