Uptown Theatre
612 8th Avenue SW,
Calgary,
AB
612 8th Avenue SW,
Calgary,
AB
2 people
favorited this theater
The Uptown Theatre in downtown Calgary, in the Barron Building, was opened in 1951 by Jacob Barron, owner of the National Theatres chain of cinemas as its flagship theater.
The theater was built in the late Art Moderne style and is one of the finest examples of the architectural style in Calgary. The lobby of the Uptown has been compared to the Art Deco/Moderne buildings of Miami Beach.
In 1993, the theater was remodeled and restored, and the former balcony, which had been converted into a second auditorium in the 70s, was made into a small stage area for live performances.
Additionally, the main auditorium was completely restored to its original appearance, including the restoration of plaster torches on each side of the large screen and brocade curtains (which still open before the main feature). As a gesture to the expectations of modern audiences, 100 seats were removed from the main auditorium to expand legroom for all patrons.
The Uptown specializes in art and foreign film, and presents new Canadian short features before each main presentation.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Nice recent B&W photo:
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Highlight for me with this house was Funny Thing Happened on the Way To The Forum.I loved that movie and still do.Must have been 1967?I remember going to a doctor in the bldg.next door.The interior was fairly severe.
The architect of the Uptown was John A. Cawston, of the firm of Stevenson, Cawston & Stevenson.
Here is a brief essay about the Barron Building, courtesy of the Calgary Public Library.
Here is a decent picture of the Barron Building, taken during the time the theatre was closed.
Here is a recent marquee shot. Is the name of this theater “The” Uptown or just Uptown?
1983 photo of the Uptown Theatre.
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