{"id":3087,"date":"2024-12-05T07:57:25","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T13:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/?p=3087"},"modified":"2024-12-05T07:57:28","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T13:57:28","slug":"the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary","title":{"rendered":"The Palace Theatre: A Historic Venue for Film, Radio, Performances, and Concerts in Calgary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Palace Theatre, located on Stephen Avenue, is a historic landmark in Calgary. This multifunctional space, known for its luxurious style and unique design, was once considered one of the grandest buildings in Western Canada. Since its construction in 1921, it has served various purposes, including as a theater, cinema, orchestra venue, radio studio, evangelical hub, concert hall, nightclub, and sports bar. Discover more about its history on <a href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/\">calgary-trend<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2f0cc0a9f53\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2f0cc0a9f53\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary\/#Opened_as_a_Movie_Palace\" >Opened as a Movie Palace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary\/#A_Venue_for_Radio_Evangelism_and_Culture\" >A Venue for Radio, Evangelism, and Culture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary\/#Closure_and_Repurposing\" >Closure and Repurposing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary\/#Historical_and_Architectural_Significance\" >Historical and Architectural Significance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary\/#Notable_Architectural_Features\" >Notable Architectural Features<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary\/#A_Popular_Venue\" >A Popular Venue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3087-the-palace-theatre-a-historic-venue-for-film-radio-performances-and-concerts-in-calgary\/#A_Story_of_Revival\" >A Story of Revival<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Opened_as_a_Movie_Palace\"><\/span>Opened as a Movie Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The building was constructed as a movie palace during the post-World War I era, before the stock market crash and the Great Depression. Designed in Edwardian style by American architect Crane S. Howard, who was behind more than 250 movie palaces during his career, the Palace Theatre became a beacon of cultural entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-21.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-21.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-21-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It hosted not only films but also orchestral performances, vaudeville acts, and variety shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Palace Theatre was part of the Allen Theatres network, Canada\u2019s first theater chain, founded by the Allen family in 1912. By 1921, Allen Theatres had opened nearly 100 venues across Canada, presenting cinema, particularly silent films, as a legitimate and accessible form of entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, plans for U.S. and UK expansion were thwarted by the stock market crash, dwindling audiences, and financial challenges, leading to the chain\u2019s bankruptcy. By 1923 (or 1925, according to some sources), the Palace Theatre was sold to Famous Players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"892\" height=\"554\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-18.jpg 892w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-18-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-18-768x477.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-18-696x432.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 892px) 100vw, 892px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Venue_for_Radio_Evangelism_and_Culture\"><\/span>A Venue for Radio, Evangelism, and Culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond showing films, the Palace Theatre played a significant role in Calgary&#8217;s early radio broadcasting history. In 1922, it hosted the city\u2019s first public radio broadcast, featuring a performance by three orchestra members transmitted by Calgary Herald\u2019s radio station (later CFAC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 1,700-seat theater also served as a hub for religious gatherings. Starting in November 1925, evangelical preacher William Aberhart, known as \u201cBible Bill\u201d for his outspoken Baptist views, hosted religious radio broadcasts from the theater on Sunday evenings. These broadcasts helped disseminate his religious and political ideologies, ultimately leading to the founding of the Social Credit Party and his election as Premier of Alberta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During World War II, the Palace Theatre hosted charity concerts and for three decades served as a venue for theatrical and musical performances. However, in 1955, the opening of the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium shifted the focus of Calgary\u2019s cultural and community events. Despite this, the Palace Theatre continued operating as a cinema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-6.png 800w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-6-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-6-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-6-696x392.png 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Closure_and_Repurposing\"><\/span>Closure and Repurposing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On February 8, 1990, the Palace Theatre screened its final film, Tango &amp; Cash, before closing its doors. Six years later, a $4 million restoration project began, led by the Stephen Avenue Heritage Society. The four-story building\u2019s opulent interior was preserved, while the facade was slightly modified. In 1998, it reopened as a cigar lounge and nightclub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By 2004, the building closed again and remained vacant until 2007, when it reopened as Flames Central, a restaurant, sports bar, nightclub, and concert venue. In 2017, the venue underwent a rebranding, reverting to its original name, the Palace Theatre. It is now a multifunctional space hosting concerts, music performances, seminars, symposiums, corporate events, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/4-21.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/4-21.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/4-21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/4-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/4-21-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_and_Architectural_Significance\"><\/span>Historical and Architectural Significance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Palace Theatre exemplifies Alberta&#8217;s commercial architecture from 1885 to 1930 and stands as a rare example of the Allen Theatres network, pioneers of film distribution in Canada. The Allen family popularized Canadian content and created spaces for artists to showcase their talents. The theater played a vital role in Calgary&#8217;s cultural life, providing an elegant venue for a variety of films and live entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building\u2019s significance also lies in its status as one of the few surviving works of Crane S. Howard. Features like rectangular windows on the gables and ample interior resting spaces are hallmarks of Howard\u2019s designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boasting intricate plaster ceilings, elegant exteriors, and grand marble staircases, the Palace Theatre earned its reputation as Canada\u2019s most beautiful theater. In 1996, it was designated a National Historic Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Notable_Architectural_Features\"><\/span>Notable Architectural Features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Facade: Red brick facade divided into seven bays with Corinthian pilasters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Windows: A mix of arched and double-hung windows with decorative balconies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decor: Decorative plasterwork on ceilings, columns, and friezes; French Art Deco iron motifs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interior Layout: Includes a ticket vestibule, foyer, three lounges, a balcony, an orchestra pit, and a smoking room.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern renovations added advanced acoustics and audiovisual systems suitable for both rock shows and corporate seminars. Private spaces on the third floor offer exclusive services and panoramic views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Popular_Venue\"><\/span>A Popular Venue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to its stunning architecture and exceptional interiors, the Palace Theatre is a sought-after wedding venue. It offers customizable decor, superb acoustics, and a large screen for personal displays like wedding monograms. The marquee, which can be uniquely configured, remains a standout feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Story_of_Revival\"><\/span>A Story of Revival<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Palace Theatre is a shining example of how investment in heritage buildings can restore their former glory while reimagining their purpose. It continues to be a cherished landmark in Calgary, blending historical significance with modern functionality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Palace Theatre, located on Stephen Avenue, is a historic landmark in Calgary. This multifunctional space, known for its luxurious style and unique design, was once considered one of the grandest buildings in Western Canada. Since its construction in 1921, it has served various purposes, including as a theater, cinema, orchestra venue, radio studio, evangelical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":411,"featured_media":3100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[1753,1743,1744,1755,1751,1752,1746,1754,1745,1750,1749,1756,1742,1747,1748],"moimportance":[32,35],"motype":[160],"moformat":[1285],"class_list":{"0":"post-3087","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-teatrs","8":"tag-alberta-film-history","9":"tag-allen-theatres-3","10":"tag-calgary-concert-venues","11":"tag-calgary-cultural-sites","12":"tag-calgary-event-spaces","13":"tag-calgary-heritage-buildings","14":"tag-calgary-wedding-venues","15":"tag-crane-s-howard-architecture","16":"tag-edwardian-classical-style","17":"tag-historic-theaters-alberta","18":"tag-palace-theatre-calgary","19":"tag-restored-theaters-alberta","20":"tag-stephen-avenue-landmarks","21":"tag-vintage-theaters-canada","22":"tag-william-aberhart","23":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","24":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","25":"motype-eternal","26":"moformat-c-l"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/411"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3087"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3087\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3103,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3087\/revisions\/3103"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3087"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3087"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3087"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}