1912 – Duchess Theatre, Montreal, Canada

The theatre was built in 1912 for silent film, and is one of several vintage movie theatres in Montreal whose façade and interior have retained their original appearance. It is mostly used for musical performances and live events. Later known as Corona Theatre, currently Beanfield Theatre after a sponsor.

“The Duchess Theatre, Notre Dame street west, Montreal, designed by Messrs. Dufort & Décary, architects, will cover an area of 66.8 ft. by 110 feet, the plans providing for a eround floor and balcony, which will ail’ord accommodation for 1400 people. The foundations will be of masonry, with the structure of brick. As will be seen from the cut, the exterior will be of an ornamental character — terra cotta up to the first cornice and the remainder in plastic brick worked out in pattern in different shades of brick, with terra cotta trimmings. The main entrance will have glass doors, with a leaded glass elliptical panel above; part of the design consists of fluted plasters and ornamental capitals. The marquise is to be of wrought iron and glass, supported by heavy iron chains and hooks imbedded in the terra cotta panels. On either side of the main entrance are exits, the doors being of bevelled plate glass and luxfer prism glass.

The lobby floor will be in terrazo and the interior is to be finished in hardwood. The concrete flooring with mushroom reinforcement will rest on concrete piers. The ceiling beams will be in plaster, moulded with plastic consoles at the end. A room for the cinematograph operator is to be provided in enter into the treatment of the front of the auditorium. The building is to be made fireproof. Gas and electric lighting will be installed.”

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