York Theatre (Montreal)

The York Theatre was an Art deco cinema and mixed-use complex in Montreal, demolished in XXXX for the construction of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex of Concordia University.

completed by Perry, Luke and Little Architects and included the decorative plans of Emmanuel Briffa (1875-1955), who had overseen the interior designs of more than 100 cinemas in Canada throughout his illustrious career. Briffa commissioned the murals from the artist, Kenneth Hensley Holmden (1893-1963) to complement the York’s Art Deco style. They adorned the walls of the theatre from its opening in 1938 until it was badly damaged by fire in 1989. When the University acquired the property in 1998, the murals were removed and stored pending treatment by renowned conservator, Laszlo Cser of Restorart.

Following the forum at 5 p.m., Concordia will unveil the only three surviving murals from the eight original ones, once considered among the most remarkable features in any Montreal movie house. Removed from the dilapidated interior of the York Theatre, these canvases together with two groupings of exterior decorative panels from the 1930s building, have been restored and integrated into several locations in the new which now stands on the property once occupied by the York (entrance via Ste. Catherine and Guy St. Atrium). Francine Senécal, Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal and the councillor responsible for culture and heritage will be present at the unveiling of the murals.