York Theatre (Montreal)

The York Theatre was an Art deco cinema and mixed-use complex in Montreal, opened in 1938 and demolished in XXXX for the construction of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex of Concordia University.

The complex was designed archiects Perry, Luke and Little, with interior decor by Emmanuel Briffa, who had overseen interior designs of over 100 cinemas in Canada. Briffa commissioned murals by artist Kenneth Hensley Holmden.

, which adorned the York 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.