A image of a theatre from the outside

The Monarch Theatre

Step into the wonderful world of the Monarch Theatre, where history and movie magic collide! As the oldest operational, purpose-built movie theatre in Canada, every visit promises a journey through time and a celebration of cinematic wonder!

A poster image of a film
A poster image of a film
A poster image of a film
A poster image of an old film
A poster image of a film

About Us

A image of a empty theatre
A image of a theatre from the outside
A group of people in front of the stage
A group of people inside a theatre
A image of a theater
A image of a theatre with people watching inside
A guy in front of the line of a counter
A group of people standing inside a well lit area
In the heart of Medicine Hat’s bustling downtown, the Monarch Theatre stands as a timeless testament to the golden age of cinema. Built in 1911, it proudly holds the title of Canada’s oldest purpose-built movie theatre, a beacon of innovation and community spirit.
For over a century, the Monarch has been a cherished venue where generations have gathered to be captivated by the magic of the silver screen. From the enchanting silent films accompanied by live orchestras to the groundbreaking ‘talkies,’ vibrant color films, and the expansive vistas of Cinemascope, the Monarch has evolved with the times, embracing the latest in digital film technology.
The 1990s brought the rise of large-scale multiplexes, casting a shadow over the Monarch’s popularity and leading to its temporary closure in 2007. Yet, the spirit of the community never wavered. In 2009, the City of Medicine Hat, alongside dedicated citizens, rallied to save this historic gem. The City Centre Development Agency acquired the theatre, and the Friends of the Monarch Society was born, dedicated to preserving and celebrating this unique cultural treasure.
In September 2016, the Monarch Theatre was honored as a Municipal Historic Resource, a testament to its enduring significance. The story didn’t end there. In November 2023, the Monarch 1911 Society, formed by Rotarians from the Saamis and Medicine Hat Rotary Clubs, took up the mantle, raising funds to purchase and restore the theatre. Their mission is clear: to breathe new life into this beloved landmark, ensuring it continues to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
The Monarch Theatre is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of resilience, community, and the timeless allure of cinema. As it prepares to reopen its doors, it invites us all to step back in time and be part of its storied legacy.

Events

A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
Closed for Restorations – Reopening Fall 2025
The Monarch is taking a summer break for exciting restoration work. See you this fall!

Our Story

A black and white photo of an old theater entrance

1911

Constructed in Beaux-Arts-style

A black and white photo of an old theater entrance

1912

Beaux-Arts-style “Monarch” vertical sign attached on the north (front façade) most easterly side between the theatre building and the commercial storefront building (now east bay of the Monarch Theatre)

A photo of an old door handle

1930

Original movie screen replaced

A photo of an old door handle

1935

Front façade of west structural bay renovated to Streamline Moderne-style including the marquee

1935

Beaux-Arts-style “Monarch” vertical sign retained however, had been painted to white at some unknown time prior to the Steamline Moderne-style façade alterations.

1936

Installation of swamp cooler

1936-1941

Beaux-Arts-style “Monarch” vertical sign removed between these years

1956

Readograph neon “Monarch” vertical sign installed on north (front) façade above the marquee Pre-1984: Circular windows infilled on rear façade

1940-1941

Theatre expanded into rear of east structural bay and front façade of east structural bay renovated to match Streamline Moderne-style of west structural bay Circa 1950s: Donnacona panels installed

1986

New projection and sound equipment (Xevon lighting, Kelmar Amps and Altec speakers, new 14’x28’ screen) installed

1986

Seating reconfigured and reduced to 500 seats

1988

Art Deco (square) sconces removed, and theatre walls covered with burlap curtains

A quiet, empty street in a small town with a mix of older buildings and shops on both sides.

1993

Mac’s Cigar Shop closed in October and moved to 3rd Street SE

A quiet, empty street in a small town with a mix of older buildings and shops on both sides.

1995

Mac’s Cigar Store exterior storefront features (door, windows, and tiles) removed and stucco’s in mid-1995.

A quiet, empty street in a small town with a mix of older buildings and shops on both sides.

1993

New movie screens installed by King Cinema

A quiet, empty street in a small town with a mix of older buildings and shops on both sides.

1999

Plywood sheets glued to sanded hardwood floors and new seats installed – seating reduced from 500 to 410

A quiet, empty street in a small town with a mix of older buildings and shops on both sides.

1999

Art Deco (square) sconces removed, and the Façade painted, and marquee refurbished and paintedatre walls covered with burlap curtains

A photo inside a theatre

Circa 2010

Readograph neon “Monarch” vertical sign removed from the north (front) façade

A photo inside a theatre

2014

New digital projection equipment installed

2023

Purchased by the Monarch 1911 Society - a group of Rotarians from the Medicine Hat and Saamis Rotary Clubs.

2024

Modern vertical “Monarch” sign removed with façade rehabilitation/restoration

A photo inside a theatre

2024

North (front) façade rehabilitation of the parapet, stucco finish and restoration

A quiet, empty street in a small town with a mix of older buildings and shops on both sides.

Restoration

A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre
A image of an old theatre

Contractors & Donations ...

Monetary Donations ...

Book Now

Oscar Lopez

June 7, 2025
Oscar Lopez and his band in Concert: "Ahora o Nunca" – Live in Medicine Hat!
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with multiple Juno Award-winning guitar virtuoso Oscar Lopez! Join us for a night of captivating world music, fun, and entertainment- where every concert has its own magic!
ticket admission
Tickets are on sale here
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Star Wars - Empire Strikes Back

May 4, 2025
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
After the Empire overpowers the Rebel Alliance, Luke Skywalker begins training with Jedi Master Yoda, while Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett pursue his friends across the galaxy.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
SHOW STARTS
2:00PM

Friends of the Monarch – Annual General Meeting

May 14, 2025

The Friends of the Monarch will hold their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Monarch Theatre (609 2 St SE, Medicine Hat).

All are welcome to attend.

‍

To request a pre-AGM package, please email us at friendsofthemonarch@gmail.com.

Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival

May 24, 2025
Inside Out
Doors open
11:00AM
showtime
12:00PM
Inside Out 2
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM
We are having a double feature on May 24th that is sponsored by Our Collective Journey for the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival.
admission IS FREE
CONCESSION IS CASH ONLY

The Sandlot

June 29, 2025
A poster image of an old film
We are hosting The Sandlot on June 29th in partnership with the Medicine Hat Mavericks.
admission IS FREE
Doors open
5:30PM
showtime
6:30PM

Paper Tigers

June 17, 2025
Presented by the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Paper Tigers follows a year in the life of six students at an alternative high school that rethinks discipline and embraces trauma-informed education. This compelling documentary offers insight into how schools can help break cycles of adversity and empower students to succeed.
admission IS FREE
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Pride vs Prejudice:
The Delwin Vriend Story
June 26, 2025
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Pride vs Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story
Presented by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat and District are hosting an event

The Community Foundation believes that fostering conversations about equity and human rights strengthens our community for everyone. Delwin Vriend’s story shows how individual action can spark lasting change. We are proud to partner with the Prairie Pride Guild to host the screening of this important documentary.
‍

  • The documentary tells the story of Delwin Vriend, a lab technician at The King’s College in Edmonton who was fired in 1991 because of his sexual orientation.
  • Vriend’s case led to a 1998 Supreme Court decision that strengthened equality rights across Canada. This was the first successful gay rights case at the Supreme Court and paved the way for future successful rulings including marriage equality.
  • The film shows how one person’s courage can drive national change.
  • Pride vs. Prejudice has won multiple Audience Choice Awards and screened at festivals around the world.
ticket admission
FREE event in celebration of Pride Month!
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Big Things Are Happening at the Monarch!

The Monarch Theatre is taking a short pause this summer.. but it’s for a great reason!

‍

We’re hard at work restoring and revitalizing this historic 1911 landmark so it can continue to serve our community for generations to come. Thanks to generous support from:

‍

  • Community Foundation - $5,000
  • Heritage Preservation Partnership - $50,000 Matching Grant
  • Community donors and local business partners
  • Operations and the debenture program

‍

We’re able to tackle major renovations, including the restoration of our iconic marquee!

‍

This work is just the beginning. With your support, we can continue preserving Canada’s oldest surviving purpose-built movie theatre and expand what’s possible in this beautiful space.

‍

Want to Support the Project?

Email friendsofthemonarch@gmail.com to make a charitable donation!