Showcase your business throughout the Monarch Theatre on the big screen, lobby screens, and outdoor displays.
$100/month
Events
September
4
School of Rock
September
5
The Breakfast Club
September
6
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
September
11
Clueless
September
12
Jumanji (1995)
September
13
Space Jam
SEPTEMBER
17
The Gift: A Tribute to Ian Tyson
September
18
Iron Man
September
19
Guardians of the Galaxy
September
20
The Incredibles
September
25
The Big Lebowski
September
26
Napoleon Dynamite
September
27
The Emperor’s New Groove
September
30
Pavlo in Concert
october
3
Broadly Speaking Comedy
OCTOBER
7
Dawson Gray
november
1
Little Miss Higgins
november
6
Troubadour: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
About Us
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.
Our Story
1911
Constructed in Beaux-Arts-style
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)
1930
Original movie screen replaced
1935
Front façade of west structural bay renovated to Streamline Moderne-style including the marquee
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
1993
Mac’s Cigar Shop closed in October and moved to 3rd Street SE
1995
Mac’s Cigar Store exterior storefront features (door, windows, and tiles) removed and stucco’s in mid-1995.
1993
New movie screens installed by King Cinema
1999
Plywood sheets glued to sanded hardwood floors and new seats installed – seating reduced from 500 to 410
1999
Art Deco (square) sconces removed, and the Façade painted, and marquee refurbished and paintedatre walls covered with burlap curtains
Circa 2010
Readograph neon “Monarch” vertical sign removed from the north (front) façade
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
2024
North (front) façade rehabilitation of the parapet, stucco finish and restoration
Restoration
Contractors & Donations ...
Monetary Donations ...
Advertise at The Monarch
Book Now
Back to the Future
April 11, 2026
Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Halloween
October 30, 2025
Laurie Strode confronts her long-time foe, Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:00PM
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
September 6, 2026
Greg Heffley is a 12-year-old who is fresh out of elementary and transitions to middle school, where he has to learn the consequences and responsibility to survive the year.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM
The Breakfast Club
September 5, 2026
Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a great deal more in common than they thought.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
where
Monarch Theatre
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
The Big Lebowski
September 25, 2026
Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
7:30PM
showtime
6:30PM
The Emperor’s New Groove
September 20, 2026
Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne and his human form with the help of Pacha, a gentle llama herder.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
2:00PM
EVENT Starts
3:00PM
Space Jam
September 13, 2026
In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired NBA star Michael Jordan.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM
Dawson Gray
October 7, 2026
TICKET ADMISSION
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
Beetlejuice
October 24, 2025
The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out.
ticket admission
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:00PM
Little Miss Higgins
November 1, 2026
http://www.littlemisshiggins.com/
ticket admission
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
Napoleon Dynamite
September 26, 2026
A listless and alienated teenager helps his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while dealing with his bizarre family life back home.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
Broadly Speaking Comedy
October 3, 2026
ticket admission
GET TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Guardians of the Galaxy
September 19, 2026
A group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
Practical Magic
August 29, 2026
Two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, face closed-minded prejudice and a curse which threatens to prevent them ever finding lasting love.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
Pavlo in Concert
September 30, 2026
Internationally renowned, award-winning recording artist, performer and songwriter, Pavlo has become famous for bringing every audience to its feet.Pavlo, a true World Music Artist, returns to The Space with his world class band for an evening of Mediterranean inspired music.
Let the rhythms transport you to the sun soaked shores of Santorini as you experience Pavlo’s signature blend of Spanish, Greek, Rumba and Flamenco music in this vibrant feel good concert.
OPA!
ticket admission
REGISTER HERE
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Troubadour: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
November 6, 2026
ticket admission
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
Clueless
September 11, 2026
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
School of Rock
September 4, 2026
After being kicked out of his rock band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher at an uptight elementary private school, only to try and turn his class into a rock band.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
Iron Man
September 18, 2026
After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM
The Gift: A Tribute to Ian Tyson
September 17, 2026
ticket admission
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
The Incredibles
September 20, 2026
While trying to lead a quiet suburban life, a family of undercover superheroes are forced into action to save the world.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM
Notice: Temporary Closure
We’ll be closed March 30 – April 9 for interior renovations as we make improvements to our space.
Thank you for your patience and support. We look forward to welcoming you back when we reopen!