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!

Events

march
19
Medicine Hat in His Mind’s Eye: The Memories of Jim Marshall
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
march
20
Walk the Line
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
march
21
American Pie
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
MARCH
22
Lion King
02:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
MARCH
26
The M Factor
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for an event
MARCH
27
Grumpy Old Men
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
March
28
Grumpier Old Men
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
march
29
The King of Kings
02:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
Announcement
Theatre will be closed from March 30 - April 9, 2026 for interior Renovations.
Thank you for understanding.
April
17
Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
April
18
Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
April
19
Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together
02:00 PM
Monarch Theatre

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.

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 ...

A image of a theatre under repair

Volunteer

Interested in getting behind the scenes? We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help keep the Monarch Theatre running smoothly. View our current opportunities and start your application today.

Book Now

Walk the Line

March 20, 2026
A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

The Shot: Sean Hartman's Story

March 12, 2026
ticket admission
Free Admission
Doors open
6:45PM
showtime
7:30PM

Halloween

October 30, 2025
A poster for Halloween Movie
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)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:00PM

Yesterday

February 28, 2026
A struggling musician realizes he's the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles after waking up in an alternate reality where they never existed.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

The Princess Diaries

March 14, 2026
Mia Thermopolis has just found out that she is the heir apparent to the throne of Genovia. With her friends Lilly and Michael Moscovitz in tow, she tries to navigate through the rest of her fifteenth year.
This is in partnership with Ending Period Poverty Campaign - The Medicine Hat College and The Root Cellar
We have a raffle that for every box of period products brought in they can receive one raffle entry to win one of the prizes.
Prize sponsors are: Starbucks, The Lodge, Matt Teel's Real Estate Team and Elizabeth McNally’s team at Real Brokerage
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Grumpy Old Men

March 27, 2026
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
A lifelong feud between two senior citizens only gets worse when a sexy new female neighbor moves in across the street.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
SHOW STARTS
7:00PM

Grumpier Old Men

March 28, 2026

Just as John Gustafson and Max Goldman resolve to save their beloved bait shop from turning into an Italian restaurant, the establishment's new female owner catches Max's attention and arouses his libido.

ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
EVENT Starts
7:00PM

Rise Up: A Documentary of Resilience an Rising Together

April 17, 18 & 19, 2026
"RISE UP: A Documentary of Resilience and Rising Together is a powerful community-focused film experience presented by Our Collective Journey's the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in Medicine Hat.
This documentary explores themes of community, connection, and hope, highlighting the strength that emerges when individuals and communities come together.
Join us at the historic Monarch Theatre for this meaningful screening event and be part of a collective moment centered on storytelling, unity, and rising together.
ticket admission
GET TICKETS!
showtime
April 17 - 7:00PM
April 18 - 7:00PM
April 19 - 2:00PM

Cutting Through Rocks

February 20, 2026
First female councilor in her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi challenges tradition by teaching girls to ride motorcycles and fighting child marriage, while facing doubts about her motives.
TICKET ADMISSION
$5 (Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Beetlejuice

October 24, 2025
A poster image of the film Beetlejuice
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

The Little Rascals
March 8, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Alfalfa is wooing Darla and his "He-Man-Woman-Hating" friends attempt to sabotage the relationship.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

The King of Kings
March 29, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Through a father's vivid storytelling, a boy journeys through Jesus' life, from humble beginnings to ultimate sacrifice. Along the way, he discovers the transformative power of faith.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

The Greatest Showman
February 21, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
April 17 - 7:00PM

Paw Patrol: Rocky's Cat-astorphe
March 5 & 7, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
ticket admission
Kids get in FREE — $5 admission for the adults
(Cash only, pay at the door)
March 5
Doors open
9:15AM
showtime
10:00AM
March 7
Doors open
2:15PM
showtime
3:00PM

Simon King
March 7, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy with Simon King! Known for his bold, high-energy style and sharp storytelling, Simon brings an uncensored stand-up show that’s guaranteed to push boundaries and keep you laughing all night.
⚠️ 18+ ONLY
UNCENSORED SHOW – Adult language and dark subject matter
ticket admission
GET TICKETS!
Doors open
7:00PM
showtime
8:00PM

American Pie
March 21, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Four teenage boys enter a pact to lose their virginity by prom night.
Movie is Rated 18A
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Medicine Hat in His Mind’s Eye:
The Memories of Jim Marshall
March 19, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters

Join us at the historic Monarch Theatre for an evening of stories and local history.

Medicine Hat artist Jim Marshall, known for his brick murals and pen‑and‑ink drawings, reflects on the memories that shaped his life and creative work in the city. His stories draw from neighbourhoods, coulees, and the public artworks that define Medicine Hat’s streetscape.

Moderated by Brian Konrad of the Bring Back the Porch podcast, the evening features an intimate community Q&A with audience participation.

Free admission. No tickets required.

Optional memberships in the Historical Society of Medicine Hat & District will be available at the door for $10.

ticket admission
Free admission. No tickets required.
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:00PM

The M Factor - Hosted by the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat
March 26, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
ticket admission
REGISTER HERE
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

8 Seconds
March 13, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
This movie chronicles the life of Lane Frost, 1987 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion, his marriage and his friendships with Tuff Hedeman (three-time World Champion) and Cody Lambert.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:15PM
showtime
7:00PM

Lion King
March 22, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Lion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

Babe
March 1, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Gentle farmer Arthur Hoggett wins a piglet Babe at a county fair. Narrowly escaping his fate as Christmas dinner, Babe bonds with motherly border collie Fly and discovers that he too can herd sheep. But will the other animals accept him?
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM