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

April
30
Clay Creativity and the Comeback
7:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
may
1
Clay Creativity and the Comeback
7:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
may
2
Clay Creativity and the Comeback
7:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
May
3
The Goonies
02:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
may
8
Hamnet
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
may
9
Mother's Day Event
Steel Magnolias
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
Closed for Mothers Day
May 10, 2026
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
CLOSED MAy LONG WEEKEND
May 15 - 17, 2026.
Thank you for understanding.
may
23
UP
02:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
may
24
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
02:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
May
28
Joy Comes in the Morning
07:00 AM
Monarch Theatre
May
29
Joy Comes in the Morning
07:00 AM
Monarch Theatre
May
30
Joy Comes in the Morning
02:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
June
18
Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for an event
June
19
The Scott Woods Band
07:00 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

Mother's Day Event
Steel Magnolias

May 9, 2026
A young beautician, newly arrived in a small Louisiana town, finds work at the local salon, where a small group of women share a close bond of friendship, and welcome her into the fold.
First 75 guests get grab bags featuring items from local businesses. Door Prizes
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

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)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

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

The Lorax

April 26, 2026
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

Good Will Hunting

April 10, 2026
A therapist counsels Will Hunting, a janitor with a genius IQ.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Joy Comes in the Morning

May 28, 29 & 30, 2026
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
Tickets available at Cafe Verve or at the door before the event.
Concession Available - Cash Only
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
May 28 - 6:00PM
May 29 - 6:00PM
May 30 - 1:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
7:00PM
2:00PM

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

The Goonies

May 3, 2026
A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

Jurassic Park

May 24, 2026
Feature film based on the children's book about a crocodile that lives in New York City.
TICKET ADMISSION
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

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

Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys
June 18, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Concession Available: Cash Only
ticket admission
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

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

My Fathers Shadow
April 25, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Two young brothers explore Lagos with their estranged father during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, witnessing both the city's magnitude and their father's daily struggles as political unrest threatens their journey home.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Clay Creativity and the Comeback
April 30, May 1 & 2, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
ticket admission
Ticket Link
Concession Available: Cash Only
April 30, May 1 & 2
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Pay It Forward
April 24, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Free Admission, Sponsored by the City of Medicine Hat
Concession - Cash Only
ticket admission
FREE ADMISSION
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

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

UP
May 23, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters

78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to South America in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.

ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

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

101 Dalmatians
April 11, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
An evil high-fashion designer plots to steal dalmatian puppies in order to make an extravagant fur coat but creates an extravagant mess instead.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
1:00PM
showtime
2:00PM

Hamnet
May 8, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
In late 16th-century England, Agnes, a healer sensitive to the world around her, builds a home with William, a local tutor and aspiring playwright. As their lives fracture, they are tested by distance, silence, and grief.
ticket admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

The Scott Woods Band
June 19, 2026
A kayak paddling through cold waters
Concession Available: Cash Only
ticket admission
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM