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 the film Hocus Pocus

Events

A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
Announcement
OCTOBER 24
This Date Is Reserved For A Private Event And Is Not Open To The Public.
Thank You For Your Understanding.
OCTOber
25
Scooby Doo
03:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster image of the film Hocus Pocus
OCTOber
30
Your Vote: Hocus Pocus
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
november
1
Little Miss Higgins
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
november
6
Troubadour: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for an event
November
7
Whiplash
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for an event
November
8
A Goofy Movie
03:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
Announcement
November 13
This Date Is Reserved For A Private Event And Is Not Open To The Public.
Thank You For Your Understanding.
November
14
Passchendaele
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for an event
November
15
Ice Age
03:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
November
20
Elf
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
November
21
Speed
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
November
22
Frozen
03:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
November
23
Ho Ho Hoedown
07:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
A poster for a Jake Vaadeland event
NOVEMBER 26
Announcement
This Date Is Reserved For A Private Event And Is Not Open To The Public.
Thank You For Your Understanding.
November
27
Slap Shot
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
November
28
Freaky Friday
03:00 PM
Monarch Theatre
November
28
You've Got Mail
07:30 PM
Monarch Theatre
November
29
Mighty Ducks
03:00 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 ...

Advertise at The Monarch

Showcase your business throughout the Monarch Theatre on the big screen, lobby screens, and outdoor displays.
$100/month
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

Ghostbusters

October 4, 2026
Armed with proton packs, four paranormal investigators battle mischievous ghouls in New York.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM

Elf

November 20, 2026
A man raised by Santa's elves travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

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

Whiplash

November 7, 2026
A promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Mean Girls

October 2, 2026
Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

A Goofy Movie

November 8, 2026
When Max makes a preposterous promise to a girl he has a crush on, his chances to fulfilling it seem hopeless when he is dragged onto a cross-country trip with his embarrassing father, Goofy.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM

You've Got Mail

November 28, 2026

Book superstore magnate Joe Fox and independent book shop owner Kathleen Kelly fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet, both blissfully unaware that he's trying to put her out of business.

ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
EVENT Starts
7:30PM

Scooby Doo (2002)

October 25, 2026
After an acrimonious break up, the Mystery Inc. gang are individually brought to an island resort to investigate strange goings on.
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
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

Little Miss Higgins
November 1, 2026
http://www.littlemisshiggins.com/
ticket admission
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Freaky Friday
November 28, 2026
Dr. Tess Coleman and her daughter, Anna, do not get along with each other. However, things take a turn when, in a freak accident, they switch bodies and are forced to live each other's lives.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM

Broadly Speaking Comedy
October 3, 2026
Poster for the Broadly Speaking Comedy event
ticket admission
GET TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM
Speed
November 21, 2026
An extortionist bomber rigs a Los Angeles city bus to explode if its speed drops below 50 mph, forcing a young cop and a female passenger to keep it moving and save everyone on board.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Ho Ho Hoedown
November 23, 2026
Take a walk down memory lane with Scott Woods and his talented band in this high-energy, family-friendly Christmas show! Enjoy festive cheer, amazing trick fiddling, hilarious comedy, sensational step dancing, and favourite Christmas classics.
Scott Woods brings his renowned fiddle playing to the stage, joined by guitar virtuoso Steve Piticco, step dancer and multi-instrumentalist Leo Stock, and Scott’s sister Kendra Woods Norris on piano, bass, fiddle and vocals.
This entertaining two-hour show is packed with Christmas favourites, toe-tapping music, impressive musicianship, and plenty of holiday fun for the whole family.
ticket admission
GET TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:00PM
showtime
7:00PM

Mighty Ducks
November 29, 2026
A self-centered Minnesota lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a rag tag youth hockey team.
OPA!
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM

Troubadour: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
November 6, 2026
ticket admission
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Passchendaele
November 14, 2026
The lives of a troubled veteran, his nurse girlfriend and a naive boy intersect first in Alberta and then in Belgium during the bloody World War I battle of Passchendaele.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Slap Shot
November 27, 2026
A failing ice hockey team finds success with outrageously violent hockey goonery.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Your Vote: Hocus Pocus
October 30, 2026
A poster image of the film Hocus Pocus
YOU VOTED — WE LISTENED!
Join us for Hocus Pocus on the big screen this Halloween!
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
6:30PM
showtime
7:30PM

Ice Age
November 15, 2026
Manny the mammoth, Sid the loquacious sloth, and Diego the sabre-toothed tiger go on a comical quest to return a human baby back to his father, across a world on the brink of an ice age.
ticket admission
$5 Admission
(Cash only, pay at the door)
Doors open
2:00PM
showtime
3:00PM

Frozen
November 22, 2026
Fearless optimist Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.
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!