Snowdon Theatre

Snowdon Theatre is an Art Deco cinema in Montreal with black and white stripes on its facade and a prominent theater sign over Decarie Boulevard. The building displays classic Streamline Moderne elements in its exterior design.

The theater was designed by architect Daniel John Crighton in 1936 and opened in 1937 as Canada's first air-conditioned cinema. Operations ended in 1982 after decades of film exhibition.

The theater showed British films during its operation and drew moviegoers who reserved their seats in advance. This practice of booking ahead was typical of cinema culture in that era.

The building now houses condominiums and commercial spaces on multiple levels while preserving the historic facade. Visitors can admire the architecture from outside, though interior access is limited.

After closing, the theater went through several transformations, including a period as a shopping center and gymnastics club. This evolution shows how historic buildings adapt to new uses while keeping their original structure intact.

Location: Montreal

Inception: 1936

Architects: Daniel John Crighton

Official opening: February 1937

Address: 5225 boulevard Decarie, Montréal (QC) H3W 3C2 Canada

GPS coordinates: 45.48499,-73.63112

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00