McPherson Playhouse

McPherson Playhouse is a performance venue in downtown Victoria featuring classic Neo-Baroque interior design with seating for around 772 people. The hall has a main floor, a balcony level, and several box sections that create an intimate viewing experience from multiple vantage points.

The building opened in 1914 as part of a theatrical chain and later became public property when a prominent Victoria resident donated it to the community. This transition in the 1960s transformed it from a commercial venue into a civic cultural institution.

The venue serves as a gathering place for local and professional performers, hosting a rotating program of shows throughout each season. Residents and visitors alike experience live theatre, concerts, and dance productions that shape the cultural identity of Victoria.

The venue is located on Centennial Square in the downtown core and offers accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs on the ground level. Assistive listening systems are provided for those who need hearing support during performances.

The building is among the oldest performance venues on the West Coast and has retained much of its original character despite modern updates. The ornamental plasterwork and decorative details on the walls and ceiling date back to its opening era.

Location: Victoria

Inception: 1914

Official opening: 1914

Capacity: 772

Address: 3 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P5

Website: http://rmts.bc.ca/mcpherson-playhouse

GPS coordinates: 48.42880,-123.36658

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40