Shea's Hippodrome

Shea's Hippodrome was a movie theater and vaudeville house in downtown Toronto featuring Italian Renaissance-style architecture. The venue seated 3,200 patrons across the orchestra section and upper level, including twelve opera boxes with brass railings and a full orchestra pit.

The theater was established in 1914 by brothers Jerry and Michael Shea as Canada's largest movie palace at the time. It remained a major entertainment venue until its closure in 1957 to make way for Toronto's new City Hall.

The theater served as a gathering place for Torontoers seeking live entertainment and later modern cinema experiences. It gave audiences access to world-class performers and films they might not otherwise have encountered outside major cities.

The building occupied a central location on Bay Street, making it easily accessible to downtown visitors and residents. Its large capacity and multiple seating levels meant crowds could be accommodated comfortably throughout the day.

A striking Wurlitzer organ was installed in 1926 to accompany silent films and entertain audiences. Skilled musicians including Kathleen Stokes and Colin Corbett performed on the instrument to bring films to life.

Location: Toronto

Inception: April 27, 1914

Official opening: April 27, 1914

Capacity: 3200

Address: 440 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G

GPS coordinates: 43.65184,-79.38241

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44