Mayfair Theatre

About Mayfair Theatre

The Mayfair Theatre is Ottawa's oldest surviving movie theatre and the last remaining pre-World War II cinema still in operation in the city. Located at 1074 Bank Street in Old Ottawa South, this single-screen neighbourhood cinema shows a mix of second-run films, repertory classics, cult favourites, and special screenings at budget-friendly prices.

History

The Mayfair opened on December 5, 1932 with a showing of The Blue Danube. Fred Robertson, a retailer from Almonte, was the original owner, and his son F.G. Robertson managed the theatre. The building was designed by Ottawa architect John P. MacLaren and built at a cost of $47,000, with the building permit issued on June 13, 1932. A house dating back to the late 1800s originally stood on the site but was significantly damaged in a 1925 fire.

The interior is a rare example of a Spanish Revival style atmospheric auditorium, lavishly decorated with Spanish Colonial Revival architectural features. The theatre maintains almost all of its original character and has been designated a heritage building.

What to Expect

The Mayfair offers an experience quite unlike a modern multiplex. The beautifully preserved atmospheric interior transports you to another era, while the programming mixes second-run blockbusters at discount prices with repertory classics, cult movie nights, and special events. The theatre is a beloved community institution that has survived multiple challenges over its nine-plus decades, and remains a favourite gathering spot for Ottawa film lovers.