Vancouver has a lot of fantastic hidden gems, but some are definitely more secretive than others. This gem is certainly hidden, and will require you to look really, really close.
VANCOUVER’S CONNECTION TO CINEMA
With a long and storied history with the movie industry, Vancouver has a close relationship with filmmaking. Many popular films and television shows have been shot all around Metro Vancouver. From the recent hit show The Last of Us to Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine starring Vancouver’s own Ryan Reynolds, plenty of blockbusters can call our city their home.
But Vancouver’s smallest cinema goes a bit farther than today’s modern movies. Created by artists Janet Mader and David Bynoe, the East Van Vodville Cinema is inspired by the city’s once-oldest vaudeville and film theatre called the Pantages Theatre. Heritage Vancouver states that the theatre was designed by the architect E.E. Blackmore in 1907 and featured an interior that was draped in “ornate, classically-inspired plasterwork.”
Sadly, the Pantages was demolished in December 2011 due to depleting interest, a lack of funds, and the building’s decay. Regardless, the Pantages remains a huge part of Vancouver’s and Canada’s cinema history and the East Van Vodville Cinema aims to capture that charm.
CINEMA NEVER LOOKED SO SMALL
Walk down the alley and find the fourth window. You can recognize the little cinema from its red borders and gold text, reminiscent of vintage theatres and classic films. The marquee also announces today’s showings. Bend down or step up onto the provided stump, peer through the window, and you can see a scale replica of the Pantages!
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The East Van Vodville Cinema is completely free and open to the public 24/7. You can find it on 1601 Venables Street, hidden as the fourth window from the alley. They show a variety of films ranging from short films, local creators, and other classic film scenes out of context. You can find their Instagram here!
It’s the perfect place for cinema and history lovers. Just don’t forget to bring the popcorn!
