Capitol 6
805 Yates Street,
Victoria,
BC
V8W 1M1
805 Yates Street,
Victoria,
BC
V8W 1M1
7 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 54 comments
In the overview on this page, it reads: <> Wasn’t the original theatre full demolished, and the 6-plex built on the former site? Or was this somehow actually a “conversion” from single screen to a 6-plex? (It doesn’t appear to be, but I am not from Victoria.)
I was in Victoria this week, and happy to see both the Capitol 6 and the Odeon still open and showing movies. Any update on the development plans for the Capitol 6 site?
I don’t think it needs to be said that if this project is approved, it would mean the end of the Capitol 6 and leave the Odeon as the only remaining cinema complex left on what had been Victoria’s own version of Theatre Row (following after the demises of the Dominion, the original Capitol, the Atlas/Coronet and the Plaza/Haida).
Redevelopment proposal
https://victoria.citified.ca/news/600-worker-office-tower-proposed-for-capital-six-theatre-site-in-downtown-victoria/
Can we get this page updated? I’m the new GM at this location, and we’ve made some changes to the theatre. There are now big power recliner seats, so the seating number is 502 total (they took up a lot of room). We are no longer affiliated with Empire Theatres as that chain has been dissolved, and are independently owned and operated (under the banner of Golin Cinemas Inc, the same Andrew Golin who runs Regency Theatres in the western US). I can also submit a whole bunch of post-renovation pictures if you’re interested!
Reopened as a 6-plex on June 26th, 1981.
Capitol 6 opening Fri, Jun 26, 1981 – 31 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com
This opened on September 7th, 1921. Grand opening ad posted.
Capitol theatre opening Tue, Sep 6, 1921 – 12 · The Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com
Just came back from a trip to Victoria and noticed this theatre has re-opened as an independent, I assume.
So glad to see it has been re-opened as a theatre as it is a great building that has been an important piece of the architectual landscape of Victoria for many years.
Let’s hope the attendance numbers keep it going for many years to come!
This theatre is now reopened. It’s now called simply “Capitol 6” and has a new website:
http://www.capitol6.ca/
UPDATE: Reopening November 4th, name to go back to Capitol 6, screen size has been made bigger on some screens, all leather-recliner seating (reserved) and Vancouver Island’s first Coke Freestyle machine at concession.
News link: http://www.timescolonist.com/business/victoria-s-renovated-capitol-6-reopens-nov-4-as-luxury-multiplex-1.2368448
Any word yet on a specific date for the Capitol 6’s reopening? We’re into September now and still no sign of activity.
BREAKING NEWS! The Capitol 6 in Victoria is reopening in August!!!!
Full article: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/new-generation-of-film-lovers-reviving-capitol-6-theatre-downtown-1.2273117
I walked by the Capitol 6 last week and noticed they had cleaned up the lobby considerably. They moved out all of the over-grown dead plants, the ATM machines etc.
With new owners, it looks like it won’t be too long before it meets the wrecking ball. It’s too bad.
At least there are contributors who were generous enough to share a wealth of photos that covers just about every square-inch of this building!
I wonder if anyone knows the name(s) of the architect(s) who designed this theatre? I’d like to see more of their work.
Love being able to come on here and see all the pictures of this theatre in detail. Wish i had taken more pictures of all the cinemas i worked at. I miss working there, lots of memories with the Capitol 6, it makes me so sad that i’ll never be able to go inside again. It’s only a matter of time before the building is demolished i’m sure.
I saw “Eraser” here on July 2, 1996. I don’t remember anything that really stood out, but I did find it amusing that the posters used were for the US market and the MPAA rating was obscured. Also, James Earl Jones voiced over a commercial for a performance, but I can’t remember what…
And that’s why it’s weird that they have not replaced either of these 80s cinemas with something more modern. And doesn’t seem to be any plans in sight either, haven’t seen any announcements from Cineplex or Landmark. It really IS too bad there isn’t more competition in Canada anymore.
The closing of the Capitol has still left a big hole in my heart, and it saddens me every time I walk by it. Ever since it closed it has been really tough to get particular movies to show here now, and many smaller releases now bypass our city because of it.
As for West Van area, they could do with a 10-12 screen Cineplex right in the mall with a few VIP theaters no problem. Easy to get to by transit as well. That would likely close both North Van locations, however.
It’s also really interesting to think that the two locations in North Vancouver are both total 80’s design cinemas (a Drabinsky era Cineplex Odeon AND a late 80’s Famous Players “Bijou”, “Rialto”, “Avalon”), largely unchanged since they opened. Very few of either type of cinema even exist anymore.
Too bad eh. Think of all the movies they could have shown by now. Our own Westwood here in TO sat empty from 1998 until last year when they finally tore it down. Rainbow could have shown movies there all these years. Going back to Vancouver, I remember when West Van had the Odeon and Park Royal and North Van had none after the Odeon Totem closed down. Now it’s been North Van that’s had the movie theatres all these years. I just think it’s odd that Cineplex or Landmark haven’t replaced either one with a multiplex and VIP would certainly fit in with the moneyed population of that area.
Meanwhile Capitol 6 is just sitting there, with the few tenants on the lower floor (the film fest office and the rent-to-own store) still open as of now.
From what I know everything except the digital projectors and some of the concession equipment is still in the building. Even the posters from the last few movies that played there are still sitting in the lower lobby!
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Cineplex go into the mall area in West Van at some point. I know a theater used to be there but they could do really well with a new build.
That said the Cineplex Odeon Park & Tilford IS all digital, so who knows for the time being.
On another topic Jason, do you think there will ever be a new multiplex for the north shore in Vancouver. They seem to be the only area of a major city without a modern stadium seating, wall to wall screen multiplex. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened years ago.
Famous Players Canadian Corporation went all out in the construction of this CAPITOL Theatre!! The first manager was veteran showman Jack McRae — whose family owned lots of property in the Victoria area.
Thanks Jason! One of the most unique and modern movie theatres I have seen anywhere. Can’t believe it’s gone. Interesting that here and in Vancouver they chose to demolish and rebuild both Capitols rather than divide up in to multiple cinemas like they did in so many other cities. I’m glad they didn’t. This one is stunning.
Added nearly 40 photos to the gallery, including scans of the 1981 grand opening and construction, along with an old photo of the original Capitol.
Consider the Capitol 6 gallery complete! Enjoy.