St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts

As a focus of Canadian performing arts, the Centre will take a leadership role in providing Toronto residents, visitors and diverse cultural communities with a professional, service-oriented theatrical and entertainment facility. Varied and high quality cultural, artistic and public events will be attracted, facilitated and presented continually.

History

Constructed in 1967 as Toronto’s Centennial Project, the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts opened its doors in 1970. The building housed two auditoriums; The Theatre and The Town Hall.

The early eighties saw The Theatre renovated with the generous support of the late Mrs. Bluma Appel, a major patron of the arts. It was renamed in her honour.

In 1984, a group of friends of the late Canadian actress Jane Mallett organized a fundraising campaign to renovate the Town Hall, renaming it the Jane Mallett Theatre to commemorate her life and accomplishments.

In November 2007, at the end of a year-long $3 million renovation project, the StLC revealed a new, modern look to the public. The undertaking coincided with transformations of other cultural landmarks in Toronto including the ROM, the AGO, the National Ballet School, and the Royal Conservatory of Music.

With an eye to modernization and increasing the enjoyment for patrons, the innovative design concept by 3rd UNCLE design has updated and reinvigorated the StLC, while respecting the original design of the building.