Kaplan & Sprachman Architects and the Eglinton Theatre Recognized for their National Historic Significance
News Release
November 15, 2016 Toronto, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, commemorated the national historic significance of Kaplan & Sprachman, Architects, as a national historic event and the Eglinton Theatre as a national historic site. A special ceremony was held in Toronto, Ontario, with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and members of the Kaplan, Sprachman and Eglinton families.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. Kaplan and Sprachman left their unique and distinct design fingerprint on theatres across Canada, evoking an architectural spectacle on main streets and in neighbourhoods all across the country, including the Eglinton Theatre in Toronto.
The Eglinton Theatre is one of the best examples of Art Deco style in Canadian theatres. By commemorating such designations, we recognize the value of Canadian architectural heritage and remember them for years to come.
As we near the 150th anniversary of Canada and the 100th anniversary of Canada’s national historic sites in 2017, the Government invites all Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history. Canada’s national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their heritage in special ways and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is proud to recognize the people, places and events that shaped Canada and to commemorate Kaplan & Sprachman Architects as a national historic event and the Eglinton Theatre as a national historic site. These types of designations reflect the rich heritage of our country and offer Canadians the opportunity to learn more about their history.”
Marco Mendicino, Member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence (Ontario)
Quick facts
- Designed by the Toronto architectural firm Kaplan & Sprachman, the Eglinton Theatre was a departure from theatre-inspired aesthetic, incorporating the newest trends of architectural thought and practice.
- Movie theatres in Canada in the 1930s were venues for some of the clearest expressions of the Art Deco style of architecture.
- The Kaplan & Sprachman firm was one of the nation’s most prolific, creating numerous noteworthy designs ranging from flagship movie palaces to small-town cinemas.
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
Related products
Backgrounders: Eglinton Theatre
Kaplan & Sprachman, Architects
Related links
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
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Media contacts
Elizabeth LeBlanc
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
Elizabeth.LeBlanc@pc.gc.ca
905-651-4507
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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