Description

The Ontario Place Cinesphere, a landmark in the Toronto skyline, had become tired and neglected. It originally opened in 1971 as one of the world's most advanced theatres and is historically significant as the first permanent IMAX® film theatre in the world.

As the first major renovation of the Cinesphere since it was originally built, the project objective was to revitalize the iconic theatre to its previous glory with upgrades to the main theatre, entrance lobbies, projection booth to house a new state-of-the-art Imax 3D film technology, sound system, concession stand and improved visitor amenities. Minor renovations that had accrued over the past 40 years were stripped away to emphasize the strong spherical geometry of the building.

The theatre contains new seating, new rubber flooring for cushioning and ease of maintenance, carpeted walls for sound absorption and atmospheric lighting. Theatre seats are differentiated by colour and function; red seating predominates providing a richness to the interior space. Black seats have the capability of swiveling so that all members of the audience have an equally good perspective. Walls and ceiling are painted black to add drama to the space and circular vestibules delineate the entry and exit into the theatre.

Each of the two main lobbies has been equipped with a new central feature wall depicting the Canadian landscape. The image floats off the floor and follows the natural curve of the theatre. It is illuminated from slot lighting above and simultaneously washes the floor with lighting below. A full-length display case provides space for movie memorabilia in the upper lobby, while the lower lobby has been completely transformed with the integration of a new concession stand. Blocks of red and blue enliven the space which is otherwise understated to allow the films showing to be centre stage.