Step Inside: The Opera House in Toronto

The Opera House is a historic music venue located at 735 Queen St. E in the Riverside neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario. More than a century old, the building was a vaudeville theater and single-screen cinema before its current life as a concert venue began in 1989. Artists who’ve performed at The Opera House since then include Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Metallica, Halsey, Travis Scott and more.

The Opera House History

While known today as The Opera House, the venue opened in 1909 as La Plaza Theatre, an Edwardian vaudeville hall that fit 900 people and brought the thrill of live entertainment to the Canadian city. As the popularity of vaudeville declined, La Plaza became an opulent film cinema and eventually a performing arts venue.

In 1989, the building was sold and rechristened as The Opera House. For more than three decades, The Opera House has been both a historical landmark and crown jewel in Toronto’s ongoing cultural legacy.

Get to Know The Opera House

Venue Features

The Opera House is notable for the original 35-foot proscenium arch framing the stage, which is now lit up during every show. The balcony also still contains vintage projectors from its days as a single-screen cinema.

Seating and Viewing Options

The Opera House is typically a standing room, general admission venue, with tiered levels on the main floor, mezzanine and balcony. Check out the venue’s multi-level layout (by upcoming concert) here.

Venue Accessibility

The Opera House offers 12 accessible seats for those with disabilities for every show, as well as an accessible restroom on the main floor and a portable ramp. Venue staff are available to help patrons with disabilities and mobility issues.

Parking and Admission at The Opera House

While The Opera House does not offer on-site parking, there is plenty of street and public parking throughout the Riverside neighborhood. The nearest public parking lot in Carpark 45 (Green P) at 111 Broadview Ave — just a short, one-minute walk to The Opera House.

 

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Nearby Attractions

Food & Drink Near The Opera House

Below are a number of dining options within a short distance of The Opera House:

• ēst Restaurant, 729 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1
• La Carnita, 780 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4
• Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine, 683 Queen St. E, Toronto ON M4M 1G9
• Il Ponte Cucina Italiana, 625 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G7
• A&W Canada, 875 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J2
• Leslieville Pumps General Store & Kitchen, 913 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J4
• Impact Kitchen, 573 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5A 4L3
• Gusto 501, 501 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5A 1L9

Hotels Near The Opera House

Below are a number of hotel options within just a short driving distance from The Opera House:

• The Broadview Hotel, 106 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON M4M 2G1
• Residence & Conference Centre – Toronto Downtown, 80 Cooperage St., Toronto, ON M5A 0J3
• Saint Lawrence Residences and Suites, 135 Jarvis St., Toronto, ON M5C 2H6
• The Ivy At Verity, 111d Queen St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S2
• Cambridge Suites Toronto, 15 Richmond St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1N2
• The Omni King Edward Hotel, 37 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9
• Hotel Victoria, 56 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5E 1G5
• The St. Regis Toronto, 325 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5H 4G3