Rehabilitating the Theatre Building

Major work is being done to ensure public safety and preserve an exceptional building.

An important project to rehabilitate the exterior envelope of the Theatre Building, home to Théâtre Maisonneuve, Théâtre Jean-Duceppe and Salle Claude-Léveillée, is currently underway at Place des Arts and will continue through summer 2028.

This rehabilitation work will address public safety issues, ensure the long-term preservation of the building (originally constructed for Expo 67), and renew the façade with durable materials while respecting the original Brutalist architecture.

A more seamless integration

This project will create a stronger connection to the street and enhance integration with the Esplanade, creating a brighter and more versatile public space.

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A necessary project

The rehabilitation of the Theatre Building is driven primarily by a public safety imperative.

The building's exterior envelope includes more than 600 concrete panels, each weighing up to 9 metric tonnes. Studies and inspections carried out since 2018 have revealed an advanced state of deterioration in these cladding panels, combined with corrosion of their anchoring system. Their complete replacement is required by 2028.

A historic gem of Brutalist architecture

Do you know the history behind the creation and evolution of the Theatre Building?

  • Envisioned under Mayor Jean Drapeau

    In 1955, a group of citizens from diverse backgrounds came together with the idea of establishing a “prestigious” performance venue in Montréal. This was the era of major cultural complexes such as Lincoln Center in New York.

    In 1963, Place des Arts opened its Grande Salle: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. Four years later, just in time for Expo 67 and the World's Fair, the Theatre Building was built and inaugurated, bringing together Théâtre Port-Royal (now known as Théâtre Jean-Duceppe) and Théâtre Maisonneuve.

  • A creation by architects David, Barott and Boulva

    The Theatre Building is part of a sweeping urban renewal movement that transformed downtown Montréal. It is now considered one of the most significant works of Brutalist architecture in Montréal’s architectural heritage, known for being one of the first buildings in Québec to feature an exterior concrete cladding.

  • A project completed in just 11 months

    The Theatre Building is distinguished by its monumental form, iconic white exterior and approximately 600 prefabricated concrete panels, which reflect an expressive and unapologetic use of concrete.

    Its ribbed concrete-panel exterior is exceptionally refined and forms an essential part of its defining features and heritage values. 

Open during construction!

Programming will continue in our performance venues, and public spaces, shops, restaurants and parking facilities will remain accessible. However, Salle Claude-Léveillée will be closed during this period, and the National Bank branch will be temporarily relocated to 955 Maisonneuve Blvd. West.

View programming

Construction timeline

  • Four major milestones

    May 2026 
    Demolition begins at the Sainte-Catherine Street entrance.

    June 2026 
    Removal of the Theatre Building's exterior envelope panels begins.

    July 2026 – until spring 2028
    Removal of the existing cladding and installation of the exterior envelope begins.

    July 2028
    Installation of the concrete panels for the Theatre Building's new exterior envelope, including the Sainte-Catherine façade, is completed. Work completed.

    View project details

Follow the project's progress with us

The construction site in images

Included in the 2025–2035 Québec Infrastructure Plan, this project—having received all required government approvals and representing a total investment of $134 million—is being carried out by Place des Arts in partnership with the Société québécoise des infrastructures.

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