Like a cat, you could say the Metropolis has nine lives. Or even more! First used as a skating rink in 1884, then as a summer theatre the following year, it was severely damaged by fire at the turn of the century. Reconstructed as a theatre then as a movie theatre as of 1923, it again succumbed to flames in the early 30s. Renovated shortly after and decorated by Emmanuel Briffa, the interior designer to whom we owe the decoration for the Outremont Theatre, among others, the building's vocation returned to its first love, the theatre, before becoming a porn movie house in 1960. After closing its doors in 1981, it reopened six years later, this time as a disco. Following its acquisition by Équipe Spectra in 1997, the Metropolis has become one of our city's most loved concert venues, both by the public and by the numerous artists who have played there.
Located in the heart of downtown Montréal and able to accommodate up to 2300 spectators, the Metropolis has presented numerous major concerts including those of David Bowie, Beck, Les Rita Mitsouko, Greenday, The White Stripes, Björk, Bran Van 3000, Ben Harper, Nickelback, Coldplay, Corneille, Les Cowboys Fringants and Jean Leloupâ?¦ who holds the record for the venue's most appearances! On several occasions the popular television program, La Fureur, was also recorded there.
Though its primary vocation remains as a concert venue, the Metropolis slips on its comfortable old shoes from time to time to transform itself back into a discotheque or a reception hall for launches, corporate events and all manner of meetings. Directly adjoining is a small hall, the Savoy, which can accommodate 220 persons. In a setting reminiscent of the cabaret era, with its profuse chandeliers and intimate atmosphere, the Savoy lends itself to any kind of event. A unique feel, and a unique venue!
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