Overview

The Mayfair Theatre opened as a 638-seat neighborhood movie theatre in early December 1932 with The Blue Danube (1932)  starring Brigitte Helm and Joseph Schildkraut.

The theatre was built by F.W. Robertson, and his son F.G. Robertson managed the theatre. The architect was J.P. MacLaren and the main contractor was T.C. James. Interior design was by Toronto-based designer Rene de Vos.

The Spanish Revival style auditorium is designed in the Atmospheric style with a Mediterranean courtyard design that includes four faux-balconies, two of which feature clay-tile canopies. Other significant features include wrought ironwork, stained-glass windows, and decorative plasterwork resembling ornate stone. Canadian author Alain Miguelez remarks that the auditorium “gave the effect of watching an open-air movie in the middle of a Mediterranean plaza, framed by ornate stone façades under a soft blue sky”.

The seating arrangement in the auditorium occupies only one level with the upper balconies being false ones. These balconies incorporate triple-arched porticoes and Mediterranean-style clay-tile canopies, as well as wrought-iron lamps projecting a medieval feel. In addition, a pair of iron spears placed in front of a backdrop of soft blue stained-glass faux windows articulates each of the balcony arches.

The Mayfair has retained the theatre clock used since its opening, and features blue illuminated numbering.

In the summer of 2008 it was announced that the theatre would closed a the end of the year. A group of concerned citizens rallied to protect the theatre, and by the end of the 2008 the building was designated as a heritage property and included on the City of Ottawa heritage register. In November 2008, a group of investors leased the building and the theatre reopened in early 2009 following a refurbishment.

The Mayfair is the only surviving movie theatre in Ottawa from the pre-World War II era and is the last remaining operating neighborhood movie theatre in the city.