Behind-the-scenes at the Toronto Cinesphere reopening at Ontario Place
Posted November 1, 2017 12:23 pm.
Last Updated November 1, 2017 2:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s been part of Toronto’s landscape since 1971, and in a few days, it’ll become an active part of many people’s lives once again: the Cinesphere, at Ontario Place, the iconic round, white structure housing the IMAX experience will be reopening to the public this weekend. The theatre allows for screening of films with IMAX’s laser digital and 70mm film technologies. It’s also part of a revitalized stretch of Lake Ontario’s waterfront recently undergoing a huge redevelopment, with Phase 1 being completed this past July.
Ontario Place opened in May 1971 but closed in 2012 as the number of visitors dwindled. The Ontario government was struggling to rein in a $150-billion deficit and said it could no longer afford to keep the space open.
Citynews videographer, Audra Brown, got an exclusive sneak peek at the revitalized theatre.
IMAX by the numbers:
1971 – Year Cinesphere as constructed
2014 – Year Cinesphere was designated a Cultural Heritage Value
615 – Number of seats held in the theatre
527 – Seats for 3D viewing
38 – List of Canadian IMAX digital theatres including 15/70 mm, Laser, or Dual Projection
