CAA Theatre, originally the Victoria, is located at 651-653 Yonge St (south of Charles St on the east side) in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood of Toronto.
Built in 1912 as a private residence, the 2½ storey Second Empire-style structure was transformed into a theatre in 1919. Opening as the Victoria, the theatre has had a few name changes during its time, including the Embassy, Astor, New Yorker, Showcase, Festival and Panasonic.
Behind the sign are some of the building’s original features. The structure received heritage status from the City of Toronto in 2016 and is also part of the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District.
CAA Theatre Photos
2021 – CAA Theatre at 651-653 Yonge St, south of Charles St on the east side. Previously the Panasonic, Festival, Showcase, New Yorker, Astor and Victoria Theatre1937 – Embassy Theatre, today home to the CAA Theatre, at 651-653 Yonge St. On the marquee, “That Hamilton Woman” starring Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, was playing (Archives of Ontario I0012595) 1950 – Astor Theatre, previously the Embassy, today home to the CAA Theatre at 651-653 Yonge St, south of Charles St E. On the marquee, “Bringing Up Baby” and “The Informer” were playing (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1128, Series 380, Item 288)1958 – A poster advertising the showing of four movies at the Astor Theatre (Courtesy of Toronto Public Library, Alan and Thomas Suddon collection, Object # Suddon_0081) 1950s – Astor Theatre once at 651-653 Yonge St, south of Charles St on the east side. On the marquee, “The Prince and the Pauper” starring Errol Flynn, was playing (Archives of Ontario I0012596)1980s – Showcase Cinema once at 651-653 Yonge St is today home to CAA Theatre. On the sign, “Triumph of the Spirit” starring Willem Dafoe, is playing (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 610, Item 12) 2015 – Formerly the Panasonic, now CAA Theatre at 651-653 Yonge St. Notice the original architectural elements behind the screen (Google Maps)1920 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Victoria Theatre (Toronto Public Library)1939 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address and phone number of the Embassy Theatre (Toronto Public Library)1950 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Astor Theatre (Toronto Public Library)1964 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the New Yorker Theatre (Toronto Public Library)
