Among the buildings of Quebec City and its historic district, Le Capitole is the only theatre hall which has managed to preserve its original architectural style and main decorative elements. In this sense, it is an exceptional witness to the transition from true theatre hall to auditoriums converted into movie theatres. The transformation of the theatre in 1927 represents one of the more successful fusions of two styles: one of Louis XIV inspiration, the second by the Adams brothers.
In the Quebec City metropolitan area, Le Capitole is the only standing example of the grand yet versatile theatre halls built between 1900 and 1930. Of all those erected during this time, it remains the finest architectural example perfectly blended into its surroundings. In Quebec, it is among about twenty theatre halls built between 1890 and 1930. Thanks to its original seating capacity, it ranked as one of the largest of its kind. It is also one of the few to have maintained its versatile calling until the 1980s.
In Canada, it is part of the fifteen or so luxurious urban theatre halls built or refurbished in the 1920s by NewYork architect-consultant, Thomas W. Lamb, for large American chains such as Loew’s, Keith-Alber and Famous Players.
In North America, it is the only example of a theatre hall which draws inspiration from both the Beaux Arts and Second Empire styles, brilliantly blended into a small urban setting.
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