ABOUT US
ABOUT US
OUR STORY | RELATED VENUES | MEDIA
Originally a neighbourhood movie theatre, the Rialto Theatre was built in 1923-1924 according to plans by Montreal architect Raoul Gariépy. The Beaux Arts façade was inspired by the Paris Opera while the neo-baroque interior features a rich décor signed Emmanuel Briffa. The Rialto Theatre was designated as a Historical Monument by the City of Montreal in 1988 and by the Government of Quebec in 1990 as well as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1993.
OUR STORY
In March 2010, husband and wife duo Ezio Carosielli and Luisa Sassano purchased the iconic Rialto Theatre located at 5723 ave. du Parc with the intent of restoring it to its original beauty and grandeur. The Rialto Theatre is now an open, inclusive and multicultural center for performing arts that offers a platform for emerging local and international artists. It also serves as an event venue that hosts various private and corporate events including trade shows, conferences, product launches, holiday parties, galas, benefit concerts, fundraisers, cocktails, conventions, recognition & award shows, graduation balls, engagement parties, weddings, anniversaries, birthday celebrations, movie productions, photoshoots and more. Over 20,000 people walk through the Rialto’s doors every year to take part in tours of the theatre.
In October 2012, a new opportunity arose with the purchase of 265 rue St-Jacques. This former CIBC headquarters was built between 1907 and 1909 when St-James St. – now rue St-Jacques – rivalled Wall Street. The building also housed the White Star Line company from 1909 to 1939 where travel tickets for the Titanic were sold. It is on the very steps of this building that friends and families gathered in the night of April 12, 1912 to inquire about the fate of the ship and its passengers.
Crowned the St-James Theatre, Ezio and Luisa continue to renovate and restore the building to improve the quality of services and preserve the architectural beauty and charm of this magnificent building. Dedicated to hosting a variety of private and corporate events, the St-James Theatre has been transformed into one of Montreal's most prestigious and unique event venues.
Ezio and Luisa’s love for stunning architecture and historical buildings continued to grow with the addition of the Cartier Theatre to their group of unique venues. Located at 2330 rue Sainte-Catherine Est and named the Cartier Theatre for its proximity to the Jacques Cartier Bridge, they intend to restore the former church and transform it into a multi-purpose event venue. Similar to the Rialto and St-James Theatres, the Cartier Theatre will be dedicated to hosting private and corporate events, shows, expositions and more.
RELATED VENUES
