From Temporary to Timeless - UBC's Old Auditorium Turns 100
UBC's Old Auditorium celebrates 100 years. Built in 1925, saved from demolition, renovated for $21M. Now home to world-class UBC Opera performances.
UBC Old Aud 100
By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | October 21, 2025
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Historic venue that opened with Point Grey campus in 1925 marks centennial with special season of performances and events
VANCOUVER — The University of British Columbia's Old Auditorium will celebrate its 100th anniversary during the 2025/2026 season, honoring a century as the cultural heart of the Point Grey campus and recognizing all those who built this historic venue.
When UBC's Point Grey campus opened in 1925, the Old Auditorium was among the first buildings completed—a testament to the university's commitment to the arts. Remarkably, even as essential academic facilities were still under construction, university leaders chose to prioritize a theatre as the cultural and social focal point of the new campus.
Born from Sacrifice and Hope
The Old Auditorium's origins are deeply connected to Canada's war veterans. WWI veterans attending UBC formed the Returned Soldier's Club and, together with alumni, faculty, the Senate, Board of Governors, and President Klinck, successfully appealed to the Dominion Government for financial aid to support returned soldiers pursuing university studies.
Music served as a powerful solace during both World Wars, helping soldiers and civilians endure profound grief and loss. After the conflicts ended, the healing power of music and the importance of community gathering—to laugh, grieve, and rebuild—made the construction of the auditorium essential to campus life.
The new venue opened with characteristic resilience: seats arrived late for the October 14-15, 1925 celebrations, so the first attendees simply sat on the floor. Above them soared a stunning stained glass dome that crowned the theatre ceiling.
A Stage for History
Over the decades, the Old Auditorium has welcomed distinguished speakers and performers including Eleanor Roosevelt, Paul Robeson, and Dylan Thomas. Canadian opera luminaries Judith Forst and Ben Heppner graced its stage, followed by generations of opera singers who developed deep connections to the historic venue.
Saving a Landmark
Built as a 'temporary' building in 1925, the 26,000 square-foot, 585-seat Old Auditorium remained in constant use for seven decades. By the 1990s, however, it had deteriorated badly and faced demolition. The School of Music, struggling with severe academic and rehearsal space shortages, insisted the building be retained and retrofitted to support their growing voice and opera program.
The devotion of opera singers and supporters proved crucial in saving the theatre. The Colborne Architectural Group Pacific was commissioned to assess the building's condition, review code upgrade requirements, and evaluate its potential to meet the technical needs of the Opera Program.
This assessment led to an ambitious renovation plan: a 6,000 square-foot, two-story addition; introduction of a 60-person orchestra pit in the main hall; and creation of new rehearsal and administrative office space. The final scope included comprehensive seismic upgrades and all-new mechanical, electrical, and theatre systems.
A major fundraising campaign raised a substantial portion of the $21 million needed for renovations. The success of the UBC Opera Program inspired the university and donors to create a comprehensive center for aspiring opera singers from across Canada and around the world.
A Living Legacy
The renovated Old Auditorium reopened in 2010 as home to the UBC Opera Ensemble, which has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized training center for vocal arts education. Today, UBC Opera alumni can be found performing, teaching, directing, and creating new works around the world. They lead opera companies, work in medicine, law, scientific research, and arts administration—carrying the Old Auditorium's legacy across disciplines and continents.
The venue continues to attract international opera stars including Sondra Radvanovsky, Javier Camarena, Angela Meade, Luca Pisaroni, Eric Owens, Jane Archibald, Simone Osborne, and Gordon Bintner. The theatre has also appeared in popular culture, including the closing scene of Julia Roberts' film "Wonder" and an episode of "The Amazing Race Canada."
Following WWII, veteran registration at UBC doubled in 1945-1946. Today, thanks to the Veterans Transition Program at UBC, the student veteran population is once again growing, continuing the Old Auditorium's connection to those who have served.
Looking Forward
As the Old Auditorium enters its second century, it remains a vibrant hub for cultural, educational, social, and community activities for UBC and the Lower Mainland. The 2025/2026 season will feature special performances and events honoring this milestone and all those who have contributed to the theatre's remarkable story.
The Old Auditorium stands as proof that even in times of reconstruction and uncertainty, communities understand the essential role of the arts in healing, education, and bringing people together—a lesson as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.
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