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Ontario Place Cinesphere

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Landmark
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Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)

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The Cinesphere in Toronto is a historic architectural landmark and the world's first permanent IMAX movie theater, opening its doors in 1971. This striking triodetic geodesic dome was designed by architect Eberhard Zeidler as a centerpiece of Ontario Place on the shores of Lake Ontario. Its futuristic white spherical design, supported above the water, became an instant icon of 1970s modernist architecture in Canada. The Cinesphere pioneered the large-format cinematic experience, featuring a screen and sound system that set international standards for immersive viewing. Over the years, it has hosted countless documentaries and blockbuster films, showcasing the evolution of film technology. In 2017, the theater underwent a major renovation to install a state-of-the-art IMAX with Laser projection system while preserving its original heritage exterior. As a designated heritage property, it continues to serve as a symbol of Canadian innovation in visual storytelling and a beloved destination for moviegoers seeking the ultimate cinematic scale.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Ontario Place Cinesphere in Toronto is an IMAX theatre open during film screenings. Access to the sphere and surrounding park area is possible during park hours.
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Typical hours
The Cinesphere generally opens during IMAX screenings, typically in the afternoon and evening. Ontario Place park is open seasonally from spring to fall, with exact hours varying.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the public areas of the park, including the exterior of the sphere. During film screenings, photography is not permitted inside the theatre.
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Time needed
Watching a film at the Cinesphere takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the movie. A stroll through Ontario Place park can add another 1-2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the Cinesphere with the adjoining Ontario Place Park and Trillium Park. The CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada are also nearby.
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Getting there
Ontario Place Cinesphere is located on the Lake Ontario waterfront in Toronto, about 15 minutes by car from downtown. It is accessible by car, bus (route 511), or bike via the Martin Goodman Trail.
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Insider tip
Book your IMAX tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Park at the Ontario Place paid parking lot or use public transit.

Geography

Coordinates
43.62750, -79.41470

Facts

  • Opened in 1971 as the world's first permanent IMAX theater.
  • Designed by renowned architect Eberhard Zeidler.
  • The geodesic dome has a diameter of 35 meters.
  • The theater accommodates up to 614 audience members.
  • It was a featured pavilion at the 1971 opening of Ontario Place.
  • Designated as a heritage property by the City of Toronto.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Casa LomaCasa Loma1 km · NEExplore →
Toronto Financial DistrictToronto Financial District2 km · NExplore →
Royal Ontario MuseumRoyal Ontario Museum2 km · NExplore →
Gooderham BuildingGooderham Building5 km · NExplore →
Richmond HillRichmond Hill6 km · SEExplore →
Prince Edward ViaductPrince Edward Viaduct6 km · NExplore →
Ontario Science CentreOntario Science Centre10 km · NExplore →
NewmarketNewmarket10 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ontario Place Cinesphere (18)

QEW Monument🏺 historical

A monument commemorating the Queen Elizabeth Way in Toronto.

Fort Rouillé Monument🏺 historical

A monument marking the site of Fort Rouillé, a former French fort in Toronto.

Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church⛪ religious

A Roman Catholic church in Toronto's Kingsway neighbourhood.

St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church⛪ religious

Catholic church in Mimico with a stone facade.

Wesley Mimico United Church⛪ religious

United Church in Mimico featuring stained glass windows.

RBC Amphitheatre🎭 culture

Outdoor concert venue at Exhibition Place with a large stage.

♿

Colborne Lodge📍 landmark

A historic house museum located in Toronto's High Park.

Humber Bay Arch Bridge📍 landmark

A pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Humber River in Toronto.

Hanlan's Point Nude Beach📍 landmark

Established in 1862, this clothing-optional beach on Toronto Island is one of the oldest in Canada.

Étienne Brûlé Park🌳 park

A park named after the French explorer Étienne Brûlé in Toronto.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park🌳 park

Lakefront park on Lake Ontario with walking trails and a fishing pier.

Sunnyside Park🌳 park

A park on the site of the former Sunnyside Amusement Park in Toronto.

High Park Zoo🎡 recreation

Free zoo in High Park with peacocks, bison, and other animals.

🕒 Mar 10-Oct 15: 09:00-19:00; Oct 16-Mar 09: 09:00-17:00🆓

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament🎭 culture

A dinner theatre featuring a medieval-themed tournament in Toronto.

Kumf Gallery🏛 museum

Kumf Gallery exhibits contemporary art at Ontario Place (Place Cinesphere).

General Hardware Contemporary🏛 museum

General Hardware Contemporary is a contemporary art gallery in a former hardware store in Place Cinesphere.

🕒 We-Sa 12:00-17:00♿

Dufferin Gate Arch🏺 historical

The Dufferin Gate Arch is a historic archway at the entrance to Place Cinesphere.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cinesphere?
It was the world's first permanent IMAX theatre, housed in a geodesic dome.
Where is the building located?
It is located at Ontario Place on the Toronto waterfront.
Are movies still shown there?
Yes, following renovations, it shows films using modern IMAX technology.
What is the architecture like?
It is a striking triodetic dome that appears to float over the water.
Is the building a protected heritage site?
Yes, it is considered an important example of Canadian modernist architecture.
Ontario Place Cinesphere: where is it located?
Ontario Place Cinesphere is located in Canada.
Ontario Place Cinesphere: what is there to see?
Highlights include Montgomery's Inn, QEW Monument, Fort Rouillé Monument.
Ontario Place Cinesphere: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Ontario Place Cinesphere: why is it worth visiting?
The Cinesphere in Toronto is a historic architectural landmark and the world's first permanent IMAX movie theater, opening its doors in 1971.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Mississauga — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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A large suburban city in the Greater Toronto Area on Lake Ontario.
Brampton — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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Hamilton — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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Markham — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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Vaughan — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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A fast-growing city north of Toronto, home to Canada's Wonderland amusement park.
Kitchener — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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Windsor — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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Oakville — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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An affluent suburban town west of Toronto on Lake Ontario.
Richmond Hill — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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Burlington — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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A city between Hamilton and Toronto, often ranked as one of Canada's best places to live.
Oshawa — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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A city east of Toronto, historically known for its automotive industry.
Greater Sudbury — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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A city in Northern Ontario famous for its nickel mining industry.
Barrie — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
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A city on Kempenfelt Bay of Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto.
Guelph — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
Guelph
Known for its high quality of life and the University of Guelph.

History & landmarks

Stratford — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
Stratford
Stratford is renowned for its annual classical theatre festival and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Avon River.
Toronto City Hall — Ontario Place Cinesphere (Canada)
Toronto City Hall
A distinctive modernist building located at Nathan Phillips Square.