The Honorable Duff Roblin P.C. and Maitland B. Steinkopf MBE, QC formed the concept of a Manitoba Centennial Centre in 1960 to commemorate Canada’s centenary and initiate a broad scheme of urban renewal in Winnipeg’s Point Douglas Area.

The Centennial Concert Hall, as part of the Manitoba Centennial Centre, was built as a Canadian Centennial project. A team of professionals worked together to create this $ 8 million, 253,014 square foot venue with a seating capacity of 2,305.

Architects
Green, Blankstein, Russell Assoc., Winnipeg
Moody, Moore, Whenham & Partners, Winnipeg
Smith, Carter, Searle Associates, Winnipeg

Theatre Design & Engineering Consultant
George C. Izenour, New York

Consultant in Acoustics
Bolt, Beranek & Newman Inc., New York

Prominent Canadian artists were selected to capture the spirit of the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall. In the lobby, a mural by artist Greta Dale greets visitors. Two murals by artist Tony Tascona are featured on the orchestra level on both the left and right sides.

A number of sources contributed to the funding of this historic project. The Manitoba Centennial Centre was fortunate to receive donations from all three levels of government – Federal, Provincial and Municipal.

In addition to government funding, an intense local fundraising campaign called The Manitoba Centennial Citizens’ Campaign was launched. This highly successful Campaign sought private and corporate donations through various programs and collected close to $7 million to contribute to the project.

Supporting a very strong cultural arts community and becoming the focal point within the entertainment district were as true when the Centennial Concert Hall first opened its doors in March of 1968 as they are today. The Manitoba Centennial Centre, which includes the Manitoba Museum, Planetarium and Manitoba Theatre Centre, continues to host many dance school finales, music competitions and seasonal festivals.