Théâtre de l'Île facts for kids
The Théâtre de l'Île in the former waterworks in the Hull sector
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| Former names | Hull Water Works (1886–1974) |
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| Address | 1, rue Wellington Gatineau, Quebec J8X 2H3 |
| Coordinates | 45°25′32″N 75°43′29″W / 45.425501°N 75.724656°W |
| Owner | Ville de Gatineau |
| Type | Theatre |
| Capacity | 119 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1886 |
| Opened | January 11, 1974 |
| Years active | 1974–present |
The Théâtre de l'Île (which means "Theatre of the Island") is a special theatre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. It's a small theatre run by the city. You can find it on a tiny island. This island is at the end of the Ruisseau de la Brasserie, a small river near Montcalm Street in the area once known as Hull.
Théâtre de l'Île: A Special Place for Shows
The Théâtre de l'Île is a unique building with a long history. It's not just a place for plays; it's a landmark in Gatineau. This theatre is known for being the first of its kind in Quebec. It was the first theatre managed directly by a city.
From Waterworks to Theatre
The building where the theatre stands today was built a long time ago, in 1886. Back then, it wasn't a theatre at all! It was the Hull Water Works. This was a place that helped manage the water supply for the city. At that time, the area around it was mostly factories and industrial businesses.
Over the years, the building was used for different things. Then, in 1974, something big happened: a terrible fire damaged the building. But the city of Hull and the National Capital Commission had a great idea. They decided to work together to rebuild it. Their plan was to turn the old waterworks into a brand-new theatre.
The theatre officially opened its doors in 1976. This was a big moment for Quebec. It became the very first theatre in the province to be run by a city government.
What Happens at the Theatre?
The Théâtre de l'Île is a cozy place. It has seats for up to 119 people. Every year, the theatre puts on many different kinds of shows. About 25,000 people come to watch these performances each year. It's a busy spot for arts and culture in Gatineau.
