FIRE DESTROYS HISTORIC BUILDING IN MONTREAL'S CHINATOWN
Nov 17, 2016
By Bob Komsic
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Fire’s destroyed a Canadian landmark building and part of Montreal’s history.
(CTV Montreal)
Not officially classified as a heritage site, the Robillard Building dates back to 1889.
( Robillard / 1921)
According to the city of Montreal, Louis Minier used a room in the building, then called the Gaiety Museum and Theatorium, in June 1896 to project the first motion picture, in effect making it Canada’s first movie theatre.
Minier worked for the Lumiere brothers, who are credited with inventing the early motion picture camera.
A spokesperson for Heritage Montreal called the building, which was undergoing renovations, ”a very important piece of 19th century history.”