ABOUT US
ABOUT US
OUR STORY | RELATED VENUES | MEDIA
Originally a neighbourhood movie theatre, the Rialto Theatre was built in 1923-1924 according to plans by Montreal architect Raoul Gariépy. The Beaux Arts façade was inspired by the Paris Opera while the neo-baroque interior features a rich décor signed Emmanuel Briffa. The Rialto Theatre was designated as a Historical Monument by the City of Montreal in 1988 and by the Government of Quebec in 1990 as well as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1993.
OUR STORY
The Carosielli Group is a family business specialized in the restoration and conversion of heritage properties into prestigious event venues. Founded in 2010 by husband and wife duo, Ezio Carosielli & Luisa Sassano, the couple have since passed the torch to their daughter, Andria Carosielli, who leads the business with the same dedication and passion.
It all started in March 2010 when the family purchased the iconic Rialto Theatre located at 5723 ave. du Parc with the intent of restoring it to its original beauty and grandeur. Formerly a movie palace, the Rialto Theatre had been neglected for years.
The Rialto Theatre has since become an inclusive and multicultural center for performing arts that offers a platform for emerging local and international artists. It also serves as an event venue that hosts various private and corporate events including trade shows, conferences, product launches, holiday parties, galas, benefit concerts, fundraisers, cocktails, conventions, recognition & award shows, graduation balls, weddings, movie production and more. The Rialto’s grand and elegant architecture inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris make it one of Montreal’s most iconic buildings as well as an impressive and historic venue.
In October 2012, a new opportunity arose with the purchase of 265 rue St-Jacques. The former CIBC headquarters was built between 1907 and 1909 when St-James St. – now rue St-Jacques – rivalled Wall Street. The building also housed the White Star Line company from 1909 to 1939 where travel tickets for the Titanic were sold. It is on the very steps of this building that friends and families gathered in the night of April 12, 1912 to inquire about the fate of the ship and its passengers.
Crowned the St-James Theatre, the family continues to renovate and restore the building to improve the quality of services and preserve the architectural beauty and charm of this magnificent building. Dedicated to hosting a variety of private and corporate events, the St-James Theatre has been transformed into one of Montreal's most prestigious and unique event venues.
In June 2018, the family purchased their third venue located at 2330 Ste Catherine St. E. After several years of meticulous restoration, the former St-Vincent-de-Paul church is reborn as the Cartier Theatre, Montreal's newest multi-purpose event space. Located near the iconic Jacques-Cartier bridge, its golden mouldings, high ceilings and elaborate details make for an impressive venue steeped in history. An architectural gem, the Cartier Theatre offers an unforgettable backdrop for any occasion.
In November 2019, they received the “Redonner Vie" Award from the City of Montreal, Héritage Montréal & the Ministry of Culture and Communications for restoring and rehabilitating the Rialto Theatre.
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