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Vancouver Venues Archive

Vancouver’s vibrant nightlife scene was once defined by iconic venues like The Cave, Luv-A-Fair, Oil Can Harry’s, The Marco Polo, the Pantages Theatre, Richards on Richards, places that not only hosted legendary shows and performances but also became the heartbeat of the city’s cultural landscape.

These storied establishments welcomed traveling acts, famous celebrities, and unforgettable nightly performances, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Downtown Vancouver’s artistic spirit. Though these venues have since closed their doors, their legacy continues to echo through the city’s ever-evolving cultural scene.

Exploring the Archives

In this series we’ll explore Board Member Tom Carter’s archive from Vancouver’s “big three” historic venues: The Marco Polo, The Cave on Hornby, and Isy’s Supper Club on Georgia, and more. In 2024, Carter’s collection were archived by UBC iSchool:

  • The Cave 1937-1981

    The Cave 1937-1981

    The Cave at 626 Hornby Street in Downtown Vancouver, legendary theatre, club, and restaurant 1937-1981