Opened 1995, The Centre was originally named the Ford Centre for Performing Arts. Many leading Broadway productions were showcased—Showboat, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Riverdance, and Ragtime, to name a few.

The Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver is amongst the city’s premiere entertainment facilities. Internationally acclaimed architect, Moshe Safdie—also the architect behind Library Square—designed The Centre.

The Centre is located in a vibrant area of the downtown core that includes Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Vancouver Public Library, BC Place Stadium, and Rogers Arena all within a couple minutes walking distance. This area is only increasing in vitality as a wide variety of restaurants and cultural spaces open.

The Centre is crafted with the high quality technology, staging, acoustics, and seating. As you walk in to it's beautiful interior—you'll be greeted by the expansive marble entry way and an elegantly curving staircase set on a backdrop of mirrored walls—an architectural kaleidoscope.

Over the years, The Centre has seen a handful of different owners and operators. In 2013 Westside Church took over operation of The Centre, and has enjoyed the opportunity to build relationships with the arts community through continued rentals and use of this great venue. Since Westside Church began operating the The Centre, they have hosted a wide variety of productions including the Vancouver International Film Festival, Goh Ballet,  The Art Of conferences, many musical guests, comedians, awards shows, and more. They look forward to building more relationships and hosting many more shows, conferences, and productions in the years to come.