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TIFF Bell Lightbox - Cinema 1 Tickets

Location
Cinema 1 (Viola Desmond Cinema) | Toronto Film Center, Pa

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The venue

About TIFF Bell Lightbox - Cinema 1

TIFF Bell Lightbox’s Cinema 1, now known as the Viola Desmond Cinema, is the largest screening room in the venue complex with a seating capacity of 523. Located in Reitman Square at 350 King Street West, Toronto, this multi-cinema cultural center hosts year‑round programming, including TIFF festival world premieres and presentations. We’ve got you covered with practical details to help you plan your visit—seating info, parking, transit, and nearby hotel and dining options.

Whether you’re attending a TIFF premiere, a special screening, or a community program, secure your seats with ease and enjoy the surrounding amenities. For the full experience, consider nearby hotels like Shangri-La Toronto, Nobu Hotel Toronto, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, and Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto, all within easy reach of TIFF Bell Lightbox. When you’re ready to travel, St. Andrew subway station (Line 1) is about a 6-minute walk from the venue, and the 504 King Streetcar stops at John St right in front of TIFF. Underground parking is available at Reitman Square via Precise ParkLink; check TIFF Getting Here for ramp details. As always, we’re here to help you secure your seats for the best possible experience at this iconic Toronto venue.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Cinema 1 is named the Viola Desmond Cinema and seats 523, making it TIFF Lightbox’s largest screening room.
  • Address: TIFF Lightbox, Reitman Square, 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5.
  • Venue type: Multi-cinema cultural center (TIFF Lightbox) with five cinemas and year‑round programming.
  • Seating chart: seating maps are published for each cinema; Cinema 1 seating capacity is 523.
  • Parking: underground parking (Reitman Square) operated by Precise ParkLink; access and ramp details are in TIFF Getting Here.
  • Transit: closest TTC access is St. Andrew subway station on Line 1 (about a 6-minute walk); King Streetcar (504) stops at John St in front of TIFF.
  • Nearby hotels: Shangri-La Toronto (188 University Ave), Nobu Hotel Toronto (33 Mercer St), The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto (181 Wellington St W), Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto (75 Lower Simcoe St).
  • Notable events: TIFF festival world premieres and presentations; Cinema 1 was renamed to Viola Desmond Cinema in 2023; inaugural screening of Ava DuVernay’s Origin occurred at the venue.