Many details pertaining to the renovation of Massey Hall have been made public previously, but on Monday the first phase of the $30-million revitalization project will officially be launched at the theatre, where government, corporate and private donors are to be recognized and details of the grand building's refurbishment will be revealed formally.

But if it is Massey's future that now receives attention, the gloried past of the 120-year-old building should also be celebrated. Here's a look back at the history of Canada's oldest and most venerated performing arts theatre.