The 1929 Automotive Show in the new Automotive Building.

The Automotive Building is an Art Moderne pavilion featuring open, fluid spaces.  Yet one’s initial impression is that the Automotive Building, with its Roman arched windows, is classical in design.  In fact, architect Douglas Kertland skillfully harmonized both styles to produce a graceful, functional structure.  Constructed in 1929 at a cost of $1 million (roughly $17,148,936 today), the Automotive Building was described by Sam Harris, then President of the CNE, as “a gem of exposition architecture.” It officially opened to the public on August 26, 1929.

The Automotive Building is significantly situated to formally frame the Princes’ Gates and boulevard.  For almost four decades, the auto show was the most popular event presented at the annual CNE, and it was in the Automotive Building that fair-goers were treated to glimpses of the latest models in cars and trucks, such as the revolutionary Tucker presented in 1947.  The CNE last auto show was held in 1967, after which car manufacturers began unveiling new models at a different time of year.

Since 1967, the Automotive Building has housed many notable exhibits, including various feature countries and international exhibits, Car of the Century, Canada 2000 and the Farm Food and Fun pavilion.

Date: 1929

Origin: CNE Archives

Collection Number: MG4-S6-IX57365