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Metropolis at Metrotown is turning 40, and the retail mainstay is marking the occasion with a two-month celebration that doubles as a trip down memory lane. Running from April 13 to June 14, the “40 Years at the Met” festivities will transform B.C.’s largest shopping centre into a series of throwback moments, installations, and events.
The centrepiece is a collection of immersive exhibits designed to tap into four decades of collective mall memories. An infinity room invites visitors to step into a mirrored, photo-ready space, while an interactive message wall encourages shoppers to share their own Met-era milestones, from first jobs to teenage hangouts. Around the mall, spot nostalgic nods to the past, including retro-inspired displays and a wink to the Rainforest Cafe (RIP), alongside spring decor like hanging blossoms, disco balls, and a LOVE installation in the Grand Court.
Beyond the installations, the offerings boast both shopping perks and light entertainment. Opening day kicks off with a spend-and-get promotion, offering a $20 Met reward with a $200 purchase, while supplies last. A DJ dance party follows on April 25, with a second dance-floor moment closing things out on June 14.
In between, there are smaller activations sprinkled throughout the calendar: a flower market from Manites Flowers, DIY charm accessories with qualifying purchases, and free engraving over the May long weekend. A Korean lifestyle pop-up lands on June 13, while a TransLink merchandise pop-up in late May and early June highlights the mall’s long-standing role as a transit-connected hub.
There’s also a community component baked into the anniversary. For every spend-and-get reward redeemed, the Met will donate $5, up to $5,000, to Burnaby Neighbourhood House’s Food Hubs programs, tying the celebration back to local food security efforts.
“Reaching 40 years is an incredible milestone for any business,” shares marketing manager Amanda Chung in a statement. “For decades, families and friends have come here to shop, celebrate, and spend time together. This two-month event is our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported us since day one—while celebrating the iconic moments and shared memories that make the Met special.”
Whether you’re in it for the photo ops, the retail incentives, or just to see how your old mall haunts have aged, the anniversary offers a reason to revisit a familiar space.
When: April 13 to June 14
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown, duh
