If you’ve lived in or around the Metro Vancouver region for more than a decade, get ready to feel old thanks to a huge milestone Metrotown is celebrating.
Metrotown, a Burnaby landmark, turns 40 years old this year, and a lot has changed since the mall first opened all the way back in 1986, which coincided with the expansion of the SkyTrain system.
Some of the mall’s most iconic shops no longer exist, like the Rainforest Cafe or the oft-lamented Playdium. Station Square has also seen some major changes in that span of time.
It has been over two decades since Playdium closed in 2005, and even longer since the jungle-themed cafe closed in 2001.
Metropolis at Metrotown
While there are other arcades around Burnaby, like Rec Room and CHQ, none quite match the scale and size of Playdium.
Still, it’s an impressive feat, and Metrotown is celebrating with some big events between April and June that might also lead to some savings.
Between April 13 and June 14, the province’s biggest shopping centre will celebrate with a walk down memory lane, including art installations, throwback displays, and community events.
“During the Met’s anniversary celebrations, visitors can step into immersive exhibits, share their own memories, and spot playful nods to iconic attractions and moments – from the neon glow of the 80s to jungle scenes of Rainforest Cafe,” a release about the celebration says.
“An interactive message wall invites shoppers to share memories – from favourite stores to long-ago shopping journeys – alongside digital screens showcasing snapshots of life at the Met and across Metro Vancouver over the past four decades,” it adds.
On April 13, if you spend $200, you can receive a $20 Met reward, while supplies last. On April 25, there’s going to be a DJ dance party. With some other events in between, the festivities close with one finale dance party on June 14.
There will also be some fun pop-up shops, including a TransLink merchandise pop-up between May 30 and June 6.
Do you have a favourite Metrotown store or memory?
