“A $380-million mall and a ‘mini-Disneyland’”—that’s how the Edmonton-based business group Triple Five pitched the original Metropolis at Metrotown (the Met) to Burnaby city council in 1984.
“So much has changed,” says Amanda Chung, marketing manager at the Met.
While today the shopping centre might be missing a few mouse ears, princesses and roller coasters (though there was a Disney Store in the ’90s and ’00s), the Met can still elicit that same kind of excitement and wonder for those who plan a day trip to the Burnaby landmark.
In 2026, the province’s biggest shopping centre—spanning over 1.7 million square feet with over 330 stores—turns 40.
Eras of the Met
Named after Burnaby’s Metrotown neighbourhood, the Met first opened as “Metrotown Centre” in September 1986, with Woodward’s and Sears as anchor stores. It also opened less than a year after the Metrotown Skytrain Station.
Throughout the four decades since, the Met has evolved significantly. It added a new anchor, Hudson’s Bay, in 1992. It added new experiences, like a SilverCity movie theatre (now Cineplex Metropolis) and the Rainforest Café in 1998. It was the latter jungle-themed restaurant, along with the giant arcade Playdium, that defined what Chung recalls as an iconic Met era. “At the time, it was new and unique,” she says.
At one point, the Met even had a miniature train, dubbed the Metropolis Express, which transported shoppers from one end of the shopping centre to the other.
One of the most notable expansions was in 2005. “We went from two shopping centres and combined into one super centre,” says Chung. This change also created Western Canada’s largest food court.
In 2026, the Met continues to be a local economic engine in Metro Vancouver, from weekend shopping trips and movie nights to first jobs and immersive experiences. “We’ve got almost any store and service that one can desire,” Chung says.
But, she adds, the Met is about more than just doing business. “We play many parts in the economy,” she says, “especially how we work with local charities to give back to the community.”
Giving back is also part of the shopping centre’s 40th anniversary celebrations: for every spend-and-get reward redemption (where visitors who spend $200 can receive a $20 Met reward, while supplies last), the Met will donate $5 to Burnaby Neighbourhood House to support local food security, for a total donation of up to $5,000.
A very nostalgic anniversary
From now to June 14, the Met has transformed into a walk down memory lane to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a nostalgia-inspired event. With interactive art installations, throwback displays and opportunities for visitors to share their own Met memories, there’s something to check out every weekend. Plus, there’s nostalgic decor to match the throwback theme, from the neon glow of the ’80s to the jungle scenes of the Rainforest Café.
Upcoming events at the Met include free engraving for eligible items you buy or bring in with a minimum purchase of $200 from May 16 to 17, a market pop-up by Korean lifestyle brand Amuse Ground by Artbox on June 13 and a finale dance party on June 14. There’s also a souvenir pop-up shop, photo opportunities and a TransLink merchandise pop-up on May 30 and June 6 as a nod to shared regional connections.
“For 40 years we’ve practised this craft, and we love it,” says Chung. “We’re just so honoured to be a part of this community. We’re ready to grow and evolve with the community for another 40 incredible years.”
To learn more about The Met and its anniversary celebrations, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com/spring-campaign-events.
The Met is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
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