When you travel, do you seek out the oldest and most historical locations while you’re there? I love learning and immersing myself in the history of a place. If old movie theaters are your place of interest, this list is going to make you want to pack your bags and hit the open road. That’s because I’m about to tell you about the oldest and most fantastic theaters in America.
1 Walnut Street Theater, Pennsylvania
This place has the distinction of being the oldest theater in the United States. It opened in 1809 and is located in Pennsylvania. The theater has shown vaudeville, opera, motion pictures and more with notable actors and actresses gracing the stage. That includes Katharine Hepburn, Marlon Brando and the Marx Brothers. Take a step back in America’s history by taking a trip to this theater.
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2 Eureka Theater, California
Gracing the streets of Eureka, California, this movie theater was built in 1939 and is registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. The theater opened at the tail end of the Great Depression to success that has lasted to this day. The stage has seen a variety of shows and still features entertainment that you won’t find anywhere else.
3 The Blaine Theater, Illinois
Opened in 1912, this single screen theater has tons of history. Now called the Mercury Theater, it has been restored to its original glory after use as a factory for many years. The theater continues to entertain guests and now features two on-site restaurants so you can revel in history while enjoying dinner and a show at the same time.
4 The Plaza Theater, Georgia
Opened in 1939, this theater was originally a place to see X-rated shows. Now it has a cleaner reputation and is billed as Georgia’s oldest operating theater. You can see today’s latest movies on the big screen while enjoying the colorful history of the theater. You will love all the little details that this theater has.
5 The Alabama Theater
Our nation’s southern states have hundreds of years of history so it’s natural to assume that one of the oldest theaters is located in Birmingham, Alabama. The theater opened in 1927. The place has 2.500 seats and is one of the oldest remaining theaters of that size. The Mickey Mouse Club was formed here and today you can classic films while immersing yourself in the history of the building.
6 Coolidge Corner Theater, Massachusetts
This theater was originally a church, but became an Art Deco theater in 1933 and has operated as such since then. You won’t see the latest blockbuster here, but you can take in a variety of documentaries and independent films here. All while enjoying all the Art Deco details that defined the era.
7 Historic Everett Theater, Washington
This theater was opened in 1901, making it one of the oldest in the nation. Millions of people have taken in a show here over the years. Today, the lineup includes a variety of Sundance Film Series movies and other films that will change your life. Even if you don’t watch a movie, you can take in the history of the place by enjoying the architecture and style.
Have you ever been to any of these theaters? Do you know of any others you can add to the list?
