The 10 Best Historic Theaters in Georgia!
This Magnificent venue tucked in downtown Atlanta is unlike any other you've ever seen. Having first opened its doors in 1928, The theater was initially the home for Atlanta’s Shriners organization. It's stunning art architecture is a beautiful blend of Egyptian, Spanish, and Far Eastern mosques, giving it a truly one-of-a-kind look and feel. Today, the theatre hosts numerous performances throughout the year, including headliners like Sarah Brightman, Yanni, Bill Clinton, and a number of Broadway shows.
Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
This magnificent venue tucked in downtown Atlanta is unlike any other you've ever seen. Having first opened its doors in 1928, the theatre was initially the home for Atlanta’s Shriners organization. It's stunning art architecture is a beautiful blend of Egyptian, Spanish, and Far Eastern mosques, giving it a truly one-of-a-kind look and feel. Today, the theatre hosts numerous performances throughout the year, including headliners like Sarah Brightman, Yanni, Bill Clinton, and a number of Broadway shows.
Springer Opera House, Columbus, GA
One of Georgia's oldest theaters is the Springer Opera House, dating all the way back to before the turn of the 20th century. Considered one of the finest theaters in the country at the time, the Springer opera house was known for its opulence and high proscenium arch. In 1964, the Springer Opera House almost met its fate as a wrecking ball hovered above stage, but plans for demolition were supported by a group of concerned citizens which is why the opera house still stands today. Today, the theater hosts the number of main stage performances throughout the year and is one of only seven theatres designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The Historic Savannah Theater, Savannah, GA
The historic Savannah Theatre is celebrating its 200 year anniversary 2018. Having initially opened its doors in 1818,the theater has undergone extensive renovations multiple times due to fire damage. The theater continues to offer performances throughout the year in all its Art Deco style Glory.
Holly Theater, Dahlonega, GA
Tucked inside this former Gold Rush town is the Holly Theater with a 75-year standing in the performing arts community. Having first opened its doors in 1948 as a movie house, the theater fell into neglect in the seventies and eighties when television and Home Video rentals started taking over. The theater was reopened in the early 1990s as a fully functional community playhouse.
Morton Theater, Athens, GA
Felt specifically for Vaudeville Theatre, the Morton Theatre is one of Georgia's first theaters and one of the only remaining vaudeville show houses. The theater eventually evolved into a movie house. Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of events within its walls, including concerts, presentations, and even church services.
The Historic Ritz Theater, Toccoa, GA
His former Movie House started with just one screen and 500 seats 1939. Back then, people would line up around the block just to get a seat. This theater was one of 36 sit in a chain, and is one of only two that still remain. The theater underwent extensive restoration efforts in 2012, and now features a variety of performances concerts and activities throughout the year.
Georgia Theater, Athens, GA
The Georgia Theatre started as a movie house in 1935, but the building itself goes all the way back to 1889. The building has played home to a variety of businesses including a music store, hotel, furniture store, and the Athens YMCA (its original function). Today the theater looks the functions a lot differently than it did during its movie era. Visitors flock here for live musical performances and their famed rooftop restaurant.
Canton Theater, Canton, GA
This theater first started as a silent movie house back in 1911. Over the years, The Theatre Experience numerous changes, including the addition of talkie films, an expanded stage, and the Art Deco styling which was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The theater shuttered in the mid-1970s and remained empty and decaying for decades until it was purchased, restored, and reopened.
Tiger Drive In, Tiger, GA
This historic theater is unlike any other mainly because there is no building to house its history. This drive-in theater originally opened in 1954, the same year that tiger experienced its 50 year anniversary. The drive-in was a popular concept for years, offering basic concessions with late night showings. As home video rentals increased, trips to the drive-in decreased and it was eventually shuttered. The original owner's daughter reopened it in 2004, 50 years after its initial opening.
The Strand Theater, Marietta, GA
The Strand got its start in 1935 as a movie house and offered its final showing in 1976. Talks of renovation began in 2002, but it wasn't until 2008 that the Strand was ready to open its doors to the public once again.
