The Drexel Theatre in Bexley is an Art Deco landmark. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Originally opened in 1937, the Drexel Theatre is a stylish landmark of the Main Street scene in Bexley, directly across the street from Capital University.

The theatre was renovated and reopened in 1981, and converted to three screens in 1991. The theatre is operated by Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA).

A group of committed community leaders and arts patrons, Friends of the Drexel, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to sustaining the future of the historic theatre.

Friends of Drexel undertook repairs to the building, including replacement of the roof and heating and cooling system. The group also converted all three theatres to state-of-the-art digital projection and sound and implemented a cutting-edge closed captioning system. Renovations were completed in 2012, and in 2015, the theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2016, Friends of the Drexel completed a $2.5 million renovation of the Drexel that included a new addition on the west side of the building to house new men’s and women’s restrooms, and full renovation of the Drexel’s entrance, lobby, theatres, and iconic marquee to return the theatre to its Art Deco splendor. 

The Drexel is located at 2254 E. Main St., Bexley.

Ken Drenten is creator and manager of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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