Wapa Theatre in Wapakoneta is just one example of a restored community treasure.

Historic theatres have hosted movie and stage shows with their grand marquees and opulent interiors. They were popular from the vaudeville era through the time of silent films and into the golden age of Hollywood movies. Many theatres fell into disrepair in the latter part of the 20th century and have been restored to new uses and renewed glory. Cinema Treasures provides a wealth of information on these community treasures.

Ada Theatre – Ada Theatre was built in 1938 in Streamline Moderne style. The theatre closed in 1983 and was renovated and reopened by 1986. The single screen theatre shows first-run feature movies. 215 S. Main St., Ada (419) 634-9127.

Adelphia Music Hall – The Adelphia Music Hall, located in historic downtown Marietta, hosts a wide variety of live music concerts each week; space also available for meetings and special events. 203 Second St., Marietta (740) 374-8278.

Apollo Theatre – The Apollo Theatre is a 1913 Art Deco movie house maintained by Oberlin College. It’s notable as one of the earliest theatres to screen “talkies.” Renovated in 2011, it shows first-run movies and serves as space for the college’s Cinema Studies program. 19 E. College St., Oberlin (440) 774-7091.

Ariel Opera House – Built in 1895, the Ariel Opera House was reopened after restoration in 1990. It is now home to the Ohio Valley Symphony and offers first-run movies and live concerts. 426 Second Ave., Gallipolis (740) 446-2787.

Athena Cinema – The Athena Cinema opened its doors in 1915 and has played films continuously over the years, placing it among the oldest movie theaters in the nation. The single-screen theatre is operated by the College of Arts at Ohio University and is staffed by students. 20 S. Court St., Athens (740) 594-7382.

Bryan Theater – The Bryan Theater has been operating since 1939. By 1995 it had been converted into a three-screen movie house. 140 S. Lynn St., Bryan (844) 383-0000.

Canton Palace Theatre – Opened in 1926, the Canton Palace Theatre has hosted the likes of George Burns, the Harry James and Count Basie orchestras, and many other golden age stars. 685 Market Ave. N., Canton (330) 454-8172.

Capitol Theatre – The Capitol Theatre opened its doors in 1921 at the dedication of the Gordon Square Arcade and Community Building. The theater began as a vaudeville and silent film house and eventually closed in 1985. It was renovated and reopened in 2009. 1390 W. 65th St., Cleveland (440) 528-0355.

Capitol Theatre – Opened as the Rex Theatre between 1931 and 1935, this theatre became the Capitol prior to 1941. 22 W. High St., Mt. Gilead (419) 947-3455. Connect on Facebook.

Cedar-Lee Theatre – The Cedar-Lee Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1925. After being purchased in 1977, the theatre underwent a series of expansions that eventually resulted in a six-screen facility. It’s known for its monthly midnight screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights (440) 528-0355.

Clifton Opera House – Clifton Opera House, designed by Springfield architect Charles Cregar, was built in 1893. The opera house hosts year round entertainment. 5 S. Clay St., Clifton (937) 342-2175.

The Colony Gallipolis – The Colony Gallipolis is a live music/comedy/event venue and restaurant that was originally the Colony Theatre, which opened in 1937. The theatre closed in the 1990s and sat empty for many years until it was renovated and reopened as a restaurant/theatre business in 2016. 418 Second Ave., Gallipolis (740) 209-0110. Connect on Facebook.

Columbiana Arts Theatre – The Columbiana Arts Theater is a hub of community connection and artistic expression, offering transformative experiences through live performances, innovative workshops and enlightening experiences. With a focus on respect and collaboration, they cultivate a nourishing environment where creativity thrives. 5 N. Main St., Columbiana (234) 946-9250.

The Drexel Theatre in Bexley opened in 1937.

Drexel Theatre – Originally opened in 1937, the Drexel Theatre was renovated and reopened in 1981, and converted to three screens in 1991. Further repairs and renovations were completed in 2012 and 2016. In 2015, the theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places. 2254 E. Main St., Bexley (614) 231-9512.

Duncan Theatre & Event Center – Enjoy first-run movies, a summer movie series, live performances and special events at this community theater built in 1940 and renovated starting in 2000. 110 N. Main St., Killbuck (740) 485-6851. Connect on Facebook.

Esquire Theatre – The Esquire Theatre opened in 1911, showing silent films and featuring live events on stage. The theatre closed in the 1980s. In 1983, the Clifton Theatre Corp. began fundraising to begin renovations. The theatre reopened in 1990 with three screens; three more were added in 1999. The Esquire continues to feature first-run movies today. 320 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati (513) 281-8750.

Gloria Theatre – Opened as the Clifford Theatre in 1905, the Gloria Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1941 and rebuilt the same year. The theatre was twinned in 1977 and was closed for renovations from 2010 to 2015. Further renovations were completed in 2021, and a balcony seating area is planned to increase seating capacity. The theatre shows first-run movies. 216 S. Main St., Urbana (937) 653-4853.

Hayesville Opera House – The Hayesville Opera House is a publicly funded community venue that first opened in 1886. Among the opera house’s earliest performers was Buffalo Bill Cody, who inked his signature to an interior wall in 1888. Work began to update the theatre in 1994; in 2005, a grant was received to restore the theatre back to its original appearance. Today the opera house is still owned by the Village of Hayesville. The venue hosts first-run films and community performing arts productions. 5-1/2 Main St. (US 30), Hayesvllle (567) 203-3231.

Kenton Theatre – The Kenton Theatre opened in 1929, built in Spanish Colonial Atmospheric style. Renovations began in 1993 and were completed in 1995. The theatre shows first-run feature movies. 221 W. Franklin St., Kenton (419) 673-3125.

Knox Memorial Theatre – Step back in time to the Knox Memorial Theatre, built in 1919 in the Georgian Revival style. The theatre, with seating for 1,000, is home to the MTVarts theater company in Mount Vernon. The theatre hosts works by the community theater group as well as musical, drama and comedy acts.

Lincoln Theatre — First opened in 1928, the Lincoln Theatre is a landmark in African-American and jazz history. With a $13.5 million renovation in 2009, funded by a partnership of public and private support, the Lincoln is now a multi-use, state-of-the-art performing arts and education center. 769 E. Long St., Columbus (614) 384-5639.

Logan Theatre – The Logan Theatre opened in 1926 as a Masonic Lodge Temple known as the Knights of Pythias building. The theatre was renovated in 1965 and the theatre was closed in 1989 and again in 1992. Logan Town Center purchased the building in 2018, and renovations began in 2019. The theatre reopened in October 2022 and fundraising continues for additional renovation work. 86 E. Main St., Logan (740) 385-3012.

London State Theatre – The single-screen State Theatre opened Christmas Day 1936 and was closed in 2010, reopening in 2015 with digital projection. The venue shows first-run feature movies and provides space for parties and organization functions. 67 S. Main St., London (740) 490-7640.

Majestic Theatre – The Majestic Theatre is America’s oldest continuously operating theatre. The theatre began life as a Masonic Hall in 1853 and became known as the Masonic Opera House. The theatre underwent renovations in the 1970s and again in the 1990s. The theatre now features first-run movies and performing arts events. Tours are available. 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe (740) 772-2041.

Maumee Indoor Theater – The Maumee Indoor Theater opened as a modern Art Deco-style movie house in 1946 and closed in 1996. It was purchased by the City of Maumee in 2000 and underwent restoration, reopening in 2004. In addition to daily movies, the theater can be rented for special events. 601 Conant St., Maumee (419) 897-8902.

The historic Midland Theatre opened in 1928 in downtown Newark.

Midland Theatre – The Midland Theatre opened in 1928, playing movies as well as hosting live performances. The theater closed in 1978 and was purchased in 1992 by the Longaberger Company, which undertook renovations. The Newark Midland Theatre Association, a local volunteer, non-profit organization, operates the theatre. The theatre now hosts performances including jazz, rock, musical theater, orchestral music, bluegrass and much more. It is the home of the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra. 36 N. Park Place, Newark (740) 345-5483.

Monroe Theatre – Built in 1939, the Monroe Theatre hosted local and national acts through the 1970s. It closed in 1977 and was used as an auction house and antique store. The building was acquired in 2016 by the Monroe Arts Council and reopened in 2019 with a variety of acts including live music, drama, movies, local talent shows and more. 104 M. Main St., Woodsfield (740) 213-5757.

The Ohio Theatre, opened in 1928, is a National Historic Landmark.

Ohio Theatre – Arguably the crown jewel of the state’s treasured theatres, the Ohio Theatre is on the Register of National Historic Places. Opened in 1928 as a Loew’s movie house, the Ohio thrived until the late 1960s when its future became uncertain. A massive fundraising and renovation effort saved the theatre from demolition. The Ohio Theatre is home to the Columbus Symphony, BalletMet, and Broadway in Columbus. The theatre hosts Columbus Association of the Performing Arts-presented performances and a wide variety of touring artists and shows. 39 E. State St., Columbus (614) 469-0939.

The Ohio Theatre (Opera House) – Loudonville’s Ohio Theatre was built as the municipal hall, fire station and opera house in 1909. It continues to house village offices, council chamber and police department as well as the 400-seat theatre. The theatre shows first-run movies and live performances and hosts special events, including Mohican Community Theatre. 156 N. Water St., Loudonville (419) 994-3750.

The Ohio Theatre (Lima) – The Ohio Theatre in Lima was built in 1927 as a movie palace and has also hosted stage performances. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. In 2020 the theatre was purchased by Play With Your Food LLC and is home to resident theatre company The Avante Garage Theatre. The theatre continues to host concerts, plays, musicals, holiday celebrations and special events. 122 W. North St., Lima (567) 289-6007.

Palace Theatre – The Palace Theatre opened in 1926 at the base of the LeVeque-Lincoln Tower. Adorned with chandeliers, a grand staircase, mural, hall of autographed pictures and a fountain, the Palace was originally a vaudeville house. The venue hosted a long list of top stars in the 1930s and ‘40s but closed in 1975. The theatre was renovated in 1980 and is now operated by the Columbus Association for Performing Arts (CAPA). 34 W. Broad St., Columbus (614) 469-1045.

Paxton Theatre – The Paxton Theatre, completed as the Paxton Town Hall in 1910, was in its earliest days used to show movies and stage shows until the late 1960s. From 1992 to current times, the theatre has been home to the Paint Valley Jamboree. New owners since purchased the theatre and are working to update and renovate the theatre while maintaining it as a venue for music and movies. 133 Main St., Bainbridge (740) 634-0029.

Pennyroyal Opera House was originally a church built in the 1830s.

Pennyroyal Opera House – The Pennyroyal Opera House was originally a church built in the 1830s. The Pennyroyal Reunion Association acquired the building in 1910. The venue now hosts a regular schedule of live bluegrass concerts and is known as “The Place Where Bluegrass Happens.” 139 Fair Ave., Quaker City (Fairview), I-70 exit 198, (740) 492-0375.

Peoples Bank Theatre – The original building was built in 1911 as a vaudeville house and was destroyed by fire in 1917. A new theatre was built and opened May 1919 as the Hippodrome Theatre. The theatre was remodeled, reopened and was renamed The Colony Theatre in 1949 and closed in 1985. After some 15 years of fundraising, the theatre was reopened in 2016 as Peoples Bank Theatre. The venue hosts movies as well as live musical and dramatic performances, including national and community acts. 222 Putnam St., Marietta (740) 371-5152.

Playhouse Square – Playhouse Square is a collection of five historic theaters all built from 1921-22 — the Allen Theatre, the Hanna Theatre, the Mimi Ohio Theatre, the Keybank State Theatre and the Connor Palace. Together, they make up a world-class arts and entertainment district in downtown Cleveland. Find Broadway musicals, films, dance, concerts, drama, comedy and more. More than 1 million guests per year enjoy more than 1,000 events at Playhouse Square. 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (216) 241-6000.

The Plaza Theatre – This movie house opened Dec. 25, 1919, featuring a Wurlitzer organ and 700 seats. The Plaza Theatre closed in 1968 and became a retail store that closed in 2002, then remained vacant until its restoration, reopening in 2015. The theatre now hosts first-run and classic movies and special events. 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg (937) 530-8013.

Renaissance Theatre – The Renaissance Theatre opened in January 1928 as the Ohio Theatre with silent movies and vaudeville productions. By the late 1970s, the theatre had fallen into disrepair. In the early 1980s fundraising and revitalization efforts began with major work completed in 1984-85; work continues through today. The theatre is operated by the Renaissance Performing Arts Association, offering musical theatre, Mansfield Symphony and other music concerts and films. 138 Park Ave. West, Mansfield (419) 522-2726.

Ro-Na Cultural Center – The Ro-Na Theater opened its doors in 1949, decorated in Art Deco style, featuring glass block columns and neon lighting. The theater closed in 1973 and in 2009 was donated to the City of Ironton, which has been undertaking ongoing renovations since then. The theater is hosts performances, special events and is available for rent by community members. 310 S. Third St., Ironton (740) 533-7333.

Quaker Cinema – The Quaker Cinema opened in 1940 and for more than 70 years the theatre has offered first-run movies at affordable prices. Renovation work began in 2014. 158 W. High St., New Philadelphia (330) 343-7300.

Southern Theatre – The oldest surviving theatre in central Ohio and one of the oldest in the state, the Southern Theatre opened in 1896. The Southern was designed for theatrical touring productions, and later also hosted silent films, vaudeville, motion pictures, dance, country music revues and community events. By 1931, the Southern was a full-time movie house; it closed in 1979. The theatre reopened in 1998 after a full restoration and fundraising led by the Columbus Association of Performing Arts (CAPA). 21 E. Main St., Columbus (614) 469-1045.

Star Theatre – Established in 1977, The Star Theatre offers live entertainment, movies and more. The venue is home to the Star Players. 121 W. Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky (419) 294-1411.

Sandusky State Theatre – The State Theatre opened in 1928 as the Schine Theatre, and fell into disrepair by the 1970s. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and major renovations took place in 1990. The theatre is working toward complete renovation for its 100th anniversary in 2028. 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky (419) 626-1950.

Secrest Auditorium – Secrest Auditorium started as a WPA project in 1937 and was completed in 1940. The site hosts a broad range of live music and theatre productions and annual community events. Summer outdoor live music series at the Secrest have become popular. 334 Shinnick St., Zanesville (740) 454-6851.

The State Theater – Built in 1927 as a cinema palace, the State Theater in Springfield operated until 1990. It has since reopened for live theater as well as silent movie screenings. The theater has been undergoing extensive renovations. Improvements to the theater’s bar area, sound and lighting are taking place now. 16 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield (937) 204-3941.

Strand Theatre – The Strand Theatre opened in April 1916 and has been showing movies continually ever since. Schine Theatres purchased the cinema in 1936 and owned it until 1971. It was locally owned after that, adding two more screens in the 1980s. In 2002 Ohio Wesleyan University took temporary ownership and helped create the Strand Theatre and Cultural Arts Association, which now owns The Strand. The theatre shows first-run feature movies and hosts special events. 28 E. Winter St., Delaware (740) 816-1938.

Stuart’s Opera House – Stuart’s Opera House opened in 1879 but closed in 1924. Restoration work began in the 1970s, but a fire in 1980 resulted in a lengthy restoration process, completed in 1996. The venue is now operated by a non-profit organization and hosts community and professional theatrical productions and local, regional and national musical performers. The Nelsonville Music Festival is held here annually in September. 52 Public Square, Nelsonville (740) 753-1924.

Tecumseh Theatre – The Tecumseh Theatre was built in 1907 by the Fraternal Order of Red Men and was known as Red Men’s Hall in its early years. Part of the building was used to show silent movies in the 1920s; it showed the first talking movies in the Hocking Valley in the 1930s. The movie theatre closed in the 1950s. A fire at an adjacent building in the 1960s caused damage to the building, and it was sold to local investors in 1976, who renamed the building and began fundraising and renovation work. Renovation work is continuing on the building while it hosts movies and special community events. 114-116 E. Main St., Shawnee (740) 580-2065.

The Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville is the home of the Ohio Valley Opry.

Twin City Opera House – The Twin City Opera House, which opened to the public in 1892, commands the central square of McConnelsville. Home of the Ohio Valley Opry, the venue provides both live entertainment and movies. 15 W. Main St., McConnelsville (740) 962-3030.

Wapa Theatre – The Wapa Theatre with its magnificent chieftain marquee is one of the most recognizable theatres in the state. The theatre opened as the Brown Theatre in 1904 and has been screening movies since the 1930s. By 1941, it had been renamed Wapa Theatre. 15 Willipie St., Wapakoneta (419) 738-3718.

Warner Theatre – Warner Theatre opened in May 1931 and screened movies until 1968. The building was saved from demolition and renovated as the permanent home of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. It was reopened and renamed Powers Auditorium in 1969. The theatre is now part of the DeYor Performing Arts Center and hosts theater, concerts, recitals, weddings, banquets and meetings. 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown (330) 744-0264.

Woodward Opera House – Historic landmark venue for music concerts and special events. The Woodward, built in 1851, is reputed to be the oldest authentic 19th century theater still standing. The Woodward Opera House is tied closely to Dan Emmett, composer of American standards “Dixie,” “Old Dan Tucker,” “Turkey in the Straw” and “Blue Tail Fly.” Restoration began in the 1970s and continues today. 107 S. Main St., Mount Vernon (740) 462-3163.

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