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Illinois Movie Theatres (page 1)

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Alton:
Grand Theatre

Anna:
Rodgers Theatre: 1, 2 [gone]

Augusta:
Cozy Theatre [map]

Antioch Theatre
Antioch, IL		 Paramount Theatre
Aurora, IL		 Catlow Theatre
Barrington, IL		 Princess Theatre [gone]
Beardstown, IL
The Antioch Theatre was built in 1919 as the Majestic Theatre. In 1928, it was renamed the Antioch Theatre. This photo is from 2006. The theatre closed in 2014 but reopened in 2015. By 2018, the neon had been replaced with backlit plastic letters. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

The Paramount Theatre was designed by Rapp & Rapp and opened in 1931. It closed in the mid-1970s. It reopened in 1978 as the Paramount Arts Centre after a $1.5 million restoration. In 2002, the name was changed back to the Paramount Theatre. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

The Tudor-Revival style Catlow Theatre opened in 1927 with films and vaudeville. In 1934, the theatre went to a movies-only format. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. [map]

The Princess Theatre opened in 1918 and closed in 1966. I believe it had been vacant since then. It was demolished in 2020. For more, see this website.

Lincoln Theatre
Belleville, IL		 Avon Theatre
Breese, IL
The Lincoln Theatre opened in 1921 and it has been in operation since then. The marquee sign was damaged in a storm and replaced in the 1988. The theatre also features live performances. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

The Avon Theatre opened in 1914 as the Grand Theatre. In 1939, the theatre was remodeled and renamed the Avon. The Clinton County Showcase now occupies the building and features live performances. By 2022, the marquee was damaged by a fire. It has been replaced with digital display boards. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Belvidere:
Apollo Theatre

Bloomington:
Castle Theatre

Bushnell:
Rialto Theatre

Byron:
Byron Theatre

Gem Theatre
Cairo, IL
The Gem Theatre opened in 1910. The theatre was either rebuilt or remodeled in the 1920s or 1930s. It has been closed since 1978. The building was briefly occupied by a video store. The city of Cairo has owned the building since 1995 but it remains abandoned. For more, see this website. [map]

Carbondale:
Varsity Theatre

Carmi:
Carmi Cinemas [gone]

Illinois Theatre
Centralia, IL
The Illinois Theatre was built in 1922 as a vaudeville theatre. It has been closed since 2001. In 2005, the theatre was donated to the city of Centralia. It is currently being renovated for use as a live venue. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Orpheum Theatre
Champaign, IL
The Orpheum Theatre was built in 1904 as a vaudeville house. It was rebuilt and reopened as the New Orpheum Theatre in 1914. This theatre was designed by Rapp & Rapp and inspired by the Salle de la Spectacle in Versailles, France. The Orpheum began showing movies in the 1920s. The facade was remodeled and a new sign built in 1967. The theatre struggled in the 1970s and 1980s and the building was nearly demolished. In 1994, the lobby and storefronts found a new use as a children's science museum. The auditorium is currently being restored, however, not as a movie theatre. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Boardman's Art Theatre
Champaign, IL
Boardman's Art Theatre opened as the Park Theatre in 1913 and closed in 1958. It was reopened that same year by the Art Theatre Guild as the Art Theatre. It operated as an adult movie house from the late 1960s until closing in 1986. In 1987, the theatre was renovated and reopened as the New Art Theatre. It closed again in 2003 but reopened shortly thereafter as Boardman's Art Theatre. It has been closed since 2019. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Virginia Theatre
Champaign, IL
The Virginia Theatre opened in 1921 with live performances and silent films. In 1929, the theater began showing pictures with sound. It continued hosting vaudeville acts into the 1940s. The theatre was remodeled in 1955 with a new ticket booth, front doors and lobby. It closed in 1992 and soon thereafter began presenting stage productions. In 2000, restoration work began while the theatre remained open. The Virginia now features film festivals, live performances, and special events. These photos are from 2009. During a 2010 restoration, the 1940s marquee sign was removed. It has been replaced with a replica of the original sign. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. [map]

Will Rogers Theatre
Charleston, IL
The Will Rogers Theatre opened in 1938. It was twinned at some point. The adjacent shops are faced with the same style terra cotta tile. These photos are from 2006. The theatre closed in 2010. In 2012, new owners began restoration work. For more, see this website. [map]

Chicago Heights:
former Nortown Theatre [map]

Town Theatre
Chillicothe, IL		 Olympic Theatre
Cicero, IL
The Town Theatre opened in 1920 as the Sunset Theatre. It was remodeled and renamed the Town in 1946. The theatre was twinned in 1982. For more, see this website. [map]

The Olympic Theatre opened in 1927 as a ballroom. In 1939, it was converted into a movie theatre. It closed in 1993. It reopened a few times, briefly, and was used for live performances for a few years. This photo is from 2001. It reopened as a movie theatre and live performance venue in 2008. The sign and marquee were replaced. It has been closed since 2018. For more, see this website. [map]

Colfax:
Colonial Theatre

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