Artcraft Theatre

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Artcraft Theatre
Artcraft Theatre.jpg
The Artcraft Theatre
Artcraft Theatre is located in Indiana
Artcraft Theatre
Artcraft Theatre
Location within Indiana
Address57 N. Main St
Franklin, Indiana
United States
Coordinates39°28′52″N 86°03′18″W / 39.481161°N 86.055017°W / 39.481161; -86.055017
OwnerFranklin Heritage, Inc.
TypeMovie theater
Current useMovie theater and concert venue
Construction
Opened1922
Closed1972
Years active1925 - 1972
ArchitectJohn Eberson
Website
Official website

The Historic Artcraft Theatre is a movie theater in Franklin, Indiana in the United States. The theater operated continuously for 75 years before closing. Today, the theater shows classic movies and hosts concerts.

History[]

It was built in 1922 on November 1, in an Art Deco style, and was used for Vaudeville and silent movies.[1] The theater was one of the first in the area to feature cool air when it installed a swamp cooler.[2] It served as a full-time movie theater until 2000.[3] The theatre operated continuously for 75 years before closing due to the popularity of multiplex theaters.[1]

Architecture[]

The building includes a full stage and orchestra pit originally intended for Vaudeville performances. The theater was purchased by Trueman Rembusch, who facilitated the theaters first renovation in 1936. In 1948, it underwent a second renovation in the Art Deco style.[4]

Today[]

Today, the theater is owned and operated by the non-profit, Franklin Heritage, Inc. (FHI). FHI purchased the building in 2004 and launched a $500,000 campaign to renovate the building.[5] In 2006, FHI received a state historic preservation grant towards the restoration of the theater.[3] The theater hosts bi-weekly movie showings of classic films. Films shown at the theater include The African Queen, Father of the Bride, Ben-Hur, and American Graffiti.[1][6] In 2015, the theater was chosen as one of the "4 Favorite Restored Small-Town Cinemas" by Midwest Living.[5]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c "Artcraft Theatre". Heritage Travel. Indiana Landmarks. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  2. ^ "Artcraft Theatre", Cinema Treasures
  3. ^ a b Malia Savarino, "DHPA Awards 21 Preservation and Archeology Grants", Preserving Indiana, Fall/Winter 2006, p. 4, accessed 18 Aug 2010
  4. ^ "The Historic Artcraft Theatre/Franklin Heritage, Inc". Members. Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  5. ^ a b Beaty, Candace. "Group to restore Artcraft Theatre in Franklin for live performances". Indiana Economic Digest. Daily Journal of Johnson County. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  6. ^ "1959 Ben-Hur Screening at Historic Artcraft Theatre". General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
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