Type Movie theater Years active 1925 - 1972 Phone +1 317-736-6823 Current use Movie theater | Closed 1972 Opened 1922 Owner Franklin Heritage, Inc. Architect John Eberson | |
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Address 57 N Main St, Franklin, IN 46131, USA Similar Johnson County Museum, Province Park, Mallow Run Winery, UA Galaxy Stadium 14, Clowes Memorial Hall Profiles | ||
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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.
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History
It was built in 1922 in an Art Deco style, and was used for Vaudeville and silent movies. The theater was one of the first in the area to feature cool air when it installed a swamp cooler. It served as a full-time movie theater until 2000. The theatre operated continuously for 75 years before closing due to the popularity of multiplex theaters.
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.
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. In 2006, FHI received a state historic preservation grant towards the restoration of the theater. 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. In 2015, the theater was chosen as one of the "4 Favorite Restored Small-Town Cinemas" by Midwest Living.