Where Is the Oldest Continuing Operating Movie Theater in the US?

Movie Theater|Theater

The oldest continuing operating movie theater in the US is the Palace Theatre in Canton, Ohio. It opened in 1906, making it one of the oldest surviving movie theaters in the US.

The Palace Theatre was originally a vaudeville theatre but was converted to a movie house in 1908. Since then, it has hosted countless Hollywood hits and classic films for over 110 years.

History of the Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre has been owned by many people throughout its 110 year history. It was originally built by John L. Seiberling, who was a prominent businessman from Canton and one of the founders of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. After Seiberling’s death in 1912, his wife sold the theatre to a group of local businessmen who owned it until 1918 when it was bought by William H. Ziegler Jr., who had already purchased several other theatres in Canton including the Lyric and Temple Theatres.

Architecture and Renovations
The original architecture of The Palace Theatre is still intact today and has been preserved over the years with various renovations and upgrades to keep up with modern technology. Today, it features 1,650 seats, a large stage with orchestra pit, two balconies on either side of the auditorium and an impressive lobby with marble floors and elaborate murals on the walls.

Over the years, The Palace Theatre has hosted many world-renowned performers including Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Luciano Pavarotti and more recently Rihanna and Justin Timberlake.

Conclusion

The Palace Theatre in Canton Ohio is believed to be one of the oldest surviving movie theatres in America at over 110 years old. Throughout its long history The Palace Theatre has seen many owners, renovations as well as some amazing performers grace its stage over time making it an important part of American cinema history.