Oregon is home to around 127 historic theatres representing architecture and artistry across various eras. Portland contains the highest concentration of operable historic theaters in the state, making it the perfect location for history lovers, theatre buffs, and cinephiles.
Once an epicenter for film with over 30 theaters, Portland’s growth has called for the repurposing or demolition of some theatre spaces. With the current strain on ticket sales and pressure to convert to digital equipment, it's important to appreciate these theatres for their historic contributions to the arts.
Renting a private charter bus to tour the multiple historic theaters in the city allows groups to appreciate each location at their own leisure and pace. Travelers can utilize the League of Historic American Theatres as a loose guide to visiting these cultural locations.
The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Cinema 21, Star Theater, and Paris Theatre are currently the only operational historic theaters near the downtown Portland area. Of the four, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is the only to offer free formal tours to the public. Although not every theater offers internal tours, groups can still appreciate the architecture and history of each building.
If your group would like an interactive experience at a historic theatre, book event tickets for an upcoming showing. Locations like the Aladdin Theater in Brooklyn host musical events, while many locations like the Hollywood Theatre put emphasis on film presentations. You can even play arcade games before catching a movie at The Avalon Theatre or grab brews and food along with a film at The Bagdad Theatre.
Make your exploration of historic theatres a group activity with friends, family, colleagues, or even as a field trip. Since there are well over a dozen operating historic theatres in the Portland area, it may be difficult to visit them all without planning out your itinerary ahead of time. Plan a trip to visit Portland’s theatres today to build historical and cultural appreciation for the preservation of our city’s most historic landmarks.