Information
Landmark: Akron Civic TheatreCity: Akron
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America
Akron Civic Theatre, Akron, USA Ohio, North America
Overview
The Akron Civic Theatre, nestled in downtown Akron, Ohio, is a historic gem with an atmospheric charm-think velvet seats and a glowing marquee.People in the city see it as both a cultural gem and an architectural icon, and it’s one of the last atmospheric theaters in the country-its painted night-sky ceiling still glows softly above the seats.Opened in 1929, it’s remained a top spot for the performing arts-from soaring symphony concerts and gripping plays to lively dance shows and flickering film nights.The Loew’s Akron Theatre opened its doors on April 20, 1929, designed by John Eberson, the celebrated architect behind atmospheric theaters that wrapped audiences in rich, dreamlike settings.The Akron Civic Theatre’s design evokes the feel of an open-air Andalusian courtyard, with arches, warm stucco walls, and a sky painted deep blue overhead.Overhead, a deep blue ceiling glimmers with tiny stars while pale clouds drift across, thanks to clever lighting, so guests feel as if they’re watching the show outside beneath a real night sky.Inside, the theater showcases Mediterranean Revival charm, with medieval-style carvings, delicate plaster details, and authentic European antiques-like smooth Italian alabaster statues and hand‑chiseled stonework.Such fine detail pulls you in, wrapping the space in an elegant glow.The theater is one of the few remaining atmospheric theaters still in use, keeping alive the ornate movie-palace style that drew crowds in the early 1900s, with painted ceilings that mimic a twilight sky.Between 2001 and 2002, the theater underwent a $19 million restoration, preserving its gilded balconies and vintage charm while installing updated infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology for today’s performances.They restored the plasterwork and bright murals, put in crisp new sound and lighting, upgraded the seating, and made the space easier for everyone to reach.In 2021, the Civic grew its footprint, opening fresh spots like Wild Oscar’s-a cozy bar with an event vibe-and the Knight Stage, giving performers and neighbors more places to gather and put on a show.The main auditorium holds about 3,000 seats, enough for a roaring crowd at a concert, a glittering Broadway-style show, a sweeping ballet, or any other major performance.The theater offers cozy, flexible rooms perfect for small gatherings, hands-on workshops, or private celebrations where voices mingle over coffee.The Akron Civic Theatre packs its calendar with cultural and entertainment events, from soaring classical concerts and smoky jazz nights to rock, pop, and hometown bands that keep the stage buzzing.Theatrical productions range from touring Broadway hits to intimate local company shows and small-town performances where you can still smell the fresh paint on the set.Dance: The theater often stages ballet and modern pieces, from sweeping classical shows to lively productions by the Ballet Theatre of Ohio.At the historic venue, you can catch classic and indie films flickering across the screen, listen to thought‑provoking lectures, or celebrate milestones-from weddings to corporate gatherings-under its warm, vintage lights.Coming up, Ballet Theatre of Ohio will bring *The Little Mermaid* to life, with dancers sweeping across the stage on May 3, 2025.The Nutcracker ballet returns for its 2025 holiday season, filling the stage with twinkling lights and swirling snow.Disney’s *Newsies* musical will hit the stage in June 2025 as part of Akron’s Bicentennial Concert Series, filling the summer air with the sound of snapping headlines and tap shoes.You’ll find us at 182 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308-steps from the cafés and shops in the heart of downtown.The box office is open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on weekends you can swing by starting three hours before showtime, when the lobby smells faintly of popcorn.You can grab your tickets at the box office, order them online through Ticketmaster, or pick them up from one of our partner outlets-look for the bright red kiosks in the lobby.The theater offers accessible seating, elevators, and other accommodations for guests with disabilities, from wide aisles to easy-to-reach restrooms.You can grab a cold drink at Wild Oscar’s bar, browse the gift shop, and choose from plenty of nearby places to eat-everything you need to make your visit easy and enjoyable.The Akron Civic Theatre isn’t just a place to catch a show-it’s a cornerstone of local culture, guarding its ornate, star-lit ceiling while giving artists across Northeast Ohio a stage to share their work.The rich, atmospheric design draws you in, evoking the splendor of historic movie palaces-imagine gilded ceilings and velvet seats-while giving modern artists a stage that feels alive.
