Ohio Theatre | Columbus

The Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, is a historic and architectural treasure renowned for its stunning Spanish Baroque design and its role as a premier performing arts venue. Opened in 1928, the theatre has evolved from a grand movie palace into a vibrant cultural center that hosts a wide variety of performances, including symphony concerts, ballet, opera, Broadway shows, and classic film screenings.

Historical and Architectural Significance

The Ohio Theatre was designed by the prominent architect Thomas W. Lamb, known for creating some of America’s most lavish movie palaces during the early 20th century. It opened on March 17, 1928, as a movie theater intended to provide an opulent entertainment experience to the public, earning it the nickname “Palace for the Average Man.”

Spanish Baroque Style: The theater’s architecture features elaborate ornamentation typical of Spanish Baroque design, including intricate plaster moldings, carved columns, and ornate ceilings.

Interior Features: Inside, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking 21-foot-high chandelier and a ceiling painted to simulate a starlit sky, creating the illusion of an open-air courtyard.

Anne Dornan’s Influence: Anne Dornan, one of the first female graduates of the Columbia School of Architecture, selected the interior furnishings and decorative objects. Her personal safari collection is reflected in the “Africa Corner,” and she designed elegant lounges, including separate women’s smoking rooms with advanced ventilation systems for the era.

Restoration: By the 1960s, the theater faced decline but was saved through a massive community-led restoration, reopening in 1969. Since then, it has been meticulously maintained and preserved as a historic landmark.

Performing Arts Venue

Today, the Ohio Theatre functions as a dynamic hub for performing arts in Columbus, offering a diverse range of programming:

Resident Companies: It serves as the home stage for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet Columbus, and Opera Columbus.

Broadway in Columbus: The theater hosts major touring Broadway productions, attracting top-tier shows such as Hamilton, The Lion King, and Kimberly Akimbo.

Concerts and Dance: Beyond classical music and ballet, the venue presents modern dance performances, popular concerts, and community events.

Family Programming: Many family-friendly shows and events are featured, encouraging arts appreciation across all ages.

Film and Special Events

The Ohio Theatre also honors its origins as a cinema by hosting:

CAPA Summer Movie Series: An annual event where classic and beloved films are screened on the historic big screen, providing a nostalgic movie-going experience in a grand setting.

Special Screenings and Festivals: The theater occasionally hosts film festivals, retrospectives, and special cultural screenings.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The Ohio Theatre is designed to provide comfort and accessibility to all guests:

Seating and Accessibility: The auditorium seats around 1,700 guests with excellent sightlines and acoustics. It is fully accessible, including wheelchair seating.

Family Services: Free booster seats for children and nursing stations equipped with comfortable amenities support families visiting the venue.

Concessions and Lounge Areas: Visitors can enjoy snacks and refreshments in beautifully decorated lounges that reflect the theater’s historic elegance.

Guided Tours: On select days, guided tours are offered, allowing visitors to explore the theater’s history, architecture, and backstage areas.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 39 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone: (614) 469-0939

Summary

The Ohio Theatre stands as a magnificent blend of architectural grandeur and vibrant cultural life. It is both a preserved historic landmark and a lively venue where the performing arts thrive. With its richly detailed Spanish Baroque interior, storied past, and varied programming, the Ohio Theatre remains a cornerstone of Columbus’s arts scene and a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.