8 Unique and Historic Theatres in Florida

Last Updated on January 4, 2023

It’s always fun to learn about Old Florida history, and the historic theatres of the Sunshine State are no exception. These theatres delighted guests with fantastic shows and movies in the early 20s. Many of them had to close their doors due to financial hardship and lowering demand.

However, all of these historic theatres in Florida have reopened their doors. They have undergone restorations and are still putting on live shows that you can see today.

Florida Historic Theatres

Check out our list of 8 of the most unique and historic theatres in Florida.

1. The Florida Theatre – Jacksonville

In 1927, the largest theatre in the State of Florida had its grand opening as a house for silent films. The first “talkie” or film with audio, debuted only six months later in this silent movie theatre.

The owners of the Florida Theatre at the time believed showing movies alone was not enough to draw the crowds in. They needed some live theater shows as well in this Mediterranean-Revival style theater.

The theater has hosted several famous live performances such as Elvis Presley and was accepted onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

While you’re visiting, don’t miss: Our Top 7 Authentic Things to Do in Jacksonville.

2. The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse – Cocoa

Known as “Broadway on Brevard”, the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse has been delighting guests with its fantastic shows since 1924.

While the theater first began showing silent movies, they changed to plays and musicals in 1989, with the playhouse becoming part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Stop by Cocoa Village for some truly fantastic shows featuring local actors.

If you are looking for other things to do in the area, check out: 12 Reasons to Launch Your Trip to Florida’s Space Coast.

3. The Lyric Theatre – Stuart

While spending the day visiting Stuart, enjoy some entertainment at the Lyric Theatre, a central gathering place downtown. The 1926 building was once a silent movie house and is handsomely restored featuring performances including concerts, musicals, dance, and comedy.

The theatre is open most weekends. On the National Registry of Historic Places, the intimate theatre seats 500 and makes for a special experience.

While in the area, check out: A Weekend Escape to Stuart, An Authentic Treasure on the East Coast.

4. Monticello Opera House – Monticello

The oldest theater on our list, the Monticello Opera House, opened its doors in 1890. It featured the second-floor housing the elaborate theater On the first floor find a general store, sewing machine shop, and a hardware and supply store.

There was also a stable behind the building where horses, mules, and wagons were sold.

Make sure to stop by and see a show today, and experience the theater’s acoustics, which is considered to be almost perfect — the actors don’t need to use microphones.

5. The Olympia Theater – Miami

Similar to other theaters, The Olympia Theater first opened as a silent movie theater in 1926 and even had a simulated night sky ceiling, complete with clouds and stars.

The Olympia has hosted entertainers like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Luciano Pavarotti, and Etta James. Even though the theater has been renovated over the years, it still retains many of its original designs and is considered a jewel of South Florida arts.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami.

6. The Saenger Theatre – Pensacola

Also known as the “Grand Dame of Palafox”, The Saenger Theatre in Pensacola showed Vaudeville, Broadway, and silent films when it first opened its doors in 1925.

The theatre was built in a beautiful Spanish Baroque style. It is a member of the National Register of Historic Sites. It’s still delighting guests to this day in downtown Pensacola with grand shows for the citizens of Pensacola and visitors.

While visiting The Saenger, check out: Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach).

7. The Tampa Theatre

The Tampa Theatre first opened its doors in 1926 as one of America’s most elaborate movie palaces, and was built by Paramount Pictures! In 1973, the demand for a movie palace diminished, and the Tampa Theatre was set to be demolished.

However, the citizens of Tampa banded together and the City Council was able to purchase and preserve the building. In 1977 the theatre was reopened, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and became a Tampa City Landmark in 1988.

While in the Tampa area, don’t miss: Our Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida.

8. The Valerie Theatre – Inverness

Valerie Theatre was built in the 1920s, and it featured popular silent films. More recently, the theatre was renovated in 2015 with new equipment and much-needed updates. Since its grand reopening, the updated Valerie Theatre has now been dubbed the Valerie Theatre Cultural Center.

Now located in Historic Courthouse Square, Valerie Theatre Cultural Center is the home to many events, including concerts, educational exhibits, plays, and a variety of movies. 

The team at Authentic Florida has written a feature article on the historic Valerie Theatre. Check it out: A Journey Back to the ’20s: Valerie Theatre.