Iowa City is recognized worldwide for its support of literature, theater, and the arts, so it’s no surprise that one of the Hawkeye State’s most historic theaters is right here in the heart of the city’s downtown. For more than a century, the beautiful Englert Theater has been hosting movies, plays, and musical acts to entertain Iowans from all over the state.
Downtown Iowa City is a beautiful place that has earned a reputation for being the arts center of Iowa. One of the town’s centerpieces is the historic Englert Theater.
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The first Englert Theatre opened in the fall of 1912 and featured a small local orchestra supporting the performances.
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The theater was the first of its kind in the area, and had room for 1,079 attendees. College students and townsfolk alike filled the Englert night after night.
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In 1926, a fire destroyed the interior, but much of the building was saved. Etta Chopek Englert Hanlon rebuilt the theater, focusing on making it safer by removing box seating that was considered a fire hazard.
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Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Englert was renovated and updated to keep up with modern cinematic times. The theater went up for sale in 1999, and it was bought by concerned townsfolk looking to preserve the historic movie house.
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Today, the Englert is a famous landmark venue that hosts local and nationally touring acts and supports the culture of Iowa’s best little town for the arts.
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Have you ever seen a show at the Englert Theater? You can take a look at what’s coming soon by visiting their website, here. This historic and beautiful seated theater is a great place to catch a show and enjoy a relaxing night out on the town.
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For more fun in Iowa City, read about how You’ll Fall In Love With This Quiet Iowa Town That Has More Books Than People.
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Address: 221 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
