View more Ohio Theaters and Playhouses.
Ohio is home to some of the oldest and grandest theaters in the country. What’s more, many efforts by the citizens and businesses of Ohio have helped restore the oldest of these theaters to their original splendor. So if you want to experience a live performance or cultural event in style, then head to one of these 10 best historic theaters in Ohio.
The Holland Theatre, formerly the Schine’s Holland Theatre, opened in 1931 and is one of the most unique historic theatres in the state. A visit to this space will transport you to Holland with its Flemish design and architecture and Dutch village-styled interior.
The Victoria Theatre in Dayton can be traced back to 1866, when it was called the Turner Opera House. This stunning theatre was destroyed by two fires and a flood and was well on its way to being demolished before the community stepped up to save the theatre in the 1970s. Today, the historic theatre offers a number of spectacular shows year-round.
The stunning Cincinnati Music Hall opened in 1878, and today, the concert hall is a defining building in the city. With generous donations from the community, the theater was recently renovated and continues to entertain thousands of visitors every year.
The Ohio Theatre opened in 1928 at the end of the silent film era. With Spanish Baroque-style architecture, a theater organ, and other remarkable details, it remains one of the top destinations in Columbus. The Ohio Theatre is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, and many more annual events.
Located just a few blocks away from the Ohio Theatre, the Southern Theatre in Columbus is another fantastic historic theatre well worth visiting. The theatre opened in 1896 but struggled to stay open. Fortunately, it reopened in 1998 and now hosts a number of concerts and performances.
The Canton Palace Theatre is another Ohio theatre designed in a Spanish Colonial style and is one of the few atmospheric theaters remaining. This grand theatre opened in 1926 as a movie house and continues to show both films and live performances today.
Most of the Playhouse Square in Cleveland opened around the 1920s and is known as the largest performing arts center outside of New York City. Its performance spaces attract more than one million visitors every year.
The Ariel Opera House opened in 1895 in downtown Gallipolis. After struggling for many years, the theater was restored and reopened around 1990 as the new home of the Ohio Valley Symphony. Today, it is still home of the symphony and hosts a number of theatrical performances year round.
The Ritz Theatre in Tiffin is a stunning theatre with Italian Renaissance design and an artistic version of a Roman villa in the main concert hall. Opening in 1928, the theatre still offers a variety of live performances, classic films, and more.
Opening in 1928, the Midland Theatre in Newark started its story with silent film showings. The theatre underwent serious renovations in the 1990s and now offers a variety of performances to enjoy, including musicals and concerts.
