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Illinois Movie Theatres (page 1)

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Grand Theatre
Alton, IL
The Grand Theatre opened in 1920 and closed in 1977. It has been vacant since then. For more, see this website. [map]

Anna:
Rodgers Theatre: 1, 2 [gone]

Antioch Theatre
Antioch, IL
2006: 2024:
The Antioch Theatre opened in 1924. It closed in 2014 but reopened in 2015 with a new marquee sign. By 2018, the vertical sign's neon had been replaced with backlit plastic letters. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Augusta:
Cozy Theatre [map]

Paramount Theatre
Aurora, IL		 Catlow Theatre
Barrington, IL		 Princess Theatre [gone]
Beardstown, IL
The Paramount Theatre was designed by Rapp & Rapp and opened in 1931. It closed in the mid-1970s. It reopened in 1978 as the Paramount Arts Centre after a $1.5 million restoration. In 2002, the name was changed back to the Paramount Theatre. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

The Tudor-Revival style Catlow Theatre opened in 1927 with films and vaudeville. In 1934, the theatre went to a movies-only format. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. [map]

The Princess Theatre opened in 1918 and closed in 1966. I believe it had been vacant since then. It was demolished in 2020. For more, see this website.

Lincoln Theatre
Belleville, IL
The Lincoln Theatre opened in 1921 and it has been in operation since then. The marquee sign was damaged in a storm and replaced in 1988. The theatre also features live performances. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Apollo Theatre
Belvidere, IL
The Apollo Theatre was built in 1921. In 2000, it was converted into a banquet hall. In 2022, it was used for concerts and live music. In 2023, the building was hit by a tornado during a performance and the roof collapsed, injuring 40 people and killing one. The marquee also fell to the ground and has not been replaced. The music venue opened later that year and is known as the Apollo Activity Center. For more, see this website. [map]

Castle Theatre
Bloomington, IL
The Castle Theatre opened in 1916 as a movie theatre. It closed in 1988. From 2003-2007, it operated as a "brew and view" movie theatre. It housed a church until 2010. In 2011, it became a concert venue and remains as such. For more, see this website. [map]

Avon Theatre
Breese, IL		 Rialto Theatre
Bushnell, IL
The Avon Theatre opened in 1914 as the Grand Theatre. In 1939, the theatre was remodeled and renamed the Avon. The Clinton County Showcase now occupies the building and features live performances. By 2022, the marquee was damaged by a fire. It has been replaced with digital display boards. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map] The Rialto Theatre opened in 1925. The facade was remodeled in 1950. The theatre has been closed since 1964. For more, see this website.

Byron Theatre
Byron, IL
The Byron Theatre was built with a quonset hut design in 1948. It closed in 1963. The building was adapted for a body shop and a school bus depot. In 1968, it housed the American Legion and was used for special events. From 2017-2018, the building and sign were restored. It is still used for special events. For more, see this website. [map]

Gem Theatre
Cairo, IL

2010:
2024:
The Gem Theatre opened in 1910. The theatre was either rebuilt or remodeled in the 1920s or 1930s. It has been closed since 1978. The building was briefly occupied by a video store. The city of Cairo has owned the building since 1995 but it remains abandoned. For more, see this website. [map]

Carbondale:
Varsity Theatre

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