Fowler Theatre

The Fowler Theatre opened on March 1, 1940. The Streamline Moderne style theater was located on 5th Street at Washington Avenue and originally could seat 442. The Fowler Theatre remained a popular movie-going destination for many decades until the theater’s declining condition caused it to close in early-2001.

A volunteer-based non-for-profit group called the Prairie Preservation Guild was founded with the intention of restoring the old theater and bringing it back to life again. The Fowler Theatre reopened in December 2001 and is today still fully volunteer operated. Seating has been reduced to 196. In addition to movies, the theater hosts ocassional live events on its stage.

The theater’s restoration and renovation are ongoing. The facade and marquee were restored in 2008. After closing for nearly six months of construction, the Fowler Theatre reopened July 16, 2012 with a revamped lobby. The lobby’s original Art Deco style ceiling frieze was restored. A new concessions area is flanked by original glass tube columns backlit with new blue and pink neon. New restrooms were also installed.

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

kencmcintyre on November 30, 2007 at 7:47 pm

Here are two more photos:
http://tinyurl.com/2woun6
http://tinyurl.com/2r7zn8

themel on March 29, 2010 at 7:53 pm

Took some recent photos when I visited – loved the art deco decor. I wish I could have stayed and actually seen a flick.

rivest266 on June 28, 2012 at 5:23 pm

This was closed in January, but will reopen on July 2nd, 2012 with Brave.

rustyrhoads on August 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm

hi guys i been on here a year just now signed up i see chuck n lost on here alot seems you guys love these old relics as i do i want to own one for a bar/restaurant/live music venue any ideas? contact me if you know of a cool venue thanks

Patsy on July 28, 2013 at 2:31 pm

This theatre is truly a cinema treasure and I applaud the citizens of Fowler, Indiana for saving and restoring this treasured gem. If I ever get to Indiana, I will have to visit this one!

robboehm on January 30, 2019 at 10:28 am

The facade is prominently displayed in the new BP television ads.

Joe Vogel on September 2, 2021 at 7:54 pm

An item datelined Fowler in the January 6, 1940 issue of Boxoffice said “Dick Viastos is operating the new Fowler.”