Fowler Theatre

The Fowler Theatre opened on March 1, 1940. The Streamline Moderne 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.

Recent comments (view all 13 comments)

lostmemory on June 13, 2008 at 8:45 am

This is an updated link for the one posted on Mar 5, 2006.

lostmemory on January 12, 2009 at 7:43 am

Here is a nice 2009 photo.

lostmemory on February 27, 2009 at 2:38 pm

Fowler Theater related photos:

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lostmemory on February 27, 2009 at 2:41 pm

It looks like the status should be open.

lostmemory on February 27, 2009 at 6:03 pm

More Fowler Theater related photos:

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Chuck1231 on March 26, 2009 at 9:11 pm

A night shot of the Fowler Theatre.
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lostmemory on April 22, 2009 at 11:42 am

This is a 1985 photo.

lostmemory on August 19, 2009 at 10:29 am

Here is an August 2009 photo.

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.

Chuck1231 on November 7, 2010 at 1:38 am

May 2010 photos of the Fowler Theatre cpourtesy Julia
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