Arco Theatre
216 N. 3rd Street,
Bardstown,
KY
40004
216 N. 3rd Street,
Bardstown,
KY
40004
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Affiliated Theaters Inc. (Indianapolis)
Firms: Otis & Grimes
Functions: Restaurant
Nearby Theaters
The 750 seat Arco Theatre opened January 16, 1942 with the movie "Tarzan’s Secret Adventure". It was built by C.D. Arnold and Pope Sisco at a cost of $60,000.00. The name comes from the first two letters of their last name. Seating was staggered for excellent site lines. The Melody Theatre was located next door at 218 N. 3rd Street. The Arco Theatre had a balcony which was designated for African Americans. By 1950 it was operated by Affiliated Theaters Inc. of Indianapolis, IN.
The Arco Theatre closed December 31, 1965 with the last feature shown being "Mary Poppins". In 2002 the Arco Theatre and the Melody Theatre next door were bought by Dzevad Kresco and a two year remodel and restoraion took place. In 2004 the former theatres were reopened as the Kresco Restaurant. Many of the theatre’s features were preserved and are in use in the restaurant.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
Went to the Arco several times in ‘64-'64.. Saw West Side Story.. As stated above, the seating was staggered. On the “short end” of some rows they had constructed a “farmboy chair” (our name for them), these were 1 ½ width seats.. you could see where two seat backs had been joined to make the seat.
Can’t remember anything special.. good popcorn.. snuck our friends in the exit doors..
This page from the Kreso’s Restaurant site has additional history about the Arco and Melody theaters.
The May 28, 1949, issue of Boxoffice had a photo of the Melody and Arco Theatres from the opening night of the Melody.