Coronado Performing Arts Center
314 N. Main Street,
Rockford,
IL
61101
314 N. Main Street,
Rockford,
IL
61101
23 people
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Related Websites
Coronado Performing Arts Center (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Balaban & Katz Corp., Kerasotes Theatres, Publix Great States Theatres Corp
Architects: Frederic J. Klein
Functions: Performing Arts
Styles: Atmospheric
Previous Names: Coronado Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
815.968.2722
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Apr 13, 2004 — Some "Friends of" Groups
The Coronado Theatre was opened by Publix Great States Theatres on October 8, 1927 with Bebe Daniels in “Swim Girl, Swim”- The lavish, 2,440-seat Atmospheric style movie palace rivaled those built in Chicago. It was equipped with a Barton 3 manual organ. The theatre carried on its tradition of showing movies and stage shows well into the 1960’s, hosting stars such as Sammy Davis Jr., Milton Berle, and many more.
In 1970, Kerasotes Theatres purchased the Coronado Theatre. A few years later, in 1979, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On December 7, 1983, the Coronado Theatre was forced to end the movie exhibition portion of its business due to declining revenues.
In 1997, the theatre was donated by the Kerasotes family to the city of Rockford and a multi-million renovation began. The 2,400-seat theater has now reopened and is used for concerts and stage shows. The Barton organ is still played on occasional organ concerts.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 36 comments)
The marquee sort of mirrors that of the Genessee Theatre in Waukegan.
I didn’t know there was already a renovated performing arts theatre in Rockford, that is “hoping to break even”.
I guess that doesn’t bode well for any renovation hopes for either the Midway or the Times Theatre’s. On the Midway page it’s listed for sale, but it includes an entire building that would need attention and other tenants.
I have uploaded the full-page grand opening grand opening ad from October 8th, 1927 as well as an close-up of the text on that ad. It can be found on this theatre’s photo page.
Awesome theater! My masters graduation was there!!!
yes its awesome love the lighting
This article is about a theater seat dedicated to Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen due to his fund raising efforts for the Coronado.
http://www.rrstar.com/article/20160412/SPECIAL/160419966
Link to the Rockford Reminisce page about the Coronado with photos.
http://www.rockfordreminisce.com/entertainment-venues-3/
I had the pleasure of working at a Naturalization Oath Ceremony here in April, 2025. These ceremonies are held at least twice a year here.
Ended its days as a movie theater on December 7, 1983.
The Coronado opened its doors by the Publix Great States Theatres Corp. chain on October 9, 1927 with Bebe Daniels in “Swim Girl Swim” along with the live stage production of “Coronado Nights” starring the Syncopating Serenaders, a live musical number by Dan Garry & His Playboys, a master of ceremonies address by Johnny Perkins, a live performance by the theater’s orchestra conducted by A.H. Short, and Ralph H. Brigham playing with the Barton Grande Organ.
Taken over by Kerasotes on July 1, 1970.