Princess Theatre

112 2nd Avenue NE,
Decatur, AL 35601

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Princess Theatre - Decatur (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Crescent Amusement Co.

Firms: Albert R. Frahn & Associates

Functions: Live Performances, Movies, Performing Arts

Styles: Art Deco

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 256.350.1745

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News About This Theater

Aug 10, 2013 — Looking back at Alabama movie palaces

Built in 1887 as a livery stable, it was converted into the Princess Theatre in 1919, opening on December 30, 1919 as a playhouse and road show theatre. When the Princess Theatre opened, it seated 1,500 in cushioned seats.

The Princess Theatre was a large theatre for the city of Decatur, it had 12 exits for a speedy evacuation if needed.

The theatre was renovated in 1940 to the plans of local Decatur architectural firm Albert R. Frahn & Associates, and again in 1949, in an Art Deco style, with seating reduced to 989 with all new seats and more leg room. The Princess Theatre closed as a movie theatre in 1987.

It became a performing arts center in 1988 and then went through a complete renovation in 2001 and officially reopened in February of 2001.

Contributed by Chuck Van Bibber

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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)

Theatrespawn on July 22, 2007 at 10:51 pm

The Art Deco renovation was actually in 1940-41 and was done by the theatre’s then-owner, Crescent Amusement Co. of Nashville, Tenn. Crescent later opened Decatur’s first drive-in theatre, the Crescent Drive-In Theatre (naturally!). After a few years, the company tore down the drive-in and replaced it with the Crescent Motel. Crescent always built first-class facilities. The Princess went through a partial renovation and expansion in 2001. It is currently raising funds to pursue a complete renovation/restoration, trying to duplicate the splendors of the 1941 remodeling.

WHITEFIELD on August 11, 2007 at 3:20 pm

Here is a night photo.
View link

WHITEFIELD on January 20, 2008 at 6:34 pm

Here is another great shot.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaylaterry/377985679/

Allan on January 17, 2010 at 10:01 am

What an awesome job they did retoring the Princess! Saw many movies there in the 60s and 70s and would love to see it again. Most of the hot movies were shown at the Gateway Theatre during that time period, and the Princess showed a lot of family fare movies and more obscure new releases.

Theatrespawn on June 22, 2010 at 7:29 pm

The Princess management is looking at showing a few classic movies sometime later this year, according to their Facebook page.

TLSLOEWS on July 3, 2010 at 12:01 pm

The Crescent Amusment Co. of Nashville also built the 2nd Nashville Princess Theatre at 415 Church Street later renamed the Crescent Latter known as Loews Crescent.They built many theatres in Tennessee.First I have heard of this theatre,looks great in the photos.