Harper Theater

The Harper Theater was built in 1914, but due to a legal dispute it didn’t open until May 24, 1915. This 1,201-seat theater was designed by architects Z. E. Smith and Horatio R. Wilson. It once contained a Kimball organ. In April 1930 it became part of the Schoenstadt circuit. In the late-1930’s it was remodeled by architect Mark D. Kalischer in a Streamline Moderne style.

On December 25, 1970 it became the Hyde Park 2 still a single screen) and still later was increased to four screens. After Schoenstadt, the theater was operated by Kohlberg Theatres, M & R Theatres(from May 24, 1985), Sony Theatres (Loews) in 1989, and finally the Meridian chain. The Hyde Park Theatres closed in spring of 2002.

The theater was renovated in 2011-2012 and reopened on January 18, 2013 under its original Harper Theater name. It still has four screens, but has been completely renovated inside with 1,108-seats, as well as given a new marquee and vertical sign. The theatre is owned by the University of Chicago, and was operated by the New 400 Theaters, which also managed the New 400 Theaters in Rogers Park. The reopening of the Harper Theater brought movies back to the Hyde Park area for the first time in over a decade. It was closed on November 30, 2022 after being sold to Main Street Theatres who began refurbishment and it reopened on May 23, 2023 with 221-seats.

Recent comments (view all 55 comments)

Tim O'Neill on November 22, 2018 at 8:31 pm

No. No. No. The Harper Theatre at 5238 S. Harper was NEVER twinned in 1970. It was renamed Hyde Park 2. The original Hyde Park Theatre at 53rd & Lake Park was renamed Hyde Park 1. Two separate Hyde Park theatres at two different locations. After Hyde Park 1 closed its doors permanently, Hyde Park 2 became simply the Hyde Park Theatre and stayed that way until it reopened in 2013 and became the Harper again.

DavidZornig on May 24, 2022 at 5:18 pm

May 24th, 1985 grand re-opening ad as a 3 screen as M&R Hyde Park added via James Stegall.

50sSNIPES on July 21, 2022 at 8:45 am

Taken over by Loews in 1989.

rivest266 on December 19, 2022 at 12:10 pm

Reopening in 2023 by Main Street theatres from Omaha.

https://www.hpherald.com/evening_digest/harper-theater-to-close-in-november-will-reopen-early-next-year-under-new-ownership/article_d2419382-6144-11ed-9acb-e371c1a663ee.html

“The U. of C.’s office of Commercial Real Estate Operations finalized plans with their new vendor, Main Street Theatres, on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

A small movie theater chain based in Omaha, Neb., Main Street Theatres operates five movie theaters across Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin.

According to Michael Barstow, Main Street Theatres’ executive vice president and a Chicago resident, the company will move into Harper Theater on Dec. 1 to begin renovations and other upgrades throughout the building.

The company, which is family-owned, was drawn to Harper Theater because “they have experience on college campuses and being very much neighborhood feeders… immediately it felt familiar,” Barstow said. "

Ssc48 on December 31, 2022 at 2:35 pm

this theatre is open!

Ssc48 on December 31, 2022 at 2:35 pm

Literally went here to see a movie

BigScreen_com on May 23, 2023 at 1:13 pm

The Harper Theater is now open:

Chicago, IL: Main Street Theatres - Harper Theater Now Open [May 23, 2023]

ridethectrain on August 13, 2024 at 8:04 am

Please update chain https://www.acxcinemas.com/movie-theater/harpertheater

ridethectrain on August 13, 2024 at 8:08 am

The current chain is ACX Cinemas

ridethectrain on August 13, 2024 at 9:48 am

Please update, total seats 221 Cinema 1 37 Seats, Cinema 2 48, Cinema 3 77 and Cinema 4 58 Seats