Akron Civic Theatre 🇺🇸

Step into history at the Akron Civic Theatre, a captivating landmark located on South Main Street in downtown Akron. Originally planned as The Hippodrome before being acquired by Marcus Loew, this classic 1920s movie palace has been hosting shows and special events for 97 years. It stands as one of only five remaining atmospheric theatres in the United States designed by famous architect John Eberson, and is the last surviving theater of eleven opened by Loew.

When you visit this 3,000-seat venue, you will step into an auditorium designed to resemble an open-air Moorish garden, complete with twinkling stars and drifting clouds moving across a domed ceiling. The Mediterranean-inspired interior mirrors a Moorish castle, featuring medieval-style carvings, authentic European antiques, and Italian alabaster sculptures. Uniquely, the theater's entrance lobby extends right over the Ohio and Erie Canal.

Alongside a rich musical history hosting acts like Devo, The Pretenders, and The Black Keys, the building features modern upgrades like expanded dressing rooms and enhanced seating from a major $19 million renovation.

What to see at Akron Civic Theatre

• Domed auditorium ceiling with twinkling stars and drifting clouds
• Moorish castle interior with European antiques and alabaster sculptures
• Hidden grand Wurlitzer Theatre organ that rises on a special lift
• Unique entrance lobby built directly over the Ohio and Erie Canal
• Historic 3,000-seat 1920s atmospheric movie palace architecture

Visiting tips

Be sure to look up when entering the lobby to appreciate how the theater structure extends directly over the Ohio and Erie Canal.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening

How to get there & what’s nearby

Akron Civic Theatre is easy to reach on Akron’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Akron Art Museum and Akron Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Akron travel guide.