Subscribe to Downtown ChampaignNews FeedSubscribe to Downtown ChampaignComments

Browse > Home / Dining + Entertainment / Theater Venues

Theater Venues


The Virginia Theatre

203 West Park Street

Opened on December 28, 1921, this Spanish Renaissance Movie Palace remains the crown jewel of Downtown. It has delighted crowds for over 80 years and currently plays host to a wide variety of events from the News-Gazette’s Classic Film Series to the Roger Ebert Film Festival. With over 1,800 seats there is no better venue in East Central Illinois.

The Virginia Theatre serves as the home for the Champaign-Urbana Theater Company.  This community theater company performs live musical performances throughout the year.  The Theatre also shows classic films the way they were meant to be seen thanks for the News-Gazette Classic Film Series.

If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive date or night out with the family look no further than

REEL DEALS.  The Virginia shows recently out of theater movies on Tuesday and Thursday nights for the low price of $2.00 and $3.00 dollars respectively.

The Virginia Theatre is currently closed for renovations until November.

Visit www.thevirginia.org for line up and show time information.

The Art Theater

126 West Church Street

Downtown’s oldest theater is also its oldest continuing theater. Opened in 1913 the Art (formally the Park) stands as a constant reminder that small local theaters can make it today. Featuring art and independent films along with a few blockbusters there is no better environment to watch a movie in Champaign that the Art Theater. Stop in and enjoy a movie and affordable snack bar! Then afterward spill onto the streets of Downtown for dinner and drinks.

For information on upcoming movies and times visit their website. www.thecuart.com

The Orpheum Theater

246 North Neil Street

Orpheum Children's MuseumDesigned by the famous theater architects George and Cornelius Rapp (Rapp& Rapp) this theater opened its doors in 1914. Inspired by the La Salle de Spectacle Opera House in Versailles France, the Classic Revival gem still remains. While the theater closed in April 1986, the space is currently occupied by the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum.