Burford Theatre
116 S. Summit Street,
Arkansas City,
KS
67005
116 S. Summit Street,
Arkansas City,
KS
67005
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Related Websites
Burford Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: B & B Theatres
Architects: Carl Boller
Firms: Boller Brothers
Functions: Community Arts Center, Live Performances
Styles: Spanish Renaissance
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
620.442.5896
Nearby Theaters
Once a grand theatre, the 1,200-seat Burford Theatre became the product of changing times and changing theatre chains. It has been donated to the Arkansas City Area Arts Council for use as a center for the arts for the community. Renovation/restoration began in late fall of 2004. Much of the early decor is still intact.
The theatre was built in 1924 in a L-shaped building in the center of downtown Arkansas City. Shortly after its opening on September 15, 1924 with Colleen Moore in “The Perfect Flapper”, a commercial building was erected in the lot in front of the auditorium. It was later divided into 3-screens. It was reopened on September 29, 2016.
Contributed by
E. Snell
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
This theatre did have 3 screens. My best friend worked there in college. If you go up onto the original balcony, you can see all the way back to the original stage and looking down, you see all 4 theatres because they have a false ceiling. This theatre is beautiful.
I meant to type 3 instead of 4. There are only 3 theatres now.
My son worked at the Burford when it was owned by B&B and used as a movie theatre. He would tell me some eerie stories about weird noises and odd things that would happen when he was there at night by himself and also other people have had the same experiences. Did anyone ever mention that strange things happen in this building? If so I would like to hear about it. I have searched other web sites regarding paranormal happenings but I could never find anything written about the Burford.
Photos from 2010 of the Burford Theatre HERE, HERE and HERE in Arkansas City.
The 2009 photo indicated an event was being held there but the marquee is blank in the 2010 photos. I can’t find a website listing anywhere. I wonder if the renovation was even completed.
Remodeled and Reopened https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burford-Theatre/121894657824019
This is the movie theatre of my youth! Great to see it back in action.
Needs to be listed as open! The interior looks spectacular.
FYI, the Arcadia Publishing, Images of America book “Arkansas City” by Heather D. Ferguson list multiple silent film theatres with photos.
Burford Theatre official web site. The “history” section has a couple of historic photos and five current photos.
When I get time I will add the silent theatres named in the book above.