Arco Theatre

216 N. 3rd Street,
Bardstown, KY 40004

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Affiliated Theaters Inc. (Indianapolis)

Firms: Otis & Grimes

Functions: Restaurant

Nearby Theaters

Arco Theatre

The 750 seat Arco Theatre opened January 16, 1942 with the movie "Tarzan’s Secret Adventure". It was built by C.D. Arnold and Pope Sisco at a cost of $60,000.00. The name comes from the first two letters of their last name. Seating was staggered for excellent site lines. The Melody Theatre was located next door at 218 N. 3rd Street. The Arco Theatre had a balcony which was designated for African Americans. By 1950 it was operated by Affiliated Theaters Inc. of Indianapolis, IN.

The Arco Theatre closed December 31, 1965 with the last feature shown being "Mary Poppins". In 2002 the Arco Theatre and the Melody Theatre next door were bought by Dzevad Kresco and a two year remodel and restoraion took place. In 2004 the former theatres were reopened as the Kresco Restaurant. Many of the theatre’s features were preserved and are in use in the restaurant.

Contributed by Chuck

Recent comments (view all 3 comments)

Local619
Local619 on April 1, 2010 at 8:30 pm

Went to the Arco several times in ‘64-'64.. Saw West Side Story.. As stated above, the seating was staggered. On the “short end” of some rows they had constructed a “farmboy chair” (our name for them), these were 1 ½ width seats.. you could see where two seat backs had been joined to make the seat.

Can’t remember anything special.. good popcorn.. snuck our friends in the exit doors..

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on October 30, 2012 at 10:20 pm

This page from the Kreso’s Restaurant site has additional history about the Arco and Melody theaters.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on April 5, 2015 at 1:52 am

The May 28, 1949, issue of Boxoffice had a photo of the Melody and Arco Theatres from the opening night of the Melody.

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