Henrico Theatre

The Henrico Theatre was built in 1938, designed by architect Edward Francis Sinnott. The Henrico opened in the east Richmond, VA area of Highland Springs/East Henrico on April 25, 1938, with the movie “Thin Ice” starring Sonja Henie. It had a seating capacity of 782. The theatre closed in 1996. The Henrico Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Before the recent completion of the theatre’s restoration, the terrazzo base with ‘Henrico’ was still intact on the front sidewalk leading to the theatre. The large marquee was in great shape and the large clock on the front center of the building was still there. The theatre was done in a Streamline Moderne style as is evident from the front facade.

Henrico County bought the theatre in 1999 and spent $5.8 million to restore it. Dressing rooms and a green room were added, and the stage was enlarged. Molding remains in a period lime green, and the original paint scheme was preserved. Original light fixtures and chair ends were re-used. The carpet was recreated as it was originally. The auditorium now sits 400. The theatre has become a multi-use community facility for arts programming, including music, dance, theatre and film. The grand re-opening was October 27, 2007 with performances, a public ‘open house’ and tours.

Recent comments (view all 10 comments)

Joe Vogel on May 5, 2006 at 12:38 pm

The Henrico Theatre last showed a movie in 1996, according to this 2002 article about the attempted renovation of the theatre.

The Henrico Theatre was designed by Richmond architect Edward Sinnott Sr.

ghamilton on June 2, 2007 at 11:54 pm

BIG article in Richmond Times-Dispatch on Tues.5/29.Pictures show renovations in progress and discuss extensive work being done and new equipment being installed.This includes new stage area,orchestra pit,,dressing rooms,etc.New projection equipment is included in the 5.8 million dollar project.New seating total will be only 400.The theater will be used for community cultural events across the board,plus film festivals.Henrico County is the owner and Amy Pudue,cultural arts coordinator for the county seems to have a real passion for the edifice and its place in the community.Total square footage goes from 11,000 sq ft.to 17,800 in the finished product.GRAND-reopening is scheduled for Oct.

ghamilton on June 2, 2007 at 11:55 pm

SHOULD change listing to closed/renovating

bufffilmbuff on September 5, 2007 at 11:34 pm

It was announced on the news tonight that they will be having an open house on Saturday October 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. What great news!

SlimJim on October 26, 2007 at 4:05 pm

Status should be changed to “Open” and Function to “Performing Arts Center”. Remodeled to a 400 seat Performing Arts Center which opens it’s doors tomorrow for the first time in a decade.

randyhorne on November 24, 2007 at 8:07 pm

The Grand Re-opening was Oct. 27, 2007. It was fantastic! Check out this article View link Randy Horne

randyhorne on November 25, 2007 at 12:08 pm

After 2 years of construction, the Henrico Theatre opened in 1938. It originally had 820 seats. It was the 1st movie theatre built in Henrico County & the only art deco building in the area. It was designated as a bomb shelter in the WWWII era. The theatre was not closed in the mid 1970’s for several years as the description above states. My family actually operated the theatre from 1976 to 1996. We sold it to the County of Henrico in 1999. We have some wonderful memories! Enjoy these photos from the Grand Re-opening! www.flickr.com/photos/21212825@N03/

randyhorne on November 25, 2007 at 6:32 pm

Here are some more wonderful photos of the theatre!!! http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=henrico+theatre