Rialto Community Arts Center

215 E. Broadway Street,
Morrilton, AR 72110

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Related Websites

Rialto Community Arts Center (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Malco Theatres Inc., United Artists Theater Circuit Inc.

Architects: Edward F. Brueggeman

Functions: Concerts, Movies, Performing Arts

Styles: Art Deco

Previous Names: Rialto Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 501.477.9955
Manager: 501.477.9955

Nearby Theaters

Dr. Evil & His Terrors of the Unknown Movie Poster, Rialto Theater, Morrilton, AR

The Rialto Theatre opened in 1911, and was operated by Guy Vail. It had several owners over the years, including Arkansas Amusements. In the 1930’s or 1940’s, when it was acquired by Malco Theatres, it received an Art Moderne remodel. This included its large and ornate marquee, with the theater’s name in large letters on each side of the triangular marquee, and the front panel in gold and rose colored stripes, the stylized, intertwined letters M and T inside a circle. A further remodel was carried out in 1952, to the plans of architect E.F. Bruggeman, and seating was provided for 670. The re-opening movie was Kathryn Grayson in “Lovely To Look At”

The final operator as a single screen was United Artists who converted it into a triple screen and operated it until closure in 1987.

In 1997, the Rialto Community Arts Center was formed and with assistance from the Conway County Arts Council, the theatre went through a complete renovation in 2000. Now in use as a peforming arts venue, with live stage shows, musical acts, concerts and movies.

Contributed by Bryan, Chuck

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

teecee
teecee on March 14, 2005 at 3:39 pm

Small color photo on this link (don’t try to expand without a password:
View link

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on March 14, 2005 at 4:01 pm

The Film Daily yearbook, 1943 has the seating capacity given as 475. It was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through the subsidiary M.A. Lightman.

jimbobbowles
jimbobbowles on March 23, 2006 at 7:55 am

The Rialto Community Arts Center has developed a new website at http://www.rialtoartscenter.com More pictures will be coming soon.

50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on May 13, 2019 at 10:02 am

8 Years Later After 1952’s Reopening, It Also Reopened Yet Again In 1960. I’ve Seen A Snipe On YouTube About A Grand Reopening Of The Rialto Theatre From The Same Year.

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