Henrico Theater opened its doors on April 25, 1938.  Tickets were only a quarter (25¢) for adults and a dime (10¢) for children!  The design of the building is in the art deco style that was popular in the 1930s. It was owned by the Somma family who also built Byrd Theater in downtown Richmond ten years earlier (1928).  As one of the first air-conditioned buildings in the area, it attracted many people to Henrico on hot, summer days. During the 1940s it was a designated as a World War II bomb shelter, but was never used for that purpose.  Over the years it lost business, and in 1996 the theater closed. However, Henrico County purchased it and refurbished it to its former glory.  Its grand reopening was in 2007. You can still see movies here for just $1 on Fridays and Saturdays, and the theater hosts live shows and other events. (Trouble viewing the YouTube video? Try Vimeo or direct link).

Did you know that the first movie shown in Henrico Theater was a comedy called “Thin Ice" (1937)? It was about an ice skater who fell in love with a visitor who turned out to be the prince of another country. (Source IMDB)


This is a Google map of Henrico Theater.  Use the +/- button to zoom in or out.



This is a 360 view of Henrico Theater.  Click and drag to look around!



This is a 360 view inside Henrico Theater.  Click the arrows to explore!


HC.1 The student will demonstrate responsible citizenship and develop skills for historical and geographical analysis.

HC.2a The student will examine the influence of physical and cultural geography on Henrico County.

HC.2b The student will analyze, interpret, and demonstrate knowledge of significant historical events and ideas in Henrico County history.

HC.2c The student will demonstrate an understanding of the growth of Henrico County’s economy from 1611 to present day.