Criterion Theatre (Bar Harbor, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Criterion Theatre
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Criterion Theatre, Bar Harbor, Maine
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 35 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, Maine |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1932 |
| Architect | Bunker & Savage |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000222 |
| Added to NRHP | April 23, 1980 |
The Criterion Theatre is a special old building in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine. It was built in 1932 when Bar Harbor was a very popular summer spot. This theater is one of only two buildings in Maine designed in the cool Art Deco style. For a while, the theater had money troubles. But in 2014, a group that helps communities bought it. After a big makeover, the theater opened again in May 2015. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is an important historical place.
What Does the Criterion Theatre Look Like?
The theater building is about 85 feet (26 meters) wide along Cottage Street. This front part has the main entrance and two small shops. The sign above the entrance, called a marquee, sticks out over the sidewalk. It has a classic Art Deco look. The shops next to the entrance used to have Art Deco designs too, but those are gone now.
The building is about 154 feet (47 meters) deep. The front part, where you walk in, is one story tall. The back part, where the audience sits, is two stories tall. The main lobby inside the theater is wide and open. The theater can hold 877 people in its main seating area and balcony. The beautiful Art Deco decorations inside were made by D.H. Pickering from Boston, Massachusetts. Behind the stage, there are six dressing rooms and equipment for live shows.
A Look at the Theatre's History
The Criterion Theatre was built in 1932. At that time, Bar Harbor was a very popular summer vacation spot for wealthy families. The theater first opened its doors on June 6, 1932. It showed both live stage acts, called vaudeville, and movies.
During a time when certain activities were not allowed, the basement of the Criterion was used as a secret gathering place. Over the years, the theater mostly showed movies during the summer. Different owners tried to bring back live performances. However, they often struggled to make enough money. Because of this, the building had some problems, like a lack of upkeep and mold issues, especially after the year 2000.
In 2014, a non-profit group bought the theater for $1.2 million. Their goal was to fix it up and make it great again. A big renovation project began, and the theater reopened in May 2015. Today, the Criterion Theatre shows movies, live plays, and music concerts all year long.
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