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 historic and beautiful building located at 35 Cottage Street in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine. It was built in 1932, a time when Bar Harbor was a very popular summer spot. This theatre is special because it's one of only two buildings in Maine designed in the unique Art Deco style. After facing some tough times financially, a non-profit group bought it in 2014. They worked hard to fix it up, and the theatre proudly reopened in May 2015. It was recognized as an important historical place in 1980 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What Does the Criterion Theatre Look Like?
The theatre building is about 85 feet (26 m) wide on Cottage Street. This front part holds the main entrance and two small shops. A cool Art Deco sign, called a marquee, sticks out over the sidewalk. It shows you where to go inside.
The building is about 154 feet (47 m) deep. The front part is one story tall. The back part, where the main show happens, is two stories high. Inside, the lobby area is wide and welcoming. The theatre can hold 877 people. There are seats on the main floor and also in a balcony upstairs.
The inside of the theatre has amazing Art Deco designs. These were created by D.H. Pickering from Boston, Massachusetts. Behind the stage, there are six dressing rooms. There is also special equipment for putting on live plays and shows.
A Look Back: The Theatre's History
The Criterion Theatre was built in 1932. This was when Bar Harbor was a very fancy summer place for wealthy visitors. The theatre first opened its doors on June 6, 1932. It showed a mix of live vaudeville acts and movies.
In its early days, the basement of the theatre even had a secret club where people could enjoy entertainment. Over the years, the theatre mostly showed movies during the summer. Different owners tried to bring back live shows. However, they often struggled to make enough money. Because of this, the building needed a lot of repairs and had problems with mold after the year 2000.
In 2014, a non-profit organization bought the theatre for $1.2 million. Their goal was to fix up the old building. A big renovation project began. The theatre reopened in May 2015, looking brand new. Today, the Criterion Theatre is busy all year long. It shows movies, hosts live plays, and features music performances.
See also
