Once Abandoned, Park Theatre In Michigan Has Been Restored To Its Former Glory
By Emily Tieman|Updated on October 13, 2023(Originally published March 23, 2023)
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Emily Tieman
Author
Emily Tieman is a lifelong Michigander and has a love for locally owned small businesses. She is a freelance writer for Only In Your State and has her own vintage content creator business.
Many historic Great Lake State theatres that were once popular weekend spots have fallen into disrepair and been torn down. These beautiful buildings bring so much charm to local cities and deserve to be treasured and preserved. Thankfully, Park Theatre in Holland, Michigan has been saved and turned into a flourishing non-profit music venue. So, if you’re a fan of history, music, and architecture, I suggest reading further about one of the most unique movie theatres in Holland, MI.
Park Theatre is located in downtown Holland, which is located on Lake Macatawa, near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.
Across the street from lovely Centennial Park, the building housing the theatre first opened in 1886 as a woodworking mill and feed store before becoming the Colonial Theatre in 1920. An orchestra and organ were housed in the theatre until the interior was burned in a fire. The building then reopened as Park Theatre in Holland, MI back in 1936.
For over 60 years, if you wanted to see a movie in Holland, Park Theatre was the place to go when wondering, "Where is there a movie theatre near me?" Many first dates happened at this once-thriving spot for a fun night out.
But the theatre fell victim to shiny new multi-screen movie cinemas and Park Theatre closed in 1984. Aside from a short reopening as a teen nightclub, the building was vacant and abandoned for 15 years.
In 2001 the neglected building was purchased by the Park Theatre Foundation, and over the course of five years, it was restored to its former glory. In addition to being a beloved movie theatre in Holland, Park Theatre is now a nostalgic and historic non-profit music venue that has brought back entertainment to downtown Holland.
Not only is Park Theatre in Holland, MI a historical treasure, but it is also championing the local Michigan music scene. Open mic nights, up-and-coming musicians, and tribute bands work together to keep Park Theatre a must-visit venue.
Comedy shows and private events, such as weddings, are also held at the entertainment venue. So, whether you’re looking to find your next favorite band or revisit the theater to remember the good old days, Park Theatre has something for everyone!
Now that you know that Park Theatre is the place to go when you’re in the area and question where to find a movie theatre near me, what are you waiting for? I suggest taking a look at Park Theatre to learn more about this vintage venue and upcoming events. And, if you’ve already visited what’s considered one of the most unique movie theaters in Holland, MI, let us know about your experience in the following comments section.
While you’re visiting Holland, take a five-minute drive across the bridge to this delicious Dutch bakery in Michigan. Better yet, how about spending the weekend in the area exploring? To help get you started on planning a weekend away in (or near) Holland, I suggest checking out Vrbo for nearby vacation rentals.
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