historic artcraft theatre

oldforbes

The Artcraft shows vintage movies on weekends. They have an introduction with a skit, pass out prizes, have viewers stand to sing the National Anthem, and show a vintage cartoon before the feature. The theatre itself is a beautiful, restored art deco style movie theatre from our past. They also occasionally have live performances. Visitors to Franklin should not miss this experience.

travel644

The Artcraft is a top-notch place to go to experience the golden age of movies and entertainment. We just can't rave enough about this theater. From Christmas classics to movies like Casablanca, the Artcraft is the perfect night out. Tickets are just $5 for adults and the "Big Date" popcorn deal is only $9 for jumbo popcorn and two drinks. The theater itself is truly a piece of art and a throwback to the days before television and cookie cutter mega theaters. There's only one giant screen here and somewhere around 600 seats (all of which are the big, squeaky, comfy seats everyone over 50 will remember). In addition to the feature film, you'll also see a cartoon, sing the Star Spangled Banner, and (on Saturday nights) experience prize drawings from the prize wheel. The courteous volunteers will forewarn you not to stare directly into the prize wheel or you'll be "mesmerized". As you can tell, we love this place. The only thing we don't get is why this theater isn't sold out every single weekend. Try it one time and you'll be hooked - it really is that big of a deal.

426aprilr

Looks wonderful on the big screen of this historic theater! This is a family favorite place to go for a trip back in time! The renovations on this place keep bringing out the historic charm in this city gem of Franklin!

trueblue121

You choose the decade. 1920s (Art Deco Theatre) 1930s (Prize Wheel for give away drawings) 1940s (Star Spangled Banner film to sing along to) or 1950s (Bugs Bunny Cartoon). The movies are shown "reel to reel" with few exceptions. All movies are "Classic" ranging from Harold Lloyd silent films to the 10 yr old ELF. What is utterly charming and unique about this place is the people who run it. They are all volunteers. A group of people happy to be there and to be a part of restoring this 90 year old gem. Bring the right attitude and you will be greeted warmly and be shown a wonderful and inexpensive evening.

Mack3065

This was our first trip to downtown Franklin. The area, just a block north of the courthouse square, is attractive and inviting with new sidewalks and plenty of on-street parking. The volunteer group has done an admirable job of preserving this historic entertainment alternative. But with peeling plaster and such, there’s still some work to be done to complete a restoration. We saw The Wizard of Oz at the Friday matinee. We enjoyed a tasty (and locally-grown) jumbo popcorn and large drink ($8.50). Prior to the start, a volunteer took the stage to provide information about the theater, their movie-themed give-aways at the evening shows. Then, as others have said, there was a Bugs Bunny cartoon, singing of the National Anthem. The Wizard of Oz was shown from a 35 mm print and transported the audience to that simpler time 75 years ago. As we left, we could see the staff had taken time to decorate the theater: “Surrender Dorothy” and poppies on the window glass, a Yellow Brick Road pattern on the sidewalk. And one little girl, in the spirit of the film, came dressed as Dorothy, with a stuffed Toto in a basket. A great time.

DeniseP582

I took my boys to see movies at the Artcraft when they were very young, and now I'm taking my granddaughter. I have to say that the experience is much better now. The whole family loves the way that they have drawings before the show, and give prizes to the person who has traveled the farthest, and you will never experience in any other theatre singing the National Anthem prior to watching your movie. The prices are great, and we love going to see the classics. Our last visit was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and this week I've got tickets for the Wizard of Oz. I really enjoy shows at Christmas time. There is nothing like seeing White Christmas on the big screen with hot buttered popcorn.

MissH10

I love the Historic Artcraft Theatre. They have refurbished it, and I believe it is run by volunteers. They show old movies (and not so old movies July 25, 2014 is Back to the Future) They are doing Sunset Boulevard next year I hear. Go to their website and there will be a list of the years movies. I warn you now they aren't always easy to get a ticket. They sell out pretty quick, especially the Christmas movies. The prices are very affordable and you also get to see a cartoon before the movie. I love this theatre. Franklin has a true prize here and I am so happy they refurbished it for classic movies. A++++++++++++++++ Franklin Historical Society. We drive about 3 hours away just to see your classic movies!

goldiekp

Come back to your youth at the HIstoric Artcraft Theatre just north of the square in FranklinClassic films are shown on most Friday and Saturday nights a comical introduction and cartoon preceded the film. Special entertainment productions are also scheduled throughout the year. And do not pass up the concession stand where the popcorn is theatre style and popped fresh. Over recent years the interior have been returned to its original glory with new seats....For safety sake

BrianD317

This is a historic theater that the Franklin Historical Society is renovating. Classic movies such as White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, are some of the movies I've seen. Admission is $5. Cans of Coke products are $1 and popcorn is cheap too. A date night won't cost $20. A night with the family could be done for $30 easily or so.They have live concerts too and I've heard they had a vaudeville show. I've even attending a ghost hunting session after a movie.There's some live comedy before the evening shows with "Short Attention Span Theater", old cartoons, the signing of the Star Spangled Banner, and some quaint Americana. Don't be jaded and just enjoy the activities.

KristenMKC

This historic theatre is owned by a non-profit, and all revenue goes towards restorations in Franklin, including the theatre itself. The staff is made up of almost completely volunteers. Movie tickets are $5 and they started having live performances in 2014. Great place to see a movie and really great acoustics!

RickP221

The best time I have had in a long time. A very Historic theatre with lots of charm. Old movies on the big screen, cheap popcorn, and reasonable drinks are the best. A great date night for my wife and I.

547michaelh

If you happen to be traveling thru Franklin, Indiana and want an opportunity to relive your childhood, make it a point to see a film at the historic Artcraft theater. Built in 1923, the theater is run by volunteers and shows classic films that have to be at least ten years old or older. The admission is very reasonable, the popcorn is "locally grown and internationally known" and the atmosphere is just like you might remember if you grew up in the 50's and 60's. You will not be disappointed !!

Derbycity2

What a wonderful experience. We were there for the Beer and Bluegrass Festival in Franklin. the fact that they have restored this theater is amazing. Just a real step back in time. Wish it were here in our town in Lawrenceburg KY.

JHJBJLD

Loved the old theatre and the the people working there were GREAT. We were to late to see the show but we were allowed to walk in and see it.

167ajs

We love the authentic style of the theater and the family atmosphere. The movies shown are not new releases but classic fun and family movies. You have to go if given the chance.