Preserving & Restoring Our Historic Theatre
The Tarlton Theatre is celebrating 100 years since its construction in 1924. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is committed to preserving and restoring our westside showplace. In celebration of the approaching 100-year anniversary, we're asking for your support of our historic preservation and restoration mission.
Timeline
West Theater (1941-1987)
Green Bay's historic Tarlton Theatre was initially designed and constructed c. 1924-1925 as an automobile dealership. By 1941, under the ownership of the Standard Theatres Management Corporation, the building was reimagined by Perry Crosier, an architect known for the Art Deco and Art Moderne theatres he designed throughout the American Midwest. The building was converted to a Streamline Moderne-style, single-screen, first-run cinema and opened on November 14, 1941 as West Theater (pictured, c. 1941).
West Theater (Cont.)
Despite changing ownership several times throughout the years, West Theater (pictured, c. 1986) remains Green Bay's longest running cinema.
West Pitcher Show (1987-2000)
On June 12, 1987, West Theatre became the West Pitcher Show (pictured, c. 1997), a brew-and-view, second-run cinema serving beer and pizza at tables.
In 1999, Green Bay’s historic westside theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior as part of the Broadway-Walnut Historic District. Its doors closed on November 25, 2000.
Historic West Theatre (2000-2005)
Between 2000-2001, Green Bay’s westside theatre underwent significant renovations for the performing arts including a large stage and a dance floor.
On February 9, 2001, the West opened again as Historic West Theatre (pictured, c. 2002 with owner Mark Mariucci), a first-run cinema showing independent and arthouse film during the week and a dance club on weekends.
The Tarlton Theatre (2018-present)
Over a decade since a movie last played on its screen, the doors of the historic West Theater reopened on December 15, 2018 as The Tarlton Theatre. Restored by owner Tarlton Knight and former owner Mark Mariucci as an Art Deco cinema and performing arts venue with bars and a restaurant, the historic Tarlton Theatre has become the home of the Green Bay Film Festival, Green Bay Jazz Orchestra, and a dozen area arts, cultural, and community organizations.
On March 11, 2022, The Tarlton Theatre became the home of The Weidner Downtown At The Tarlton, a fine arts and cultural partnership with The Weidner and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
In 2024, The Tarlton Theatre celebrated 100 years since the construction of the West Theater in 1924. The property adjacent to the theatre was developed as The Truck Yard At The Tarlton, Green Bay's first food truck destination park.