Photo: Lucas Theatre for the Arts facade, Reynolds Square, Savannah Historic District
The Jewel of Savannah
Designed by renowned architect Claude K. Howell, the Lucas Theater has a rich history that dates back to its first public showing on December 26th, 1921. Deemed as the "Jewel of Savannah", the theater boasts a Spanish Baroque Revival style architectural exterior, while the interior is more notable for its Greek Revival and Art Deco design. Crowds were intrigued by the elegant finishes, like the marble floors, large domed ceiling, and expansive spaces that could house over 1,700 patrons.
Arthur Lucas: Visionary Theatre Developer
The construction of the Lucas Theater was commissioned by none other than Arthur Lucas himself - a well known businessman and theatre developer, who had grown up in South Carolina and had deep ties to the Savannah region through his upbringing. After extensive success in opening and operating dozens of theatres throughout the United States, Lucas and his team set out to focus their efforts heavily on the south. Lucas first took over the Odenton Theater and the Folly theater, before setting his sights on creating something truly spectacular in Savannah.
Construction and Grand Opening
In August of 1920, Lucas obtained permits through the city of Savannah to build a theater on the corner of Abercorn and Congress streets. Construction began immediately, and over a year later, the Lucas Theater would hold its first showing. Decoration of the interior spaces was not complete by the opening night, but Lucas insisted on maintaining the scheduled grand opening. He took great care to ensure all unfinished spaces remained covered, and out of sight, and installed temporary decorations to maintain the theater's elegant appearance for its debut performance.
- Spanish Baroque Revival architecture
- Designed by Claude K. Howell
- Prominent corner location on Abercorn Street
- Classic theatre marquee and entrance
Interior Design
- Greek Revival and Art Deco elements
- Marble floors throughout
- Large domed ceiling
- Expansive seating for over 1,700 guests
Closure and Phoenix-like Revival
The Lucas Theater was in operation until 1976, when it was forced to close due to the effects of World War II in downtown Savannah. Upkeep of the theater went downhill, but just a decade later, the Lucas Theatre for the Arts nonprofit was created to purchase and restore the building. Today, it hosts the yearly Savannah Film Festival, and is regarded as an important asset to the city.
Current Programming
From time to time, the theatre presents seasonal movies, which are scheduled and can be booked in advance. The Lucas Theatre for the Arts continues to serve as one of Savannah's premier cultural venues, hosting everything from live performances to film screenings and special events.
Check the official Lucas Theatre website for current showtimes and upcoming performances.
Impact on Reynolds Square
The public marveled at the beauty of the theater, and Lucas would go on to receive praises from esteemed film critics, as well as Georgia government officials. Editorial reviews after opening night called it "a blend of beauty and simplicity" among many other compliments and predicted lifelong success for its operations in the city. That night, Savannah gained another remarkable building that would shape the landscape at Reynolds Square.
The Lucas Theater was in operation until 1976, when it was forced to close due to the effects of World War II in downtown Savannah. Upkeep of the theater went downhill, but just a decade later, the Lucas Theatre for the Arts nonprofit was created to purchase and restore the building.
Today, the Lucas Theatre stands as a testament to Savannah's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, continuing to enchant audiences just as it did on that magical opening night over a century ago.