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Milwaukee's Oriental Theater Gets a New Concession Stand, Among Other Changes

Posted on Monday, April 22, 2019 and updated on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 4:58 PM

Theater Photo Copyright © SVJ Designs

In July of 1927, the Oriental Theatre opened its doors to Milwaukee. Characterized by its Middle Eastern decor and three 8-foot chandeliers, the theater soon became a hub of entertainment for the East Side. Today, the theater serves as the home of the Milwaukee Film organization. They are making strides towards modernizing the historic theater.

The concession stand, not original to the venue, served as a sticking point for hungry moviegoers. The replacement of the concession stand is part of the second stage of renovations and restorations to the theater.

Other changes include improved sound separation to prevent "bleeding," or being able to hear the movie next door as well as your own film. There is also new seating changes planned as well as the installation of much-needed safety features.

The Oriental Theater's web site details MKE Film's hopes for the future of the venue.

MKE Film is in the early stages of a cinema-rehabilitation project to help fund the extensive improvements the theater is dire need of, including structural renovations, facility modernization, and sound and projection system updates. By restoring one of the nation’s finest historical cinemas, MKE Film hopes to secure a bright future for the theater, advance the local film industry, and become a permanent fixture in global cinema culture—all while continuing to screen great films and spark important conversations in the community.

Photo above taken April 13, 2014. Copyright © 2014, SVJ Designs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Additional Source: Milwaukee Film web site: "History of the Oriental Theatre: Present Day and Beyond"

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