Criterion Theatre - Bar Harbor ME
Posted by: nomadwillie
N 44° 23.377 W 068° 12.360
19T E 563240 N 4915454
An example of Art Deco, the theater was used for vaudeville performances in the early days of existence.
Waymark Code: WMD07X
Location: Maine, United States
Date Posted: 11/01/2011
Views: 9
The Historic Criterion Theatre first opened its doors on June 6, 1932, and has served the town of Bar Harbor and Downeast Maine as a movie palace and arts center ever since. The Criterion was used for vaudeville performances for many years during the heydey of the vaudeville circuit, as well as motion picture exhibition and other live events. The excellent acoustics, one-of-a-kind vintage art deco fixtures and funishings, and rich history as a community center gave it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
One very special feature of the building is its "floating" balcony, one of a few of its kind. Not only is this free-hanging structure an architectural feat, it also offers some of the best seating in the house. The balcony is divided into nine sections (loges) separated from each other with half walls and from the back corridor with velvet curtains. Originally rented out by the box to the town's wealthy summer residents, these seats are now available to all, and offer an excellent birdseye view of the screen and stage.
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