The Franklin Theater Honors the Past While Embracing the Future
The Franklin Theatre in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee, is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of the community’s rich history and a beloved venue for entertainment. Originally opened in 1937, the theater has witnessed the evolution of Franklin from a small town to a popular destination for visitors and a thriving community for residents. Its walls have seen generations of locals and visitors come together to enjoy movies, live performances, and special events.
Over the decades, the venue has faced its share of challenges, including periods of decline and even closure. Yet, through the dedication of the community and the efforts of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, the theater has not only survived but thrived.
Often referred to as The Jewel of Main Street, the theater’s iconic presence is a testament to the town’s dedication to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity. The Franklin Theatre remains a central gathering place, where the past and present seamlessly blend, drawing people in with its timeless charm. Today, it stands as a thriving symbol of resilience and vitality in Franklin, TN.
The Franklin Theatre’s Origins: A Glimpse into History
The origins of The Franklin Theatre are rooted in the golden age of cinema. Opening its doors in February 1937, the theater quickly became a local institution, offering residents an escape from the daily grind through the magic of motion pictures. Known as the “Home of First Kisses,” the theater became a popular spot for couples, adding a romantic allure to its charm. With ticket prices set at just 10 cents for children and 25 cents for adults, the theater was accessible to everyone, making it a favorite gathering spot for families, friends, and couples.
During its early years, The Franklin Theatre was more than just a place to watch movies; it was a social hub where the community came together. In an era before television, the theater provided a crucial outlet for entertainment, showing the latest Hollywood releases and newsreels that kept the public informed about global events. The neon-lit marquee became a familiar sight on Main Street, symbolizing the theater’s central role in the town’s cultural life.
The Decline of The Franklin Theatre: Challenges of the Late 20th Century
The rise of television and the emergence of suburban multiplex theaters in the 1970s and 1980s posed significant challenges for small, independent theaters like The Franklin Theatre. As more people opted for the convenience of watching movies at home or in larger, more modern cinemas, attendance at The Franklin Theatre dwindled. By the early 2000s, the once-thriving venue had fallen into disrepair, struggling to remain financially viable. In 2007, facing mounting challenges, the theater was forced to close its doors, seemingly marking the end of an era for this historic establishment.
The Revival of The Franklin Theatre: Restoration and Resilience
Fortunately, the story of The Franklin Theatre didn’t end there. Recognizing the building’s significance and the community’s desire to preserve this historic landmark, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County became involved in restoring The Franklin Theatre. Motivated by the potential loss of an important cultural asset and driven by a passion to revive Main Street, the Heritage Foundation launched a campaign to restore the theater. With the help of generous donors and widespread community support, the foundation raised over $8 million to not only preserve the historic building but also to transform it into a modern venue that would serve the needs of the Franklin community.
The grand reopening of The Franklin Theatre on April 13, 2011, was a momentous occasion celebrated with a variety of festivities. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, supporters, and residents. It included live performances by local musicians, showcasing the theater’s new state-of-the-art stage and sound system. The festivities highlighted the theater’s transformation from a historic movie house to a modern venue, with a focus on honoring its legacy while embracing its future role in the city of Franklin.
However, the theater faced a new set of challenges in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many venues, The Franklin Theatre had to temporarily close its doors, severely limiting its programming and financial stability. Despite these difficulties, the theater adapted by offering limited-capacity events, live-streamed performances, and private rentals, showcasing its resilience and ongoing commitment to the community.
The Franklin Theatre Today: Movies, Live Music, and More
Today, The Franklin Theatre is a wholly-owned division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and operates as a nonprofit organization. This ownership and operational structure ensure that the theater continues to be preserved as a vital historic asset for the Franklin community, with proceeds reinvested into its ongoing preservation and programming efforts. While it continues to honor its cinematic roots by screening a variety of films, The Franklin Theatre has expanded its offerings to include live music performances, theater productions, and special events.
Movies at The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre provides a unique movie-going experience by blending the charm of its historic venue with modern amenities. The theater screens a variety of films, including current Hollywood blockbusters, independent films, and classics, catering to a broad audience. The 300-seat venue, including a cozy balcony, offers an intimate setting that makes every screening feel special.
Live Music at The Franklin Theatre
Live music is a cornerstone of The Franklin Theatre’s programming. The venue has earned a reputation as a premier destination for both local and national artists, hosting performances that span genres like country, rock, jazz, blues, and more. The theater’s top-notch acoustics and intimate atmosphere create a memorable experience for both performers and audiences. This commitment to showcasing a diverse array of musical styles has helped cement The Franklin Theatre as a favorite venue in the regional music scene.
Theatrical Productions at The Franklin Theatre
Beyond movies and music, The Franklin Theatre serves as a key platform for theatrical productions. The venue regularly hosts performances ranging from classic plays to modern works, providing a space for local actors, directors, and theater companies to shine. This commitment to supporting the performing arts in Franklin is reflected in the theater’s diverse programming, which includes everything from Shakespearean dramas to contemporary comedies.
Special Events at The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre is also a sought-after venue for hosting special events. It is well-suited to host corporate and employee functions, educational presentations, and social and family occasions, and can accommodate broadcast, webcast, and recording needs. Additionally, it’s a great location for movie premieres, screenings, benefits, and fundraisers. The theater’s adaptable space ensures it can meet the needs of various types of events, providing a practical and unique setting.
The Future of The Franklin Theatre: How You Can Help Preserve Its Legacy
The revival of The Franklin Theatre has profoundly impacted Franklin, Tennessee, preserving the town’s history while revitalizing its downtown area. The theater has spurred economic growth, drawing new businesses and visitors to Main Street.
The Franklin Theatre thrives because of the dedicated support from the community. Each act of support helps preserve this historic venue, ensuring it continues to be a social and economic cornerstone in Franklin. Here’s how you can be part of keeping this beloved theater vibrant and strong for future generations:
- Join the 1937 Society: The 1937 Society at The Franklin Theatre offers several membership levels, each providing unique benefits. These benefits include pre-sale ticket access, complimentary movie tickets, exclusive event invitations, and special recognition both online and on the theater’s marquee. By joining, members not only enjoy these perks but also contribute to the theater’s ongoing preservation and operations.
- Volunteer: Volunteering at The Franklin Theatre is a hands-on way to support its operations. Volunteers assist with events, greet guests, and provide crucial behind-the-scenes help. In return, they get to enjoy shows, make friends, and become an integral part of the theater’s community.
- Make a Donation: Donations, whether one-time or recurring, are essential for maintaining the theater’s historic building and supporting its diverse programming. Donors can even dedicate their contributions in honor or memory of a loved one, adding a personal touch to their giving.
- Purchase a Marquee Message: For a small donation, you can display a personal message on The Franklin Theatre’s historic marquee for 24 hours. This unique opportunity allows you to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or congratulations in lights while helping fund the theater’s ongoing preservation efforts.
- Buy Merchandise: Show your support by purchasing The Franklin Theatre merchandise. The available items include apparel, accessories, and memorabilia. Proceeds from merchandise sales help sustain the theater’s operations and programming.
The Franklin Theatre: A Treasure for Generations to Come
The Franklin Theatre is more than just a venue; it’s a symbol of Franklin’s rich history. From its humble beginnings in 1937 to its modern-day role as a hub for movies, live music, theater productions, and special events, The Franklin Theatre has been and continues to be a cherished part of the community.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor to Franklin, a trip to The Franklin Theatre offers an opportunity to experience the best of what this town has to offer. It’s a place where memories are made, where history comes alive, and where the community gathers to celebrate the arts. As The Franklin Theatre looks to the future, it remains a treasure that will surely be cherished for generations to come.
