The Oldest Operating Movie Theater In The Country Is Right Here In Pennsylvania

Growing up in Southwestern Pennsylvania - and less than an hour from Indiana - naturally meant becoming a fan of Jimmy Stewart. There's just something so enchanting about the golden age of film and those old movie stars - Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Gary Cooper. A visit to Newtown Theatre, the oldest theatre in Pennsylvania, offers a glimpse of yesteryear, complete with freshly popped popcorn and old black-and-white movies (from time to time).

Nestled in the Bucks County town of Newtown, the Newtown Theatre, then Newtown Hall, first opened in 1831 with a dual purpose: To serve as a town hall for community gatherings and as a congregation site for traveling priests.

Within a few decades, however, Newtown Hall transitioned into an entertainment center where townspeople would attend magic shows, concerts, plays, dances, and other social events.

Center stage for social activity, Newtown Hall was rebuilt, bigger and better than ever in 1883, complete with a stage for performances.

Then, in 1906, Newtown residents gathered for the first movie showing, marking a poignant moment in town history: Newtown Hall, soon to be Newtown Theatre, began its journey to becoming one of America's oldest continuously operating movie theaters.

Breathe in the aroma of freshly popped popcorn as you enter the more-than-century-old theater.

After purchasing your tickets, enter the auditorium through the grand theater doors. The theater shows movies and hosts plays, concerts, and other productions.

During its 100-year history, Newtown Theatre has evolved quite a bit. In 2021, it underwent renovations that included, among others, the addition of new vintage seats and a wheelchair lift.

The historic movie theater hosts events throughout the year, including the Black & White Dinner, a fundraising event. Guests bring their own picnic dinner, dress in white and black, and watch a black and white film from Hollywood's Golden Era.

The Newtown Theatre welcomes community members and other theater-goers to become one of its members. Members enjoy such benefits as discounted movie tickets and exclusive members-only events.

Find days, hours, and more information on the official website of Newtown Theatre. Or, stop by the Facebook page of the oldest theatre in PA.

Have you been to Newtown Theatre in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!  While you're in town, slip on a pair of comfy hiking shoes, and follow the Tyler State Park Trail, a wildflower trail in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/easy-trail-capital-of-wildflowers-pa/