10 Historic Movie Theaters in Georgia

Built in 1920s as a Shriner Mosque, the Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta is designed with domes, minarets and an Arabian sky complete with stars. This National Historic Landmark hosts the annual Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival.

Built in 1935, The Zebulon Theater in Cairo is an Art Deco-style, old-time theater operated by the Regional Community Center to bring culture and film into the community. The 650-seat theatre shows current family-friendly movies; all tickets are $5.

The historic GEM Theatre, when renovated in 2012, received an award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for its rehabilitation. Calhoun's GEM Theatre features the best of both the past and present, as its appearance takes you back to 1939, and its amenities provide a state-of-the-art theatre experience. The original GEM is best remembered as a movie theatre, but the renovated 461-seat GEM showcases a variety of entertainment.

The West Theatre opened in Cedartown in August 1941 by LAM Amusement Co. Considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco style in northwest Georgia, the historic building features hanging chandeliers in the lobby; movie cards from the 1950s and 1960s adorn the walls. The twin-screen movie theatre shows current and classic films.

Built in 1918, The Imperial Theatre in downtown Augusta was originally built to present vaudeville and photoplays to the community with notable celebrity Charlie Chaplin gracing its stage. Today, The Imperial Theatre serves as a hub for the performing arts such as ballet, Broadway plays and musicals, concerts from local and international artists, and is also host to the annual Poison Peach Film Festival, showcasing independent film made in Augusta's River Region by local filmmakers.

The Springer Opera House opened Feb. 21, 1871, and soon became nationally known as the finest theatre between New York and New Orleans. Now, the Springer is the official State Theatre of Georgia and a leading Southern cultural institution for more than 144 years. The Columbus theatre is now host to the Way Down Film Festival each October, voted one of the Top 100 Film Festivals in the World by FilmFreeway.

This Art Deco theatre served as a movie house on the Marietta Square from 1935-76. Recently restored and returned to its original glory, it now hosts classic films, concerts and stage productions. From musicals to classic films to children's films to concerts and educational opportunities, the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre is truly a cultural center of Cobb County. The 4th Floor Terrace is home to "Brew with a View."

A downtown landmark for more than 80 years, the DeSoto was the first theatre in the Southeast to display sound movies. Today, the historic theatre in Rome offers a variety of concerts, performances and special movie showings. The theatre also hosts the annual Rome International Film Festival.

The Historic Ritz Theatre at the Schaefer Center is a refurbished 1939 art deco theater in historic downtown Toccoa. The Ritz hosts various yearly performances, including fashion shows, movie screenings, theatrical performances, concerts, award shows, and more.

The historic Tybee Post Theater, set in the heart of Tybee Island's Fort Screven Historic District, was constructed in 1930 as a movie house for the soldiers stationed at the Army base. After going dark in the mid-1960s, the curtain was raised in September 2015, reborn as a performing arts and movie venue.