Princess Theatre Center for Performing Arts

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The Entertainment Icon of Downtown Decatur for More Than 100 Years

from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

The historic Princess Theatre anchors the downtown Arts and location is an attraction all by itself, with its unique art deco style from the 1940s, terrazzo floor map of the state in the lobby, landmark two-story marquee on the front and blacklight reactive murals that decorate the auditorium. But the theatre is also home to many local productions and traveling shows that use the 677-seat facility to reach Decatur residents, the North Alabama region and beyond.

photo: Brent Boyd

The Princess Theatre is a boon to the economy, drawing tourism from across the U.S.The building was constructed in 1887as a livery stable for horses, but in 1919, the building was converted into a silent film theatre and vaudeville playhouse. Then, in 1941, the theatre underwent an-other transformation. This time the Princess gained the art deco style that most visitors now associate with the Princess.In 1978, the movie house closed and the city of Decatur was able to purchase and renovate the old building, preserving and revitalizing the 1940s-style decor.

Due to the pandemic, Centennial celebrations took place 101 years after the Princess’s birthday. Now, new concerts, comedy, dance, live theatre and more are being added to the Princess Theatre’s calendar on a weekly basis. The Theatre hosted the inaugural Marquee Awards, a Grammy-inspired event that marks the culmination of the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser with a showcase of the types of entertainment that grace the Princess Theatre’s stage year-round.

One of the ongoing attractions at the theatre is the singer/songwriter series hosted in the theatre’s listening loft. As the series has grown, this elevated experience has gained momentum. Top-tier artists from all over the country request a slot in the lineup. The monthly songwriter schedule is listed on the Theatre’s website, along with movies, concerts, live performances, seasonal shows and more. One of the newest and most exciting additions to the website is a virtual tour of the Princess Theatre.

photo: Brent Boyd

This “bird’s eye’ view of the historic, nonprofit venue, and a full calendar of upcoming events can be found at www.princesstheatre.org.

Contact Info

112 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL 35601; 256.350.1745; princesstheatre.org; @princesstheatrecenter on social media.