Affordable ticket and concession prices in this stunning art deco theatre make for a great movie experience. The Gem Theatre is a first run, single screen historic movie theater located in downtown Kannapolis, NC. The Gem has been a landmark place to watch movies as a family for generations and still maintains reasonable ticket and concession prices with families in mind. The theatre had 900 seats and its opening picture was “Can This Be Dixie” starring Jane Withers. A few years later, on February 21, 1942, a fire of unknown origin gutted the back section of the Gem. Only the front part was saved along with the projection room upstairs. Because of World War II, materials were not available to rebuild; however, the concession stand area was used for the distribution of ration coupons. Cannon Mills Company, who owned the property at the time, eventually had the Gem rebuilt and it reopened on March 15, 1948. The opening picture was “You Were Meant for Me,” featuring Jeanne Crain and Dan Dailey. Admission was 12 cents for children and 40 cents for adults, tax included. The formal opening of the rebuilt Gem Theatre was held on March 28, 1948. The Gem features 916 seats, including a balcony section. It is one of the oldest single-screen movie theatres in continuous operation today and one of only a few theatres that offers balcony seating. Find out more about our history on our website at: gem-theatre.com. Or, visit us in person at: 111 West 1st Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081
