The Park Theatre Civic Centre is the gem of North Vernon, Indiana: a performing arts venue, a classic movie house, a civic gathering place and a focal point of a renewed, historic Hoosier downtown. Originally opened in 1916, this stage saw performances from vaudeville acts to silent films. Open primarily as a movie house through the 40s and 50s, it closed in the 1960s as business declined and larg
er movie theaters opened in the surrounding counties. However, in the 1990s, a group of civic-minded individuals formed a not-for-profit organization to renovate this majestic venue back to working condition and would eventually usher it into an era bigger and better than it ever was before. Led by the passion and heart of Bill & Hulda Reichenbach, the Park Theatre Civic Centre Board of Directors organized a $1.3 million renovation that was completed in 2003. Opening its doors in October of that year, it has become the focal point of a revitalized historic Downtown North Vernon that continues to flourish today. Renovations have been an ongoing venture, from adding a full-sized movie projector to securing an original oil painting that hung in the theatre during the 1950s and 1960s. Today it features a 330 seat auditorium with a wrap-around balcony, a full stage, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, a full and separate concession stand with bar seating and a management office connected as well. Many old features have been preserved, including a beautiful brick wall, original tin ceiling and original art-deco lighting. Ask anyone who has seen a live concert or taken their family to the movies and they will tell you that the Park Theatre Civic Centre is the place to be in North Vernon. From world-class entertainers from around the globe to local, homegrown talent that will be sure to impress, there is something for everyone on the stage at the Park. Additionally, low ticket prices for movies ($5 for adults, $3 for children 12 years and under) and extremely affordable concessions make a night out at the movies as friendly on the family budget as it was 30 years ago. With local restaurants and attractions opening up all around the theatre in downtown, come find out why North Vernon was designated as a Stellar Community in 2011!
