Englert Theatre

A gem of a theatre

The Englert Theatre is a historic home for the arts in the heart of downtown Iowa City. This 725-seat non-profit venue presents a wide variety of performances each year, including live music, theatre, dance, comedy, lectures and more. Nationally known touring artists as well as local artists and community performing organizations all are featured on the Englert’s stage.

The Englert was originally constructed in 1912, was rebuilt after a fire in 1926, and is still in its original location at 221 East Washington Street in downtown Iowa City. In its early days, it hosted live stage performance by leading stars of the era, included May Pickford, Fanny Brice, Paul Robeson and Sarah Bernhardt. In the 1930s it evolved into a grand movie theater, and continued to show movies until 1999.

The theatre was closed in 1999, and an out-of-state bar owner purchased the property to turn it into a nightclub. A group of concerned citizens persuaded the City of Iowa City to buy the building and hold it in trust so that money could be raised for purchase and renovation. Over the next five years, overwhelming community support helped raise the funds needed to renovate the theater to its former grandeur. The theatre finally reopened for live performance in December 2004. Features include a three story proscenium stage and original features in a relatively undisturbed state.

For more information, please visit the Englert’s website at www.englert.org. Tours may be arranged by calling the number listed below.

Contact Information:
221 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Telephone: (319) 688-2653
Website: www.englert.org

Hours:
Box office hours: Monday - Friday: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

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