As you drive down Main Street in Franklin TN, you can't miss the glowing marquee of the Franklin Theatre. To look at the old cinema house now, you would think that it has been there for a long time. You would be right. The Franklin Theatre was built in 1937.
The world changed a lot over the years and the movie house suffered decay and neglect. It wasn't able to compete with the mega-theaters in the area and shut its doors in 2007 after 70 years of operation. I had only lived here a short while when the theater closed. You could feel a real sense of loss by the community.
Fortunately, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, a non-profit group, stepped up and purchased the theater. The renovation took three years and over $8M to complete. Franklin Theatre, the jewel of Main Street, re-opened in June 2011. As Franklin often does, a festival was planned for the re-opening. Thousands of Franklin residents flocked to historic, downtown Franklin to celebrate this auspicious occasion. It was a fitting celebration for the return of this well-loved theater.
Franklin Theatre hosts a variety of events from classical and second run movies to live music and theatrical performances. Movie tickets are only $5. While you'll find a fully stocked concession stand, Franklin Theatre allows patrons to bring drinks and snacks. They understand residents are here for the entertainment, not the popcorn.
I am so happy the Franklin Theatre was renovated to its previous splendor. It reminds me of the old movie house I visited as a child.
Franklin Theatre, the jewel of Main Street in Franklin TN.
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