Lucas Theatre for the Arts

Join the SCAD Savannah Film Festival for the North American premiere of FRANCESCO, a documentary about Pope Francis that made world-wide headlines this week! https://filmfest.scad.edu/

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On December 1, 2000, amost 88 years to the days of its original premiere, the Lucas Theatre reopened, celebrating with three showings of the classic film GONE WITH THE WIND. Once again, the Lucas was a cultural and social cornerstone of Savannah life. . . . In 2003, the Savannah College of Art and Designed partnered with the nonprofit organization, managing operations of the theater, which it continues to do so today. ... #lucastheatre #historicpreservation #theatrehistory #savannahgeorgia See more

After several years and a multimillion-dollar restoration, The Lucas Theatre for the Arts was ready to reopen to public in 2000! . . . #lucastheatre #journeybackintime #theatrehistory #history

When restoration begin in 1995, there was a lot to be done! Restoration work included replacing the roof, weatherproofing the building, restoring plasterwork, installing seats similar to seats in the 1920s, installing new electrical and HVAC, painting theatre in original Adam style color motiff, and putting in rigging and sound systems around the original infrastructure. . . . The final fundraising push began in 1997. Clint Eastwood, director of THE MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL, agreed to hold the film's wrap party at the Lucas Theatre. The proceeds of tickets to the party and an auction of the props and items benefitted the restoration project. #clinteastwood ##lucastheatre #midnightinthegardenofgoodandevil #theatrehistory #savannahgeorgia

After several failed attempts to save the Lucas in the 1970-1980s, the building stood vacant from 1985 - 1995, exposed to heavy rains and a leaking roof, which led to massive damage the plasterwork in the lobby and auditorium. . . . In 1987, Emma and Lee Adler, Savannahians known for their historic preservation work, formed a non-profit group committed to restoring the theatre - The Lucas Theatre for the Arts. But it took until 1995 for the necessary funds to be raised for the restoration process to officially begin. #theatrehistory #lucastheatre #history #savannahgeorgia

The Lucas Theatre during the 70s, approximately 50 years after it opened. After an abandoned screening of THE EXORCIST in 1976, the theatre closed its doors. Several other ventures were attempted, including a restaurant and comedy club, without success. . . . #lucastheatre #history #theatrehistory #theexorcist

A 1970 newspaper advertisment for PATTON playing at the Lucas Theatre. Even today, PATTON is considered one of the greatest war movies ever made. . . . #lucastheatre #patton #theatrehistory #history

Owner Arthur Lucas proclaimed the Lucas Theater as the ultimate in comfort and high class entertainment. It was designed in the style of Adam, known for its muted pastel color scheme, ornamental plastwork, wedgewood medallions, and scroll tracery. Heavy green carpet covered the entirety of the theatre, and 4,000 lights of various colors adorned the walls throughout the building. It was the first building in Savannah to install air conditioning in 1927, known then as "refrigerated air" and "man-made weather." Date of the image is unknown, but shows what the original lobby looked like in the early days of the theater. . . . #lucastheatre #savannahgeorgia #theatrehistory #history

Citizens of Savannah line up at the Lucas for a War Bond Drive in December 1943, two years after the US joined World War II. . . . #theatrehistory #lucastheatre #savannahgeorgia #history

In the later 1930s, a "Savannah Weekly Amusement Guide" would be distributed weekly, promoting programs at five of the theatres in the city. This guide is from 1939, showcasing upcomings films at the Lucas including FIFTH AVENUE GIRL starring Ginger Rogers and Walter Connolly. . . . .... #theatrehistory #gingerrogers #lucastheatre #savannahgeorgia See more

The Lucas Theatre served as one of the major social/community spaces in the city between the 1920s-40s. It featured several of the most well-known and successful films of the classic Hollywood era featuring some of the biggest stars of silent film and "talkies." . . . Date of image: unknown. #theatrehistory #lucastheatre #savannahgeorgia

The Lucas Theatre, during the release of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS in 1923. This was director Cecile B. DeMille's original film, before he remade it in 1956 with Charlton Heston. . . . #theatrehistory #cecilebdemille #hollywoodhistory #savannahgeorgia #lucastheatre

Old Lucas playbills and advertisements from the 1920-30's. John A. Lorenz and Mildred Florence were stars of the "Lucas Players" group that regularly put on stage productions, including "Adam and Eva" for which this playbill advertised. #theatrehistory #lucastheatre