Denton, Texas, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Fine Arts Theatre in Denton, Texas, is slated for a major restoration to modernize its facilities while preserving its historical charm. Planned to reopen in the summer of 2026, the project includes a 70mm projection system and improved lobby and seating amenities. With a total estimated cost of $10 million and $1.6 million in tax breaks from the City of Denton, the revitalization aims to enhance local tourism and provide a cultural venue for the community, generating significant annual revenue for surrounding businesses.
Denton, Texas — Historic Fine Arts Theatre Set for Major Restoration and Reopening in 2026
The Fine Arts Theatre in Denton, Texas, is undergoing a significant restoration. The project is planned to modernize the long-vacant building while preserving its traditional architectural features and returning it to active use as a cultural and commercial anchor for downtown Denton.
Key details
The theater is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026. The restoration will include the installation of a 70mm projection system, along with DCP and 35mm capabilities. An expanded lobby, updated seating, and improved sight and sound will be part of the upgrades.
The restoration deal includes $1.6 million in tax breaks from the City of Denton. The total estimated cost for the restoration project is $10 million.
Planned facilities and programming
Plans for the restored theater include a 200-seat main theater, a 30-seat mezzanine, and a 50-seat private theater. The second floor will feature a bar overlooking the town square. The Fine Arts Theatre will offer a unique cinematic experience for local cinephiles and feature a repertory strategy alongside new studio releases. The project aims to provide a versatile space for live music, movies, meetings, and community events.
Why the restoration is happening now
The renovation began after city council approval from February 2023. The urgent need to restore the theater highlights its iconic status, as noted by Assistant City Manager Christine Taylor and local developers. Christine Taylor, the assistant City Manager, emphasized the project is more than just cultural, highlighting its role in boosting tourism and local arts investment.
Historical background
The Fine Arts Theatre has a rich history, previously known as the Graham Opera House (1877) and Texas Theatre (1935), and it became the Fine Arts Theatre in 1957. It has been vacant since 1982. An earlier proposal to revive the theater was submitted in 2018 but was unsuccessful until the recent incentives were offered.
Economic and community expectations
The revitalization is expected to generate over $20 million in annual revenue for surrounding businesses. The City of Denton hopes the theater’s reopening will enhance social and economic activities in the downtown area. The design will maintain traditional architectural features while modernizing the inner workings for current use. Jason Reimer, creative director and co-owner of Aviation Cinemas, noted the rarity of theaters equipped to show 70mm films in Texas.
Technical and visitor experience notes
Along with the 70mm projection capability, the restored theater will retain DCP and 35mm options to accommodate a range of film formats. The upgrades to sight and sound and the updated seating are intended to improve audience comfort and acoustics while preserving the building’s historic character.
FAQ
What is happening to the Fine Arts Theatre?
The Fine Arts Theatre in Denton, Texas, is undergoing a significant restoration.
When will the theater reopen?
The theater is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026.
What projection and film capabilities will the theater have?
The restoration will include the installation of a 70mm projection system, along with DCP and 35mm capabilities.
How much will the renovation cost and what public support is involved?
The total estimated cost for the restoration project is $10 million.
The restoration deal includes $1.6 million in tax breaks from the City of Denton.
What seating and spaces are planned?
Plans for the restored theater include a 200-seat main theater, a 30-seat mezzanine, and a 50-seat private theater.
Will the theater offer additional amenities?
The second floor will feature a bar overlooking the town square.
What is the expected economic impact?
The revitalization is expected to generate over $20 million in annual revenue for surrounding businesses.
What is the theater’s history?
The Fine Arts Theatre has a rich history, previously known as the Graham Opera House (1877) and Texas Theatre (1935), and it became the Fine Arts Theatre in 1957.
How long has the building been unused?
It has been vacant since 1982.
Were there previous attempts to revive the theater?
An earlier proposal to revive the theater was submitted in 2018 but was unsuccessful until the recent incentives were offered.
Who has commented on the theater’s technical rarity?
Jason Reimer, creative director and co-owner of Aviation Cinemas, noted the rarity of theaters equipped to show 70mm films in Texas.
Why is the city supporting the project?
Christine Taylor, the assistant City Manager, emphasized the project is more than just cultural, highlighting its role in boosting tourism and local arts investment.
When did the renovation process begin?
The renovation began after city council approval from February 2023.
Project Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Projection and formats | The restoration will include the installation of a 70mm projection system, along with DCP and 35mm capabilities. |
| Seating | Plans for the restored theater include a 200-seat main theater, a 30-seat mezzanine, and a 50-seat private theater. |
| Lobby and sightlines | An expanded lobby, updated seating, and improved sight and sound will be part of the upgrades. |
| Second floor | The second floor will feature a bar overlooking the town square. |
| Cost | The total estimated cost for the restoration project is $10 million. |
| Public support | The restoration deal includes $1.6 million in tax breaks from the City of Denton. |
| Reopen date | The theater is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026. |
| Economic expectation | The revitalization is expected to generate over $20 million in annual revenue for surrounding businesses. |
| Historical note | The Fine Arts Theatre has a rich history, previously known as the Graham Opera House (1877) and Texas Theatre (1935), and it became the Fine Arts Theatre in 1957. |
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Additional Resources
- WFAA: Restored Fine Arts Theatre in Denton
- Wikipedia: Fine Arts Theatre
- Denton Record-Chronicle: Fine Arts Theatre Update
- Google Search: Fine Arts Theatre Denton
- NT Daily: Fine Arts Theatre Revival
- Google Scholar: Denton Fine Arts Theatre
- WV News: Fine Arts Theatre Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fine Arts Theatre
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