The Penn Theater ~ 2023

Work is going on inside. 

Photo: Barbara Bloom

Is the Penn Theater coming back?

Photo: Mike Rehm

June 6, 2015
Good news! Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is now taking bids, and expects to accept one this week, to repair the abandoned Penn Theater's marquee and façade.

The foundation has allocated $30,000 for the project, likely to start this month, said Dave Farkas, director of the foundation's Main Street projects.

Read more: About the revival.

Penn Theater ~

Photo: Paul Johnson Jr. 

Renovation had begun, then the project was dropped. 

Penn Theater Lineup ~ 1941

Thanks: Beau Olsen

Penn Theater Lineup ~ 1941

The line of kids waiting to get in to see an early full length feature cartoon, "Mr. Bug Goes To Town" and "Pardon My Stripes." Then attend the Armco Steel Kid's Christmas Party held between films.  

Thanks: Beau Olsen

Our Penn Theater is Back !

Sixty-seven years ago the Penn Theater on Main Street in Butler opened its doors, offering films to patrons of the thriving downtown business district. Now the new Penn Theater is seen as a catalyst to downtown's revitalization. The Butler Penn Theater Community Trust acquired the theater last year and began to return the structure to its original Art Deco splendor. Already numerous performances have taken place.