Theater est. 1927 · Preserved by HLTC since 2006

The Spotlight Is On The Lansdowne

A remarkable restoration. A landmark reborn. A second act underway.

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A New Chapter

The doors are open.
The work continues.

After a $21 million restoration, the Historic Lansdowne Theater stepped back into the spotlight in 2025, reopening as a live performance destination after 38 years in the dark. The restoration brought this landmark back to life, but preserving it—and ensuring it continues to serve the community for generations to come—is an ongoing commitment.

The Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation (HLTC) owns and preserves the landmark. BRE Presents leases and operates the venue, bringing live performances to the stage. One historic theater. Two organizations. Discover how each helps keep the Lansdowne thriving.

The restored main lobby with its tiled floor and Moorish arches, January 2026
Restored main lobby · 2026
The stage and organ loft seen from the southeast balcony, January 2026
Southeast balcony · 2026

One Theater · Two Organizations

Know who does what.

HLTCHistoric Lansdowne
Theater Corporation

We preserve the theater.

The Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation is the nonprofit organization that owns this historic landmark. We care for the building, protect its legacy, and raise the funds needed to maintain and improve it for future generations. Our stewardship ensures the theater will remain a vibrant community landmark long into the future. While performances fill the theater today, the work of preservation never ends.

Support The Lansdowne’s Future
brepresents.com →

They bring the stage to life.

BRE Presents is the theater’s operating tenant, bringing artists, audiences, and live entertainment to The Lansdowne through concerts and special events. From booking artists to the final encore, BRE Presents programs and operates the venue, keeping the stage active, the calendar full, and audiences coming through the doors. For upcoming performances, tickets, and event details, visit BRE Presents.

Shows & Tickets →
1927
Opened
0
Years in the Dark
$21M
Restoration
0
Seats

Then & Now

Same seats. Same view.
Ninety-nine years apart.

Drag the handle to travel between 1927 and today.

The restored auditorium in 2026, with red seats and the gilded ceiling
The same view of the auditorium photographed in 1927
1927 2026
The Lansdowne Theater exterior in 1927, with its original vertical blade sign
1927
Grand Opening
The Lansdowne Theater opens in grand style on June 1, 1927, with Knockout Reilly as its first feature and Miss Lansdowne flying overhead in a biplane, showering attendees with roses. Designed by architect William Harold Lee in the Spanish Revival style, the theater features a Kimball pipe organ—the last theater organ installed in the Philadelphia region.
Rows of dust-covered red seats during the theater's dark years
July 1987
The Fire
An electrical fire in an adjacent basement during a showing of Beverly Hills Cop II forces the Lansdowne Theater to close. The auditorium survives, but the theater falls silent for 38 years.
The chandelier glowing alone in the darkened auditorium. Photo by Sheri Knauer
2006
HLTC Founded
A group of community members forms the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation in 2006 with a mission to save the historic landmark and restore it as a gathering place for the community. HLTC purchases the theater in 2007 and begins the long journey toward restoration.
A sold-out audience fills the restored Lansdowne Theater on reopening night, August 22, 2025
August 22, 2025
Reopening Night
After 38 years of silence, the Lansdowne opens its doors again on August 22, 2025, with Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale. The restored 1,280-seat theater welcomes a sold-out audience, marking the return of a historic community gathering place.
HistoryA century of Lansdowne storiesFrom grand opening to closure, rescue, and revival → RestorationThe work behind the revivalThe people, partners, and preservation milestones behind the comeback →

The Building

Spanish Revival.
Designed to Inspire.

The Lansdowne Theater’s ornate plasterwork, tiled fountains, and architectural details were designed to inspire wonder and transport audiences into another world before the performance even began. Nearly a century later, preserving that experience remains at the heart of the theater’s story.

31 N. Lansdowne Avenue · Lansdowne, PA 19050 · Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Editorial collage of the community marquee relighting, the red 1960s auditorium, and salvaged Lansdowne sign letters during restoration

In the News

The Lansdowne’s story is being shared.

From restoration milestones to reopening night, the theater’s return has been featured by media outlets across the region and beyond.

6ABC Action News “Lansdowne Theater reopens for the first time since 1987” The Philadelphia Inquirer “Historic Lansdowne Theater reopens after $21 million restoration” WHYY “Lansdowne Theater returns” Delaware County Daily Times “Back from the dead: Lansdowne Theater to reopen in its full glory” Preservation Magazine National Trust for Historic Preservation · Spring 2026 “Restored”

Awards & Recognition

The Lansdowne’s story is being honored.

Recognized for historic preservation, community impact, adaptive reuse, and its return as a cultural destination.

2026
Preservation Achievement Award
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
2025
Historic Preservation Award
Preservation Pennsylvania
2026
Preservation Award
Delaware County Heritage Commission
2025
Community Initiative Award
PHMC / SHPO
2026
One of Philadelphia’s Top Real Estate Deals
Philadelphia Business Journal
2026
Best Entertainment Venue
The Philadelphia Inquirer Readers’ Choice

The Second Act

The restoration is complete.
Stewardship is a commitment that never ends.

HLTC owns and preserves the Lansdowne Theater. Your support keeps the marquee glowing, safeguards the historic craftsmanship, and ensures this irreplaceable landmark continues to welcome audiences for generations to come.

Donate Now Sponsor a Seat
Legacy or fee-free gifts → Checks: HLTC, 31 N. Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 65-1298828
Blue Seat
$600
Personalized brass plaque on an interior seat.
Gold Seat
$750
Personalized brass plaque mounted on the back of a theater seat.
Prime Seat
$1,000
Premium-location seat plaque plus recognition on the Supporters Wall.

Choose Your Seat

Tap an available seat to sponsor it. Data updates live from our records.

Prime ($1,000) Gold ($750) Blue ($600) Sold

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Get Involved

Be part of what comes next

Volunteer
Help with events, fundraising, and community outreach. Whether you have a few hours a month or want a larger role, there’s a place for you.
Join the Board
We welcome inquiries from people who share our commitment to preserving historic places, revitalizing communities, and creating spaces that bring people together. HLTC board members contribute expertise, networks, and resources to help advance our mission.
Spread the Word
Follow us on Facebook, share our mission, and help others learn about the ongoing care and preservation of the Lansdowne.

The restoration was made possible by an extraordinary coalition of supporters: state and federal leaders, county and municipal partners, foundations, corporations, community organizations, and more than 1,000 individual donors from across the country — and as far away as Tokyo.

Major supporters include:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission · Delaware County Council · National Endowment for the Arts · National Trust for Historic Preservation · Presser Foundation · Connelly Foundation · Dapplecroft Foundation · Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund · The Foundation for Delaware County · WSFS Bank · Reinvestment Fund · Visit DELCO · and many more

Planning a visit? Visit DELCO at www.visitdelco.com for hotel reservations and to keep up with events throughout Delaware County.

Stay Connected

Get in touch

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Contact Us

Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation
31 N. Lansdowne Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
610-622-1234
info@lansdownetheater.org

Leadership
Matt Schultz, Executive Director
Bob Jara, President
Brian Flounders, Vice President/Treasurer

Board of Directors

  • Bill Bowden
  • Robert Correia
  • Steve Eberle
  • Bill Flounders
  • Nathan Hall
  • Suzanne McShane Hall
  • Greg Murray
  • Stephanie Strassel