In 1928, the Tivoli Theatre opened its doors for the very first time—a majestic movie palace where dreams flickered to life on the silver screen. It was more than a theatre. It was a marvel of its era: a place where elegance met entertainment, and a community gathered in awe under a ceiling of stars.
For decades, the Tivoli was the beating heart of downtown. It survived the Great Depression, two world wars, and shifting eras of culture and technology. But like so many grand theatres across America, time eventually caught up. In 1999, the lights dimmed. The curtains fell. The Tivoli closed its doors—silent, but not forgotten.
And then, something remarkable happened.
In 2013, after years of tireless advocacy, and fundraising, the Tivoli Theatre was brought back to life under a partnership between Owen County Preservations, Indiana Landmarks, and The Cook Group, the gem would sparkle again. The original architectural details—lovingly preserved and restored—once more dazzled audiences. The community returned, not just to relive the past, but to create a vibrant future.
Just seven years later, another test came: the COVID-19 pandemic. Curtains fell again across the world, and stages went dark. But the Tivoli didn’t fold—it endured. Thanks to unwavering community support and dedicated stewards, it weathered the storm. In a time when isolation was everywhere, the Tivoli stood as a symbol of hope—that we would gather again.
Today, the Tivoli is more than a restored building. It’s a story of resilience. A living landmark that has risen not once, but twice—from the dust of disrepair and the silence of a pandemic. It is a testament to what a community can do when it chooses to protect its past, invest in its present, and believe in its future.
This theatre has survived nearly a century of change—and it’s just getting started.
Welcome to the Tivoli’s next act.
