Carolina Theatre

The Carolina Theatre is a performing arts venue in downtown Durham housed in a Beaux-Arts style building designed by architect Frank Pierce Milburn in the early 1900s. The space features multiple performance areas with ornate details and high ceilings that accommodate everything from concerts to film screenings.

The building opened in 1926 as a movie palace and was later transformed into a versatile performing arts venue to serve changing entertainment needs. This shift reflects how theaters adapted over time to showcase diverse forms of artistic expression.

The venue hosts concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and community programs that attract diverse audiences year-round. The historic setting creates a special experience for those who gather here to enjoy live entertainment.

The venue sits in downtown Durham with convenient access to public transportation and multiple parking options in nearby garages and street parking. Allow extra time to find parking and navigate to the entrance when planning your arrival for an event.

The venue operates as a nonprofit organization, which allows it to balance film screenings and live performances as equally important parts of its mission. This business model helps sustain artistic variety and ensures both mediums continue to have a home in the community.

Location: Durham

Architects: Frank Pierce Milburn

Address: 309 West Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701

Website: http://carolinatheatre.org

GPS coordinates: 35.99810,-78.90170

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54