Masonic Temple and Theater

The Masonic Temple and Theater is a two-story Federal-style brick building measuring seven bays wide by four bays deep in New Bern. The structure houses a Masonic lodge on the upper level and a public theater space on the lower level.

Construction took place between 1802 and 1809, making it the oldest continuously used Masonic building in North Carolina. The structure has remained in active use since its completion.

The RiverTowne Players perform regular theatrical productions in the historic space, presenting shows like The Wizard of Oz to audiences. This theater group keeps the building active as a gathering place for artists and community members.

The building sits on Hancock Street and serves both the Saint John's Lodge No. 3 and the public theater. When visiting, check in advance for scheduled performances to ensure the theater space is open to the public.

The interior features mid-nineteenth-century trompe-l'oeil paintings that create optical illusions and imitate detailed surfaces with painted effects. These wall paintings exist nowhere else in North Carolina in this form.

Location: New Bern

Inception: 1802

Address: 516 Hancock Street, New Bern, NC 28560

GPS coordinates: 35.11083,-77.04028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25