Shines Auburn Theater

Shines Auburn Theater is a movie house built in 1938 with a distinctive facade of ceramic brick and terra cotta topped by a stylized marquee. Inside, the auditorium holds around 2,000 seats and functions today as both a cinema and cultural venue for the community.

Architect John Eberson designed this building in 1938 using the Streamline Moderne style, which expressed modernity through curved forms and sleek surfaces. The theater gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, confirming its importance to the region's architectural heritage.

The theater serves as a gathering place where concerts, theatrical performances, and community events happen regularly throughout the year. You can experience local orchestras and theater groups performing in this space, making it an active part of Auburn's cultural life today.

The building sits on South Street between Genesee and Lincoln Street in downtown Auburn, making it easy to find and access. The Cayuga County Arts Council operates the venue and hosts events throughout the year, so checking their schedule helps you plan your visit.

The auditorium's walls and ceiling feature an intricate pattern of flat and curved surfaces decorated with repeating shooting star designs. These decorative elements create a sense of visual motion that makes the space feel dynamic and energetic in an unexpected way.

Location: Auburn

Architects: John Eberson

Architectural style: Streamline Moderne

Address: 12-14 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021

Website: http://cayugacountyartscouncil.com/auburn_schines

GPS coordinates: 42.93111,-76.56556

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22