Virginia Theatre, Movie theater in downtown Champaign, United States
The Virginia Theatre is a movie house in downtown Champaign with approximately 1463 seats spread across its main auditorium. It hosts theatrical performances, film screenings, concerts, and entertainment events throughout the year.
The building opened on December 28, 1921, with a theatrical performance and quickly became a center for silent film screenings accompanied by live music. Over the following decades, it evolved from a dedicated film venue into a multipurpose entertainment space.
The theater hosts the annual Roger Ebert Film Festival each April, celebrating the hometown film critic through screenings that draw enthusiasts from across the region. The building itself reflects Champaign's deep connection to cinema history.
The box office operates Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and tickets can be purchased for upcoming performances. Visitors should check the schedule in advance to plan their visit around event times.
The building houses an original 1921 Wurlitzer organ that once accompanied silent films and underwent complete restoration in 2011. This instrument is still played during special events, offering visitors a rare connection to the theater's earliest days.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
