Williams Center

Williams Center is a theater and cinema facility in Rutherford with two live performance stages and three movie screens for diverse entertainment. The building also includes an open-air gathering space where various programs and events take place year-round.

The building was originally built in the 1920s as the Rivoli Theater and later closed after a fire. A group of philanthropists saved it from demolition in 1982 and reopened it as a cultural center.

The center is named after William Carlos Williams, a poet and physician born in Rutherford, and it hosts literary events that celebrate his legacy. The space draws people interested in poetry and local creative work.

The venue offers films, theater performances, and events like open mic nights and board game evenings throughout the year. It helps to check the website for current schedules and find out which activities fit your preferred timeframe.

The original theater featured a magnificent chandelier made from about 62,000 Czechoslovakian crystals, a striking example of early 1900s craftsmanship. The venue was also known for hosting performances by famous entertainers such as Abbott and Costello.

Location: Rutherford

Address: 1 Williams Plaza, Rutherford, NJ 07070

Website: http://williamscenter.org

GPS coordinates: 40.82710,-74.10300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:07