Apollo Theatre

The Apollo Theatre is a movie theater located on North State Street in downtown Belvidere, housed in a steel-framed building with stone and masonry finishes. The structure displays classical architectural elements from the 1920s and was originally designed with 950 seats.

The theater was built after a fire destroyed the nearby Derthick Opera House in 1917 and opened on January 11, 1922. The building was later updated with modern improvements, including air conditioning added in 1931.

The venue has hosted different forms of entertainment over its long history, serving as a gathering place for the community. People came here to experience everything from films to live performances and dance events.

The theater is easily accessible, as it sits on North State Street in the downtown area where parking and pedestrian access are straightforward. Visitors will find it helpful to explore the historic details and surroundings during daytime hours.

The theater was originally built with features typical of 1920s entertainment venues, including ornamental details and a spacious lobby area. These elements still reflect the era when such places served as important community gathering spaces.

Location: Belvidere

Inception: 1921

Official opening: January 11, 1922

Address: 104 N. State Street, Belvidere, IL 61008

GPS coordinates: 42.25944,-88.84361

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05