Great Southern Hotel & Theatre

The Great Southern Hotel and Theatre is an entertainment building with Colonial Revival architecture in downtown Columbus. The structure has two balconies, holds about 930 seats in its auditorium, and combines hotel and theater functions under one roof.

The building opened in 1896 as the city's first fireproof entertainment venue, following a series of destructive theater fires in downtown Columbus. Its brick and steel construction set a new standard for public building safety.

The theater's ornate interior reflects the entertainment tastes of the late 1800s and continues to draw audiences who gather to share performances and musical experiences. These gatherings have shaped how people in Columbus see themselves as a community.

The venue sits centrally and is accessible on foot, with downtown parking available nearby. The auditorium offers good sightlines from most seats, though the older balconies have narrower rows.

The building generated its own electricity and maintained three water wells in its basement, making it completely independent of city utilities. This self-sufficiency was remarkable for a building of its size and era.

Location: Columbus

Architectural style: Colonial Revival architecture

Address: 21 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Website: http://capa.com/columbus/venues/southern_about.php

GPS coordinates: 39.95606,-82.99872

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02