State Theatre

State Theatre is a movie palace and performing arts venue in Cleveland designed in Italian Renaissance style and completed in 1921. The building features three interconnected lobbies spanning over 300 feet, providing entrance halls on multiple levels with seating capacity exceeding 3,000 patrons.

Thomas Lamb designed this venue as a flagship location for Loew's Theatres in 1921, during the peak era of grand movie palaces. The building represents the ambition and investment that major theater chains put into creating luxury entertainment destinations.

Four large murals by James Daugherty depict the arts of drama, cinema, and fantasy across different cultural traditions displayed throughout the lobby. These paintings shape how visitors experience the entrance and reveal the building's role as a showcase for artistic expression.

Visitors enter through the extended lobby system, which connects multiple levels and offers clear navigation to seating areas. Restrooms and concession stands are positioned on both the main floor and mezzanine for easy access during your visit.

A musical show that premiered in the lobby during 1973 extended far beyond its planned three-week run and played continuously for two years. This unexpected success became one of Cleveland's longest-running performances in the venue's history.

Location: Cleveland

Inception: 1921

Architects: Thomas W. Lamb

Official opening: 1921

Capacity: 3193

Part of: Playhouse Square

Address: 1519 Euclid Avenue, Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH 44115

Website: http://playhousesquare.org

GPS coordinates: 41.50147,-81.68082

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45