Colonial Theater

The Colonial Theater sits on Water Street with a Beaux Arts facade featuring brick piers, decorative parapets, and granite window sills. The interior contains original architectural elements and design details that reflect its evolution as a performance venue over time.

The theater opened in 1913 and underwent major reconstruction by architect Harry S. Coombs following a destructive fire in 1926. Georgian Revival design elements shaped the rebuilt structure and its visual character.

The theater was a social hub where residents gathered for entertainment that mixed film with live performances, bringing people together across the region. Its role as a community gathering place shaped how locals view downtown Augusta today.

The building is easy to locate in downtown Augusta on Water Street and visible from the road. Visitors should know that restoration work is ongoing and hours may vary, so checking ahead is helpful before visiting.

The building is the last surviving movie theater in downtown Augusta and earned National Register of Historic Places status in 2014. This recognition protected its future and turned it into an important landmark in the city's preservation efforts.

Location: Augusta

Architects: Harry S. Coombs

Address: 139 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

GPS coordinates: 44.31778,-69.77333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:16