Lucas Theatre
Its history, legacy, and cultural impact
Designed by renowned architect Claude K. Howell, the Lucas Theater has a rich history that dates back to its first public showing on December 26th, 1921. Deemed as the “Jewel of Savannah”, the theater boasts a Spanish Baroque Revival style architectural exterior, while the interior is more notable for its Greek Revival and Art Deco design. Crowds were intrigued by the elegant finishes, like the marble floors, large domed ceiling, and expansive spaces that could house over 1,700 occupants. By 1927, it became the first building in Savannah to have an air conditioning system installed, elevating the visitors’ experience and attracting even larger crowds.
The construction of the Lucas Theater was commissioned by none other than Arthur Lucas himself - a well known businessman and theatre developer, who had grown up in South Carolina and had deep ties to the Savannah region through his upbringing. After extensive success in opening and operating dozens of theatres throughout the United States, Lucas and his team set out to focus their efforts heavily on the south. Lucas first took over the Odenton Theater and the Folly theater, before undertaking the construction of the only theater that would bear his name. He worked alongside architect Claude K. Howell at the construction of the Rylander Theater in South Carolina, forming a relationship with him as they worked on developing the plans for the Lucas Theater to come.
In August of 1920, Lucas obtained permits through the city of Savannah to build a theater on the corner of Abercorn and Congress streets. Construction began immediately, and over a year later, the Lucas Theater would hold its first showing. Decoration of the interior spaces was not complete by the opening night, but Lucas insisted on maintaining the scheduled grand opening. He took great care to ensure all unfinished spaces remained covered, and out of sight, and installed temporary solutions to incompletely furnished rooms.As scheduled, Buster Keaton’s films “Hard Luck” and “Camille” were the first to be shown at the Lucas Theater, with great success. The public marveled at the beauty of the theater, and Lucas would go on to receive praises from esteemed film critics, as well as Georgia government officials. Editorial reviews after opening night called it “a blend of beauty and simplicity” among many other compliments and predicted lifelong success for its operations in the city. That night, Savannah gained another remarkable building that would shape the landscape at Reynolds Square.
The Lucas Theater was in operation until 1976, when it was forced to close due to the effects of World War II in downtown Savannah. Upkeep of the theater went downhill, but just a decade later, the Lucas Theatre for the Arts nonprofit was created to purchase and restore the building. Today, it hosts the yearly Savannah Film Festival, and is regarded as an important asset to the city. From time to time, the theatre presents seasonal movies, which are scheduled and can be booked in advance for visitors planning a trip to Savannah.
