Oriental Theatre
A 1927 architectural gem showcasing Indian-inspired grandeur, offering a unique cinematic escape with curated films and vibrant events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Historic charm shines bright
Oriental Theatre
Best Time
Historic charm shines bright

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1927 architectural gem showcasing Indian-inspired grandeur, offering a unique cinematic escape with curated films and vibrant events.
"It's truly like you’ve been transported back into vintage Hollywood! Elegant, quaint, wonderful staff…"
🎯 Become a Member
Get discounts on concessions, free monthly screenings, and support this historic gem. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Free street parking after 6 PM, or use nearby paid lots. Plan ahead for busy nights! :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur
Marvel at the ornate Indian, Moorish, Islamic, and Byzantine-inspired details that transport you to a bygone era.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Experience the cult classic with a live shadow cast for an interactive and unforgettable night.

Milwaukee Film Festival
Catch a diverse range of films during this annual event, showcasing classics, documentaries, and niche genres.

Pan-Asian Dining Experience
Enjoy elevated Pan-Asian flavors and craft cocktails in the stunning, historic setting of PAO Detroit, located within the theatre.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Parking & Pre-Movie Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Become a Member
Get discounts on concessions, free monthly screenings, and support this historic gem.
:ticket:🚗 Parking Strategy
Free street parking after 6 PM, or use nearby paid lots. Plan ahead for busy nights!
:car:🍿 Delicious Popcorn
Don't miss the popcorn with its delicious butter topping – a crowd favorite!
:popcorn:✨ Open Seating Awareness
For popular screenings like Rocky Horror, arrive early as seating is open.
:movie_camera:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Become a Member
Get discounts on concessions, free monthly screenings, and support this historic gem.
:ticket:🚗 Parking Strategy
Free street parking after 6 PM, or use nearby paid lots. Plan ahead for busy nights!
:car:🍿 Delicious Popcorn
Don't miss the popcorn with its delicious butter topping – a crowd favorite!
:popcorn:✨ Open Seating Awareness
For popular screenings like Rocky Horror, arrive early as seating is open.
:movie_camera:🥂 Pre/Post-Movie Drinks
Enjoy cocktails at PAO Detroit or nearby bars for a complete night out.
:cocktail:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Oriental Theatre's stunning, historic architecture and its unique, curated film selection, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinemas. The friendly staff and delicious popcorn are also frequently praised. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is considered a must-do in Milwaukee, especially for film buffs and those appreciating historical landmarks.
"Great historic movie theater! I especially like the popcorn here, the butter topping is super delicious. Great programming and movie selections, along with the Milwaukee Film Festival each year. I would recommend joining as a member since you get a free members-only movie screening each month and discounts on concessions. If you haven't been to a Rocky Horror showing, it's a can't miss event! It's open seating, so just be aware in case it's a popular 1 night only screening and you're arriving late since you will get the remaining seats.
Parking might be a pain if you're not used to the area, but there's usually free street parking nearby after 6pm plus parking structures & lots if you hate to parallel park on a busy east side street. Definitely recommend stopping by one of the nearby bubble tea shops or bars before or after the movie for a sweet treat!"
Kim P (kpossibles)
"Been to this theater numerous times. It's a unique experience, in so many ways. The is one of the few locally owned theaters that isn't playing the standard movie lineup that you get in all the other theaters chains. Her you get a wide variety of oscar winners, documentaries, foreign, art, and other niche genres.
The theater itself is a gem for Milwaukee. It has been lovingly restored to much of it's original majestic beauty. The lobby still provides an actual person in the ticket book. Beyond the lobbies are gender bathrooms, that are always cleaned and fully operational. The snack counter has a great collection of cocktails, soda,seltzer, beers and water. The popcorn is fresh and some of the best that you will find in the city. And the staff have always been friendly and helpful.
The seats are not the dream loungers, but regular seats that are well padded and comfortable. The seats are kept clean as well as the floors. My sense is that patrons here are doing a much job of helping to keep the place clean, than you might find in other theaters.
A great place for catching a great movie."
Scott W
"This isn’t your ordinary movie theater - this feels like an experience every time we go to a movie here. It’s truly like you’ve been transported back into vintage Hollywood! Elegant, quaint, wonderful staff… if I could go to every movie here, I would! Even the bathrooms have charm! Always clean, not so many previews before the movie that you forget what movie you came to! Concessions are great. You pick your seats as you enter and what’s open. I’m even willing to give up reclining seats - seems a fair trade!
Make sure to check out the film festival - so many events going on!"
Sheri Mazariegos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oriental Theatre is located on Milwaukee's East Side. Public transportation options are available, and ride-sharing services are convenient. For those driving, street parking is often free after 6 PM, with paid parking structures and lots also nearby.
Yes, there are several parking options. You can find free street parking, especially after 6 PM, or utilize nearby parking structures and lots if you prefer not to parallel park on busy streets.
Milwaukee has a public bus system that serves the East Side. Check local transit schedules for routes and stops closest to the Oriental Theatre for the most up-to-date information.
The theatre's main lobby, restrooms, and concession stand are wheelchair-accessible. All three auditoriums offer reserved seating for guests using wheelchairs.
Yes, all three cinemas are equipped with hearing loop technology, which allows patrons with T-coil hearing aids to receive audio signals directly to their device.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased online through the Oriental Theatre's official website or at the box office. For special events like the Milwaukee Film Festival, specific ticketing procedures may apply.
The Oriental Theatre's hours vary depending on showtimes and events. It's best to check their official schedule online for the most accurate operating hours for specific movie showings or events.
Ticket prices can vary based on the film, event, and seating. Checking the Oriental Theatre's website or calling the box office will provide the most current pricing information. Membership can also offer discounts.
Yes, the Oriental Theatre offers reserved seating in its auditoriums. You can usually view a seating chart when purchasing tickets online to select your preferred seats.
Tickets for the popular Rocky Horror Picture Show showings can sell out quickly. It's recommended to purchase them in advance online or at the box office, especially for single-night screenings.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The Oriental Theatre is known for its diverse programming, including Oscar winners, documentaries, foreign films, art house cinema, and other niche genres, offering a unique alternative to mainstream multiplexes.
Absolutely! The historic ambiance, unique film selection, and nearby dining options like PAO Detroit make it a fantastic choice for a memorable date night.
The Oriental Theatre features comfortable, well-padded seats. While not the reclining loungers found in some modern theaters, they are clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant viewing experience.
Yes, the concession stand offers a good selection of drinks, including cocktails, soda, seltzer, beer, and water, along with fresh popcorn.
Its stunning, lovingly restored 1927 architecture with Indian-inspired motifs, its commitment to showing a wide variety of independent and classic films, and its vibrant community events like the Milwaukee Film Festival set it apart.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Oriental Theatre has a concession stand offering popcorn, drinks, and some snacks. For a more substantial meal, consider dining at PAO Detroit, an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant located within the historic theatre.
The East Side neighborhood surrounding the Oriental Theatre boasts numerous restaurants and bars. PAO Detroit offers an elevated dining experience inside the theatre itself, and many other eateries are just a short walk away.
The Oriental Theatre offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at its concession stand, including cocktails, beer, and soda.
The popcorn at the Oriental Theatre is frequently praised for being fresh and delicious, especially with its generous butter topping.
While specific dietary options at the concession stand can vary, the theatre generally offers standard movie snacks. For more diverse dietary needs, exploring nearby restaurants is recommended. PAO Detroit may offer more specialized options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the public areas of the Oriental Theatre, especially to capture its stunning architecture. However, flash photography during screenings is prohibited. Some staff may even allow you to wander and take pictures.
The main lobby, with its intricate details and grand scale, is a prime spot. The ornate architectural elements throughout the theatre, including the ceilings and decorative motifs, offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
You can typically photograph the auditoriums before a movie starts or after it ends, provided no screening is in progress. Be mindful of other patrons and avoid using flash during showings.
The main restriction is no flash photography during movie screenings to avoid disturbing the audience. Professional photography or filming may require special permission.
Its unique blend of Indian, Moorish, Islamic, and Byzantine architectural styles, combined with its historical significance and lovingly restored interiors, makes it incredibly photogenic.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
Modern updates ensure a high-quality viewing experience, with 4K digital projection and 35mm/70mm film projection capabilities in the Abele Cinema, complemented by Dolby Digital Sound. These technological advancements are seamlessly integrated into the historic setting, offering the best of both worlds. The theatre's commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future makes it a unique destination for film lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
The Oriental Theatre Experience: Beyond the Screen
Beyond the films, the theatre is a hub for community events, most notably the Milwaukee Film Festival. This annual event showcases a vast array of cinematic talent and brings a vibrant energy to the theatre. For those seeking a unique night out, the Oriental Theatre offers a blend of historical charm, exceptional film choices, and engaging community events, making every visit memorable. The presence of PAO Detroit, an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant within the theatre, further enhances the experience, offering a sophisticated pre- or post-movie dining option.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit