Oriental Theatre - Milwaukee's Oriental Theatre says "Go Away Virus. Stay Safe MKE." Along with "RHPS 4EVA" for Rocky Horror Picture Story on their sign outside of the theatre. They are among many theaters and small businesses closed by the Corona Virus.
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Oriental Theatre

4.8
·1k reviews·Milwaukee, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Historic charm shines bright

CrowdMedium
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Oriental Theatre - Milwaukee's Oriental Theatre says "Go Away Virus. Stay Safe MKE." Along with "RHPS 4EVA" for Rocky Horror Picture Story on their sign outside of the theatre. They are among many theaters and small businesses closed by the Corona Virus.

Oriental Theatre

Best Time

Evenings

Historic charm shines bright

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(1k reviews)

"It's truly like you’ve been transported back into vintage Hollywood! Elegant, quaint, wonderful staff…"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Marvel at the ornate Indian, Moorish, Islamic, and Byzantine-inspired details that transport you to a bygone era.

Reddit
Rocky Horror Picture Show

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Experience the cult classic with a live shadow cast for an interactive and unforgettable night.

InstagramReddit
Milwaukee Film Festival

Milwaukee Film Festival

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

InstagramReddit
Pan-Asian Dining Experience

Pan-Asian Dining Experience

Enjoy elevated Pan-Asian flavors and craft cocktails in the stunning, historic setting of PAO Detroit, located within the theatre.

TikTokInstagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

Step back in time at the Oriental Theatre, a 1927 gem with stunning Indian-inspired architecture. Support this historic landmark by attending a film or event to help preserve its unique charm for future generations. Reddit

Parking & Pre-Movie Fun

Parking can be tricky on the busy East Side. Look for free street parking after 6 PM or use nearby paid lots. Consider a pre-movie drink at a local bar or bubble tea shop to enhance your experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Historic charm shines bright
Crowd
Medium
When
Milwaukee Film Fest
Why
Unique cinematic events
Crowd
High
When
Rocky Horror showings
Why
Interactive cult classic fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for a date night spot or a fun weekend experience? You gotta check out @paodetroit. It’s an elevated dining experience with Pan-Asian flavors inside the historic Oriental Theatre. This past week I went in to check out some of their menu items and found out about the special craft cocktails available this Sunday starting at noon. PAO will be open this Sunday during the Lions game, it’s v...
metro.detroiter
1.6K likes • 67.7K views

🎯 Become a Member

Get discounts on concessions, free monthly screenings, and support this historic gem. Reddit :ticket:

🚗 Parking Strategy

Free street parking after 6 PM, or use nearby paid lots. Plan ahead for busy nights! Reddit :car:

tb to our switch show! #rockyhorror #rockyhorrorpictureshow #rhps #shadowcast #theatre #sensualdaydreams #orientaltheatre #milwaukee #rhps #mke #mkefilm #cosplay #lgbt
sensualdaydreamscast
41 likes • 724 views
Date night plans? We’ve got you covered. Start with cocktails at Shanghai Speakeasy and stroll just steps away to catch a film at the Oriental Theatre for the Milwaukee Film Fest. The perfect East Side night out and guess what — we’re giving you a chance to WIN your next one! 🍸🎟️ GIVEAWAY TIME (4 winners total): 🏆1st Place: A digital gift card to Shanghai for your first round & two digital vouc...
shanghaimke
781 likes • 18.7K views

🍿 Delicious Popcorn

Don't miss the popcorn with its delicious butter topping – a crowd favorite! Reddit :popcorn:

✨ Open Seating Awareness

For popular screenings like Rocky Horror, arrive early as seating is open. Reddit :movie_camera:

A clip from our most recent performance at the Oriental Theatre! Thanks for inviting us Brian and Darrin! 👞🤩 #rockymtnrhythm #greatestshowman #thegreatestshow
rockymtnrhythm
274 likes • 9.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Become a Member

Get discounts on concessions, free monthly screenings, and support this historic gem. Reddit :ticket:

🚗 Parking Strategy

Free street parking after 6 PM, or use nearby paid lots. Plan ahead for busy nights! Reddit :car:

🍿 Delicious Popcorn

Don't miss the popcorn with its delicious butter topping – a crowd favorite! Reddit :popcorn:

✨ Open Seating Awareness

For popular screenings like Rocky Horror, arrive early as seating is open. Reddit :movie_camera:

🥂 Pre/Post-Movie Drinks

Enjoy cocktails at PAO Detroit or nearby bars for a complete night out. TikTokInstagram :cocktail:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

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

Beautiful historic architecture
Unique film programming
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎬 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. Reddit

Absolutely! The historic ambiance, unique film selection, and nearby dining options like PAO Detroit make it a fantastic choice for a memorable date night. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Reddit

Yes, the concession stand offers a good selection of drinks, including cocktails, soda, seltzer, beer, and water, along with fresh popcorn. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

The Oriental Theatre offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at its concession stand, including cocktails, beer, and soda. Reddit

The popcorn at the Oriental Theatre is frequently praised for being fresh and delicious, especially with its generous butter topping. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The main restriction is no flash photography during movie screenings to avoid disturbing the audience. Professional photography or filming may require special permission. Reddit

Its unique blend of Indian, Moorish, Islamic, and Byzantine architectural styles, combined with its historical significance and lovingly restored interiors, makes it incredibly photogenic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Oriental Theatre offers a unique cinematic adventure for families. While the focus is on diverse film programming, including classics and animated features, the stunning historic architecture itself can be an engaging element for children. The theatre's commitment to cleanliness and comfortable seating ensures a pleasant viewing experience for all ages. Reddit Consider checking the schedule for family-friendly films or special programming during school holidays. The nearby bubble tea shops also offer a fun treat for younger visitors. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, becoming a member of the Oriental Theatre is highly recommended. Membership offers discounts on concessions and free monthly screenings, significantly reducing costs. Reddit Additionally, keep an eye out for free street parking after 6 PM to save on parking fees. Reddit The theatre's unique programming often provides excellent value compared to mainstream cinemas, offering a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank.

💖 Couples

The Oriental Theatre is an ideal spot for a romantic outing. The historic ambiance and ornate decor create a charming and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night. TikTokInstagram+1 Enjoy a film together, followed by craft cocktails at PAO Detroit or a stroll through the vibrant East Side neighborhood. The unique film selection also provides a great conversation starter. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Architecture

The Oriental Theatre, built in 1927, is a true architectural marvel. Its design is a rich tapestry of Indian, Moorish, Islamic, and Byzantine influences, a testament to the era's eclectic tastes. Originally a single, grand auditorium seating over 1,400 guests, it has since been thoughtfully divided into three smaller, more intimate cinemas. The Abele Cinema is considered the closest to its original splendor, though modifications have been made to accommodate the smaller venues. This historical preservation is a key reason why visitors are encouraged to support the theatre. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

The Oriental Theatre Experience: Beyond the Screen

Visiting the Oriental Theatre is more than just watching a movie; it's an immersive experience. The lovingly restored interiors transport you back to the golden age of cinema, with charming details even in the restrooms. Reddit The curated film selection is a major draw, featuring classics, documentaries, foreign films, and art-house cinema that you won't find at typical multiplexes. Reddit This focus on diverse and quality programming is a significant part of its appeal for cinephiles.

Beyond the films, the theatre is a hub for community events, most notably the Milwaukee Film Festival. InstagramReddit 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. TikTokInstagram

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