Visit downtown Astoria’s Liberty Theatre to attend exciting performances and appreciate the beauty of a nearly 100-year-old structure. After a dreadful 1922 fire destroyed much of the growing town of Astoria, citizens regrouped and rebuilt. The theater opened in 1925, presenting silent films, vaudeville acts and big bands, such as Duke Ellington.
Before going inside, admire the Romanesque and Italian-Renaissance architecture. Doric columns along the exterior walls and Moorish arches in the beautiful façade are worth photographing. A curved green metal awning completes its vintage appearance. The Astor Building hosting the theater is listed in the Oregon Historic Sites Database.
Enter the theater and notice additional Italian touches, especially the Venetian murals, a dozen large paintings by artist Joseph Edward Knowles, who gained notoriety for his publicity stunt allegedly battling a bear while nearly nude. His versions of the Rialto Bridge, Venetian canals and clock tower of St. Mark’s Square nevertheless enhance the Italian ambiance. Gaze upward to the intriguing geometrics of the huge yellow and orange Chinese-style lantern chandelier.
Attend an event in the main auditorium, which seats 631 people and also accommodates wheelchairs. Music events exhibit a great range, from the Columbia River Symphony and North Coast Symphonic Band to sing-alongs, tribute rock bands and stage musicals.
Notice the exceptional acoustics. Many of the operatic, symphonic and chamber music concerts of June’s two-week-long Astoria Music Festival are held here, as are October’s movie screenings during the Astoria International Film Festival.
The theater has two other rooms for public and private events. The McTavish Room, with a dance floor with a pretty inlaid design, can seat up to 185 people at round tables. The Paulson Pavilion can seat 120 and is an attractive setting for weddings.
The Liberty Theatre is in central Astoria. Drive here or walk a few blocks south from the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Volunteers may be available to conduct tours. The box office is generally open in the afternoon from Wednesday to Saturday and two hours before any event. Tickets can also be ordered online. Check the schedule of free events.
