Warnors Center For the Performing Arts

We went and spent a family date night seeing The Neverending Story. Best night we’ve had in awhile! The facility is amazing! It was not my first time being there but it was for my husband and son. It’s still just as breathtaking even after having seen it several times before! The entire experience was great. The staff and other patrons were fun and friendly. The organist was great. I liked the intermission, even though it was a short movie. It brings you back to a different time. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I would definitely come back to a modern classic movie here. You just can’t get an experience like this at a modern movie theater! I’m sorry I didn’t know about these series sooner!

Beautiful inside. Had a fun time watching The never ending story. I was surprised they have an intermission. I’d go back for another movie.

Beautiful theater. Reminds me of the Pantages. Another Unilocal viewer said it was built by same architect. I am having such a fun night with friends. I hope to come back for more events!

I came here for the first time in probably 30 years tonight, to watch The Neverending Story with my brother and two of his kids. I bow to Celestine for making this possible, and thank the good people of the Warnors Center for being gracious hosts.
The Warnors Center opened in 1928, and that reality, made plain throughout the facility, is both a blessing and a curse. The elaborate decorations of the walls and ceilings, the presence of a balcony with a velvet padding at the rail, the love and care put into fine detail… it’s impossible to find any more; it’s just not done in modern theaters, and it truly is both beautiful and wonderful. On the flip side, the chairs are very narrow and not very comfortable, calling back to a time when people were generally thinner, and less demanding of their backrests and legroom. One of the seats my nephew tried to sit in literally had a spring popping out of it. Also, we sat off to the right, and a large speaker intruded into the viewing area.
The evening started with a concert of live pipe organ music by a volunteer musician — again, a charming advantage of an old facility, because where else are you going to find a pipe organ? — which was not only performed flawlessly, but completely from memory, as he had no sheet music in front of him. Then one of the facility staff picked up the microphone to welcome us and remind us of some of the great places to eat and drink around downtown — when was the last time you went to Edwards or Maya and a representative of the theater came out and addressed the audience? That was another touch, both classic and classy.
The movie began, the projector perilously perched at the front of the balcony, and it was, of course, a wonderful little fantasy film, as it has always been. The crowd was very responsive, with lots of applause and cheers when things went well for our heroes.
Then the movie suddenly paused, and it was intermission. This is one old-​timey ritual I could do without. I know Warnors is in a neighborhood where it’s tough to make a business go and maybe they depend on additional concession sales, but I prefer my movies to proceed uninterrupted, especially when they’re only 90 minutes long in the first place.
In the end, this was a great presentation in a classic and historic building, but it really was pretty uncomfortable to sit there all that time.

It’s absolutely Gorgeous! If you like the outside, the inside is stunning.
It’s a registered historical site, in my favorite area of Fresno and it’s currently showing everyone’s favorite childhood movies.
I highly recommend coming to see a movie with the family. Prices are much more reasonable than at the regular theaters and it’s a great experience.
Thank you Unilocal for the tix: D

Love that I could share with my girls one of my favorite movies as a child. Seriously, I think I was more excited thAn they were. I would love to see The Grimlins, Ghostbusters, The Wizard OF OZ, Cincinnati, Goonies, or Popeye at Warners with them.

The theater is a spectacle to look at inside and out. I go for the Classic Film Series which has tickets for $ 5.

This wasn’t my first time at Warnors Theater; I have been here for multiple reasons, but mainly for the ballet performances. This was, however, my first time here for the retro movie night. The showing for the night was ‘Night of the Living Dead’, and if you dressed up like a dead person, then you were exempt from paying the admission fee.
I have always adored the vintage and original design of the building; Lush red carpets, plaster carved walls, original gotti décor, marvelous chandelier suspended in the middle of the theater ceiling, and suave, red upholstered seats. Very beautiful and glamorous. I especially enjoyed the old photos relating to theater attendants, various events, and the building’s construction.
The turnout of the movie was excellent, and 90% of the audience appeared ghoulish. I will be back for more movies, and of course my many other performances.

Went here last year to see Night Of The Living Dead. The old history of this theatre is awesome. The décor is beautiful! I got to hear the organ player before the film started and that set the tone for the film we were about to watch. It was fun to see people dressed up. Every month they have a film showing and people can get in for free if they are dressed the theme of the film. Everyone in Fresno should experience this at least one. I am absolutely sure this place has some ghosts residents also :)

This is gorgeous historical building in Downtown Fresno that still functions as a theatre, must not be missed when visiting Fresno– because the sights, sound and atmosphere is truly nostalgic. This theatre opens its doors exclusively once a month to the public with a minimal fee of $ 5 (check website for more info), where you will get to watch various classical film series in this historic beautiful theatre designed and finish in an eclectic blend of Moorish, Spanish and Italian Renaissance Revival elements. It would be great to buy your tickets ahead online because there will be a long line, but or not don’t fret the lines aren’t like disneyland, maybe 5 minutes wait by the most. Don’t be surprised if you see people dress up for the movies, because when I watch the wizard of oz, there were organizers that dressed up at glenda, and also the wicked witch.
Free entrance is given to people dressed as closely to the theme of the film, check that info more on their website just to be sure what to wear. So for the wizard of oz, if you dressed up as a lion or tin man you will get in Free, how awesome right !
The opportunity to walk into this historic building is truly rare, and this movie screening is that perfect opportunity to explore and appreciate this beauty up close — they don’t build impressive building with such art anymore. Parking is easily obtained across the street right where Fulton mall is located, it is safe and it is FREE, since movie screening is at 7PM, and almost all parking lots are free after 6PM in downtown Fresno.
I do love how in the beginning the organist would play classical music on his organ on the centre stage while everyone is walking in and getting their seats, it sets a authentic feeling of attending such a beautiful theatre. It felt so magical. Then as the movie is about to start, the organist is slowly descended into the stage and the movie begins, the acoustically sound theatre makes everything sound perfect. During summer it can be a little on the warmer side despite the air conditioning blasting, but watching the classical movie is still enjoyable with such an authentic classic movie setting.
This is my favorite building in Fresno because: the beauty doesn’t just end outside this impressive building. The inside is finished with romanesque sculptures, Spanish villa courtyard look complement the humongous stage draped with scalloped grand curtains, its ceiling is just jaw dropping since the dropped dome is so beautifully and artistically finished., it feel like a work of art. The hallways are so grand with golden cornice and borders, and red carpets pave the hallways making it appear like a grand premier at hollywood.

This is one of Fresno Last majestic theaters. Great care was taken to make this a historical monument to theaters. From Vintage movies, concerts and special events, This is one of Fresno’s best. The area is slowly becoming the new art district and renovations are going up around the neighborhood. Overall I believe this is a great venue.

Gorgeous historic theater (same people who built Pantages theatre in Los Angeles built this one). I performed there once and it was great. So beautiful. If I lived in Fresno I’d go see concerts there!

The Roaring 20’s continues to roar! From Prohibition to the Jazz Age, let’s not forget about a little old theater in the shadier part of Fresno, CA.
Although I’ve been to Fresno at least twenty times in my life, I’ve never really toured the city. We have family here and our visits to see them normally consists of visiting their family restaurant, going to their house, and passing by this lit-​up golf land of some sort. So how did I end up at this charming and architecturally gorgeous 1920’s theater? My cousin was getting married!
This place is truly gorgeous. The grand majestic stage with long velvet drapes, the squishy chairs, the beautiful gilded ceilings, the sculptures, the engraved details, stain glass splendor, et cetera… it was a beautiful place for a ceremony! My Art Institute schooling was going haywire and it was easy to be swept up by the Art Deco surroundings especially when a romantic wedding was being held. The ambience is on point!
My wedding dates were my parents and I had offered my arm to my mother when we went upstairs for an Italian Soda & Popcorn Bar. How adorable! The stairs needs a little work though because my mother nearly slipped twice. I’m not sure if the little empty space next door belongs to this venue but reception was held there and I wish they added some of the finer details they put into the theater.
For all the gorgeous photos I got to take and all the meticulous detailing I got to soak up, 4-​stars! I wouldn’t exactly go out of my way to come back and explore some more when I’m in town but hey! It was a cultural experience I won’t soon forget!

A beautifully preserved historic theater. The place was built in the late 1920’s and still hosts events such as silent films (with original organ) and concerts. The architecture is gorgeous and much of the original detail, sculptures, engravings, etc are still there. They give backstage tours during ArtHop on the first Thursday of the month and that is how my daughter and I learned about it.

Beautiful Theatre, great entertainment with the wondeful olde theatre organ, big band concert and local jazz ensemble.
This venue is most likely the best in town for acoustics, and old fashioned theatre ambiance. In addition Franks Place and the Star Palace (part of the complex) are hard to beat for cool as a place to meet or hold a private party.
Would love to see a ‘Tango’ bar in Franks Place. Truly a treasure, compares to the AZT and Curran theatres in SF, Shubert, etc in NY. Parking is readily available and safe, PD is watchful as this is also in the new, burgeoning art colony of Fresno. Close to Tower District if you are looking for some pub crawling. Worth the drive, easily found and accessed from HWY99 and Stanislaus Ave; East to Van Ness, Rt … 1 block and start parking in the area as there are several lots, head south on Fulton St to the theatre. Enjoy the late 20’s architecture and beautiful decoration, truly a great place for the likes of «Jersey Boys», ‘a Chorus Line” and other great Broadway musicals and shows.
I am looking forward to seeing more and bigger theatre productions at this venue as it is revived by a non-​profit which is working to make the Warnors Theater for the Performing Arts a world class venue.
Sound at this Xmas concert was outstanding in all parts of the 2200 seat theatre, unlike the other venues of this size and larger which often end up as lip-​synch events, typically over-​Amped (read the «Save Mart Center… basketball field house turned into the indoor Rose Bowl with deafening amplification, lip-​synched italian tenors, etc. etc.)
Bravo to the folks bringing back a great place for entertainment. JW

I took my girlfriend here to see Skillet as a birthday present. I kind of underestimated how far away Fresno was from Sacramento, but with Skillet being one of her favorite bands, and it being her birthday, I didn’t really mind the extra-​long drive at all.
I don’t know much about Fresno, if anything, but I would say that the place is located in an area that I would call downtown. Possibly? Not sure. But it isn’t the nicest of areas.
Fast forward to the actual concert… Our tickets were towards the back, which kind of made me mad. First off, I don’t like going to concerts unless I’ve got general admission tickets so I can push my way up to the front. I didn’t even see a dance floor here. Second, although this place is kind of nice in all of its art deco styling, it just seemed like an kind of place more fitted for classical music than rock. Rock isn’t about sitting in your seat or staying in a designated area…
The concert was pretty cool, though. The bands skirted the line of being Christian in their lyrics but mainstream in their sound. Only one band left me wanting to plug my ears, that being Hawk Nelson. I cannot begin to describe my discontent with with them, but this being a site to review places not bands, I’ll hold my tongue.
Overall, it’s a decent venue. It’s just not a place for rock concerts, unless they get rid of those seats on the main floor and make it into general admission.

We’ve been to a couple of events here over the past year. The theater is the epitome of faded art deco grandeur: elaborate plaster gilded ceilings and surrounds; worn velvet covered seats; even stained glass sconces and exist signs.
Minus a star because at the last event we attended, a lecture, the sound system was inadequate. Minus another star because it’s in a seriously dodgy part of town. That and those worn velvet chairs were installed before the Age of the Big Booty.

We planned a special weekend to see Chris Rice in concert here at Warnor’s Theater. We drove 150 miles each way, hotel room, meals, gas, and someone to watch our 3 year old for the weekend.
We get to the theater only to find out that the concert was canceled earlier in the week. Even though Warnor’s had our e-​mail address, phone number and mailing address, they made ZERO attempt to notify us that the show had been canceled. The lady and the ticket booth was of no help and didn’t seem to care. We had to pressure her to give us any sort of answer, but I don’t have the feeling that I can trust them to refund our money. Either way, I’m still out several hundred dollars because Warnor’s doesn’t care about their customer enough to even extend the smallest courtesy.
If there was any rating less than one star, I’d give them that!
The lack of concern, professionalism and courtesy was unbelievable.