Lucas Theatre For the Arts

Specialties

The Lucas Theatre is a 1921-​vintage performing arts theatre in Savannah’s historic downtown.

Tours are open Tuesday through Friday 10am — 4pm.

History

Established in 1921.

Arthur Lucas and architect C.K. Howell opened the Lucas Theatre in December 1921. Lucas owned more than 40 theaters in the South — six of them in Savannah — but the Lucas was the only one to bear his name.

In 1986 the owners obtained a demolition permit and made arrangements to turn the once thriving Lucas Theatre into a parking garage. The news motivated a group of Savannah citizens who founded The Lucas Theatre for the Arts. The group purchased the building and began what would be a $ 14 million restoration. The Lucas Theatre reopened in December 2000 with a screening of «Gone with the Wind,» and in the following months hosted Broadway shows and famous musicians. The Savannah College of Art and Design recognized the theater as an important cultural asset in the community, and formed a relationship with The Lucas Theatre for the Arts. The theater’s future is now assured by the college’s support, which allows for a wide range of community uses as well as touring shows.

Meet the Business Owner

Arthur L.

Business Owner

Arthur Lucas and architect C.K. Howell opened the Lucas Theatre in December 1921. The theater’s design was a culmination of more than two years of collaboration between Lucas and Howell, and combined Lucas’ favorite architectural details from the Greek revival, Adams-​inspired, Art Deco and Neoclassical periods. Lucas owned more than 40 theaters in the South — six of them in Savannah — but the Lucas was the only one to bear his name.