Coronado Performing Arts Center

The Coronado Performing Arts Center, situated in the heart of Rockford, Illinois, is a beacon of cultural and architectural splendor. This historic theater, originally known as the Coronado Theatre, has been captivating audiences since its grand opening on October 9, 1927. Designed by the renowned architect Frederic J. Klein, the theater was constructed at a cost of $1.5 million, a testament to the community's commitment to the arts and entertainment.

An Architectural Marvel

The interior of the Coronado Performing Arts Center is a feast for the eyes, designed in the atmospheric style that was popular in the 1920s. This design approach aims to recreate the ambiance of an outdoor theater, complete with a deep blue sky ceiling adorned with twinkling stars and drifting clouds. The walls of the auditorium are embellished with facades of gilded Spanish and Italian-style buildings, transporting visitors to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur.

The attention to detail is evident throughout the theater. Green stained-glass lamps with fluted bulbs line the walls, casting a warm, inviting glow. The organ screens on either side of the stage are adorned with intricate Japanese dragons and glowing lanterns, adding to the exotic charm of the venue. The seating is divided into two levels: the main floor and a spacious balcony, both furnished with plush red velvet seats that promise comfort and luxury.

A Journey Through Time

From its inception, the Coronado has been a hub for both movies and live stage performances. The theater's opening show featured the silent film Swim Girl Swim, drawing nearly 9,000 eager patrons to its three showings. During its golden years, the Coronado hosted a plethora of legendary performers, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, and Sammy Davis Jr. The theater even played a role in political history when John F. Kennedy made a campaign stop there in 1960.

However, the advent of new entertainment mediums led to a decline in moviegoers, and in 1984, the Coronado ceased showing films. Despite this setback, the theater's significance was recognized, and in 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The following year, the City of Rockford designated it as a historical landmark of Illinois. In 2010, the Coronado was voted the No. 1 Architectural Wonder of the United States in an AOL/U.S. Travel Association poll, a fitting tribute to its enduring beauty and cultural importance.

The Restoration and Rebirth

In 1997, the Kerasotes Theater Organization, which had owned the Coronado since 1970, generously donated the property to the City of Rockford. This act of philanthropy set the stage for a comprehensive restoration project spearheaded by the Friends of the Coronado, a group founded in 1998. The ambitious $18.5 million project aimed to restore the theater's deteriorating interior while modernizing its facilities. Thanks to the generous support of the Rockford community, nearly half of the required funds were raised locally.

The restoration project not only preserved the theater's historic features but also expanded its usable space and made it fully accessible to all patrons. After 18 months of meticulous construction, the Coronado reopened in 2001 with a grand black-tie celebration, heralding a new era for this beloved landmark.

The Grand Barton Organ

One of the Coronado's most treasured assets is its Grand Barton Theater Organ, one of only two remaining organs of its kind featuring a unique dragon design. This 4 manual, 17 rank instrument boasts an array of stops, including bird calls and car horns, which were essential for enhancing silent films in the theater's early days. The Land of Lincoln Theater Organ Society now oversees the care of this magnificent instrument, offering tours and demonstrations throughout the year.

A Modern Marvel

Today, the Coronado Performing Arts Center seamlessly blends its original 1920s decor with modern amenities. The expanded backstage area and additional dressing rooms allow the theater to host large traveling companies and renowned headlining acts. The enhanced lobby space comfortably accommodates the increased number of theater-goers who flock to the Coronado for concerts, plays, and special events.

As a symbol of Rockford's rich cultural heritage, the Coronado Performing Arts Center continues to inspire and entertain. Its walls, steeped in history, echo the laughter, applause, and music of generations past and present. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, the Coronado Performing Arts Center promises an experience like no other.