The Historic Criterion Theatre first opened its doors on June 6, 1932, and has served the town of Bar Harbor and Downeast Maine as a movie palace and arts center ever since. The Criterion was used for vaudeville performances for many years during the heydey of the vaudeville circuit, as well as motion picture exhibition and other live events. The excellent acoustics, one-of-a-kind vintage art deco fixtures and funishings, and rich history as a community center gave it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
One very special feature of the building is its "floating" balcony, one of a few of its kind. Not only is this free-hanging structure an architectural feat, it also offers some of the best seating in the house. The balcony is divided into nine sections (loges) separated from each other with half walls and from the back corridor with velvet curtains. Originally rented out by the box to the town's wealthy summer residents, these seats are now available to all, and offer an excellent birdseye view of the screen and stage.
The theatre currently seats 88 upstairs and 789 downstairs.
The Criterion Theatre and Arts Center is now a registered non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.
Our mission is to make arts and theatre more accessible to all on Mount Desert Island and beyond through diverse programming, workshops, and community events. |
