The Criterion first opened its doors on June 6, 1932, and has served the town of Bar Harbor as a movie palace 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. The acoustics are excellent, and every aspect of the theatre was designed specifically for the location, from the light fixtures to the carpets and wall fabrics. 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 781 downstairs. The Criterion Theatre and Arts Center · a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Corporation 35 Cottage Street · Bar Harbor · Maine · 04609 (207)288-3441