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Warner Theatre Erie, PA

As prime and specialty contractor, John Canning & Co. coordinated all work and trades, and is responsible for the research and restoration of all designs and motifs for the 1931 Art Deco movie theatre built by Warner Brothers.

Ornate historic ceiling with intricate gold and silver detailing, columns, and draped curtains.

BUILDING FACTS

Location: Erie, PA Built: Circa 1931 Architect: Rapp & Rapp Designer: Rambusch Studios Style: Art Deco, French Renaissance Status: National Landmark

SCOPE

Historic theater interior with ornate architectural details, red velvet seats, and a grand stage.
Warner Theater
Warner Theater
Ornate historic lobby with grand staircase, intricate ceiling designs, and elegant lighting.

Warner Brothers commissioned the building of the Warner Theatre in 1929. The design goal for their luxury movie palaces was to create an environment “twice as rich, three times more fanciful than life.” Designed by architects Rapp & Rapp, the theatre was constructed at a cost of $1.5 million Depression-era dollars.

All designs, colors, and motifs for the 1931 Art Deco theatre and lobby were reinstated, the plaster ornamentation was consolidated and stabilized, the missing elements were replicated, and all metals were conserved.