Our Mission

The Eureka Concert & Film Center is dedicated to the education of the general public in film, theatre, music and other art forms, rehabilitating and maintaining its historic facilities for instruction and public performances, displays, exhibits and other events.

Revised plan for the Eureka Theater. Photo courtesy of Richard Mann and David Repp

Quick History

Construction began: Summer, 1938
Supervising contractor: Moore & Roberts, San Francisco
Cost of construction: approx. $300,000
Invitational Opening and Dedication: March 3, 1939
Grand Opening: March 4, 1939
Registered building designer: William B. David (1905-1985)
Movie shown at Grand Opening: Going Places, starring Dick Powell
Final regularly scheduled film: Celtic Pride (August 1, 1996)

Surface area square footage: 14,220 square feet
Seating capacity: 1,700 at opening (currently 1,200)
Auditorium dimensions: 80′ x 100′, with 35′ ceiling
Screen size: 40′ x 20′
Height of “EUREKA” sign: 50′

Original admission prices:

Children (under 12): 10 cents
Students (under 16): 25 cents
Adults: 35 cents
Loges: 40 cents

In the Press

Tale of Two Theatres
by Bob Doran
North Coast Journal, March 6, 2009
“They were the best of venues, then they were the worst. Now they’re coming back.”
See article

From the Balcony: Memories of the Eureka Theater
by Wendy Petty
Eureka Reporter, May 18, 2006
“A few days after the Jazz Festival this year, Robert Giroux came into Vintage Home Antiques to present shop owner Chuck Petty with a surprise gift for the Eureka Theater…”
See article