The theatre's grand lobby was designed to resemble the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.
The original construction cost was approximately $2 million in 1926 currency.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The restoration project in the 1980s required the careful cleaning of thousands of individual gold-leaf components.
The venue features an original atmospheric-style ceiling design common to the movie palace era.
The Palace Theatre is a historic performance venue in downtown Columbus, Ohio, originally opened in 1926 as part of the RKO circuit. Designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb, the theatre features an ornate French-inspired interior with extensive gold leaf and crystal chandeliers. It underwent a major restoration in the early 1980s to preserve its original 1920s aesthetic after being slated for demolition. The auditorium has a seating capacity of approximately 2,672 guests. It is currently operated by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA). The venue hosts a variety of events, including Broadway tours, concerts, comedy acts, and local productions. The stage and acoustics were designed to accommodate both live theatrical performances and silent film screenings. It remains one of the few surviving examples of the 'deluxe' movie palaces constructed in the United States during the 1920s.
The main lobby staircase, which offers a clear view of the central crystal chandelier and ornate ceiling.
Check the CAPA website for prohibited bag sizes and security screening protocols before arrival.
Arrive early to view the lobby architecture, as it is considered the architectural highlight of the building.
Parking in nearby city-owned garages is often more cost-effective than valet options.
Do not attempt to purchase tickets from unofficial third-party resellers on the street; use the official CAPA box office.
Operates based on event programming; the box office is typically closed on days without performances.
Business casual is recommended; disruptive behavior or loud talking during performances is strictly discouraged.
