The theatre was originally commissioned by the Warner Brothers as one of their premier 'deluxe' movie palaces.
During its 2022 expansion, workers uncovered original 1931-era stenciling hidden beneath decades of paint.
The venue is rumored to be haunted by a former employee known as 'Lou,' who is said to haunt the stage and backstage areas.
The ornate lobby features custom-designed chandeliers that were meticulously restored to their original 1930s specifications.
It is one of the few remaining examples of the 'Atmospheric' style of theatre design in the United States.
The Warner Theatre is a historic 2,250-seat performing arts center located in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. Originally opened in 1931 as a movie palace, it features an elaborate French Renaissance and Art Deco interior. The theatre serves as the primary home for the Erie Philharmonic and the Erie Broadway Series. A major renovation completed in 2022 restored the grand lobby and updated modern performance infrastructure. The facility includes the main auditorium, the smaller Italo-American Ballroom, and the multi-use Stage II space. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue hosts a rotating calendar of concerts, comedy acts, and theatrical touring productions. Its architectural centerpiece is the original gold-leaf ceiling and ornate plasterwork in the grand foyer.
The center of the grand lobby looking up toward the restored ceiling and main chandelier.
Check the theater's digital seating map online before booking to ensure clear sightlines for your specific show type.
Arrive early to tour the grand lobby, which functions as an architectural exhibit of 1930s cinema design.
Utilize the nearby parking garages rather than searching for limited street parking in the busy downtown core.
Do not attempt to enter through the administrative offices; use the main State Street entrance for public events.
The box office is generally closed on weekends unless there is a scheduled performance.
Business casual is standard for evening performances; avoid wearing hats that obstruct views.
