Arlington Theatre

The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara is the largest movie theater and performing arts venue in the area. The theatre is home to the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival along with movie screenings. The theatre was built in 1931 on the site of the Arlington Hotel which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1925. The theatre received restorations and an expansion in the mid 1970s by Metropolitan Theaters Corporation.

The theatre was built in a Mission Revival style, the exterior style looks like an immense church that is lacking windows with the most notable part being the steeple that provides a dramatic art deco finish. A red tiled building with a covered courtyard and fountain features a free-standing ticket booth. The interior features lobbies with heavily beamed and painted ceilings and the auditorium seats 2,000 on the main floor and balcony.

Another feature of the theatre is the signature Robert Morton theatre pipe organ which is hidden the view, until is rises on a platform when played for performances. In the original theater is the proscenium which was formed by a large stone arc, it is now topped by equipment that is necessary for lighting and the original ceiling will give visitors the impression that they are sitting under the stars enjoying a performance. Light refreshments and drinks are now available for guests to enjoy at the newly opened Courtyard Bar.

Events that have been held at the theatre have included; Ultimate Fighting Championships, performances by Ziggy Marley and Gabriel Iglesias and the Broadway show The Color Purple A Broadway Show.