Warner Bros. Pictures selected West Chester as the location for an opulent new movie theater. In 1930, the Warner Theater, a 1,650-seat venue, first opened its doors. The theater quickly became a cornerstone of West Chester's cultural scene. With its grand architecture, luxurious interiors, and then state-of-the-art projection technology, the Warner Theater was more than just a place to watch films; it was an experience, in and of itself.

For decades, the Warner Theater was the region's destination for entertainment. Crowds flocked to the theater to see Hollywood blockbusters such as Casablanca (1942), The Wizard of Oz (1939), and Singin' in the Rain (1952). When not showing the latest movies, the theater featured local performances and community events. The theater's ornate design, complete with plush seating and intricate ceiling details, created a glamorous, opulent atmosphere.

However, as times changed and technology advanced, the Warner Theater faced many challenges. The rise of television and multiplex cinemas along with the Paramount Decree, a standard held by the United States Department of Justice that prevented film production companies from owning theatre companies brought about a decline in single screen theaters. By the 1980s, the theater struggled to compete and became dormant.


In 2012, the building underwent a significant transformation. Recognizing the historical and architectural value of the Warner Theater, developers embarked on a project to breathe new life into the building. The renovation maintained the architectural integrity and historical significance of the original structure, while repurposing it as a boutique historic hotel.



The result was Hotel Warner, an 80-room boutique hotel that pays homage to the building's cinematic heritage, while offering modern amenities to its guests. Guests are welcomed into the original lobby adorned with vintage movie posters and memorabilia, a nod to the building's past, which features the aptly named Marquee Bar and Lounge. Every room, event venue, and public space is designed to provide guests with an enjoyable stay, while subtle touches evoke the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

This has been a Historic Hotels History Mystery.

For more fun facts, trivia, and historic highlights, check out our History Mystery pages for Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.