Overview

The day of its opening in July 1935, the theatre was declared by the Orlando Evening Star to be “the first theatre in Central Florida to be especially built for sound picture”.

It was built by C.M. Biggers to replace the Winter Garden theatre which had burned to the ground in a fire. The new theatre cost approximately $15,000 and would seat between 600 and 800.

Constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style, the interior of the theatre was modeled after a Spanish courtyard with “Romeo & Juliet” balconies, Spanish tile roof, and a dark blue ceiling resplendent with “stars”.

The theatre underwent several renovations until closing in 1963. Soon after, the interior was completely removed and the sloped floor was covered with cement to level the surface to be used by a farm supply store.

Through the tireless efforts of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, the restored Garden Theatre reopened in February 2008.

The Garden Theatre was a community cornerstone for some 16 years, however in October 2024 it was announced  that the theatre company and building would close due to financial challenges. As of early 2025 the theatre sits dormant.