Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! The Ionia Theatre offers two movie screens, a full concession stand, and a nostalgic atmosphere.
If your business would like to advertise on our Movie Screens, contact:
Built in 1931, the Ionia Theatre was originally constructed for Vaudeville entertainers. A full stage with the ability to operate, or “fly,” more than 16 different sets, an orchestra pit, and lofts for a pipe organ are all part of the facility. Eight dressing rooms were built with halls connecting to the main stage.
The inside and design of the theatre was patterned after the New York Roxy Theatre. Art deco paintings can be found on the large chandelier and ceiling medallion, lobby murals, original wood furnishings, and side lights. All of these are original to the construction but have been preserved and maintained. Unfortunately, by the time the theatre was ready for opening, the Great Depression set upon the country and Vaudeville was a thing of the past. Instead, “moving pictures” were making their way into the mainstream, so a large screen was installed on one of the stage “flies,” along with an old arc-type projector (which is still on display in the lobby).
Over the years, the theatre’s owners, the Butterfield Family, made the difficult decision to close the theatre. It remained closed for several years.
Flash Forward to 1984
The projectors did not work; the wood-backed, cushioned seats had tears in the cushions, popped springs, and many broken parts; the plastered ceilings and walls in the main auditorium and lobby began to crumble from the leaky roof; the carpets were worn through to the concrete floors; and, most of the electrical was in poor condition. The impressive marquee had been reduced to an unlit “Ionia” sign that was supported by 6" by 6" wood posts.
None of this, however, discouraged the residents of the Ionia community. In response to a survey, several hundred residents identified this historic theatre as a top item for restoration to prepare Ionia for the 21st Century.
A committee was formed headed by Ionia’s Monroe McPherson. They got right to work and hit the ground running. The committee raised the money to purchase the theatre from its private owner, and in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and several state grants, along with the help of community groups, banks, businesses, industry, and local contractors, were able to purchase and install a new projector, receive a donated roof, and make changes and updates to the interior. Ionia literally saved the theatre from the wrecking ball!
The entire interior has been restored, including new stage drapery, seat upholstery, paint, and wiring. We are currently researching the possibility of having the interior murals and various decorative trims restored to their original splendor.
The original marquee had deteriorated beyond restoration so an exact replica was manufactured and installed and topped with the crowning glory of the flashing, neon “Ionia” sign.
Ready for First Movie - 1985
Along with the restoration have come many improvements:
Gary Ferguson served on the original Steering Committee that purchased the Ionia Theater from Butterfield Theaters in 1985 and was a member of the Ionia Theater Association Board where he served as vice president and president. Gary was involved in many of the electrical upgrades, sound, and projection installations.
Gary's business background includes owner operator of Clorwell Electric from 1983 to 1999, The Electronics Shop of Ionia from 1987 to 1999, and Sears store operator in Ionia, Michigan, Casa Grande, Arizona and Mobile, Alabama from 1997 to 2008. Gary also has a Masters Electricians License.
Today, Gary Ferguson maintains the Ionia Theater for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), including projection and sound for movies and live events. He books and schedules movies, live events, and oversees volunteer staff and training. Mr. Ferguson is responsible for the daily management of operations and attends DDA and City meetings.
Contact
Ionia Theatre
205 West Main Street
Ionia, Michigan 48846
Phone 616-527-3860
Hotline 616-527-3350
Email: gferguson@ci.ionia.mi.us
This Weekend Curbside Specials for Your Ionia Theatre
The Croods: A New Age (2020)
PG | 1h 35min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The prehistoric family the Croods are challenged by a rival family the Bettermans, who claim to be better and more evolved.
EN
Director:
Joel Crawford
Writers:
Kevin Hageman (screenplay by), Dan Hageman (screenplay by) | 4 more credits »
Stars:
Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds | See full cast & crew »
Download a File:
Movie Schedule January 15th to January 21st, 2021 (PDF)
Visit Online:
Watch Trailer
Purchase Tickets Online
Starts Saturday December 26th at Your Ionia Theatre
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
PG-13 | 2h 31min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy | 25 December 2020 (USA)
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman's next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
Director: Patty Jenkins
Writers: Patty Jenkins (screenplay by), Geoff Johns (screenplay by) | 4 more credits »
Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig | See full cast & crew »
Download a File:
Movie Schedule January 15th to January 21st, 2021 (PDF)
Visit Online:
Watch Trailer
Purchase Tickets Online
The Ionia Theatre Gift and Reward Card makes for a nice gift for "Christmas", "Birthday", "Anniversary", "Congratulations", "Just Because", or for whatever reason you wish!.
Call 616-527-3860 for more information to purchase an Ionia Theatre Gift and Reward Card. Or, you can purchase them at City Hall, Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Adults, $7.00
Adult matinee, $6.00
Student with valid ID, $6.00
Student matinee, $5.00
Seniors 62, $6.00
Senior matinee, $5.00
Children 11 and under, $5.00
Children's matinee, $4.00
Children 2 and under, Free
The Theatre has entrances on Main Street and in the back SW rear corner of the building, where parking is best.
Download a File:
Ionia Theatre Parking Map
How May We Help You?
114 North Kidd Street Map
Post Office Box 496
Ionia, Michigan 48846
Phone 616-527-4170
Fax 616-527-0810
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 4:00p
(Holiday exception)
EMERGENCIES: PHONE 911
For local news and information,
tune to WION AM 1430/FM 92.7
or read the Ionia Sentinel-Standard