Elsinore Theatre Will Replace Seats Next Summer

The historic Salem venue will install new custom seating to replace aging infrastructure during a 2027 renovation project.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy

Elsinore Theatre Will Replace Seats Next Summer

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Should local theaters prioritize costly historic restorations over cheaper modern seating upgrades?

The Elsinore Theatre has launched a fundraising campaign to finance a $1.5 million seating replacement project scheduled for summer 2027. The project aims to modernize the auditorium while restoring an aesthetic that honors the venue's 1926 opening.

Why it matters

The upgrade is necessary because the current seats, some of which are 100 years old, have sustained damage and lack compatible replacement parts. This effort ensures the continued operation of the theater, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The theater is purchasing 1,239 new fixed seats at a cost of $1,200 each. The custom seats will feature deep blue cushions, red oak backs, and black aluminum frames.

The players

Elsinore Theatre

This historic Salem venue opened in 1926 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Irwin Seating Company

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this firm is the manufacturer contracted to produce the new custom seats.

The details

The theater is funding the $1.5 million project through a tiered sponsorship program with donation levels ranging from $250 to $2,500 per seat. Beyond the seating replacement, the theater plans to upgrade its lighting and its 30-year-old sound system.

May 28, 1926: The Elsinore Theatre opened to the public.
Fall 2025: Phase One of the theater's renovation project was completed.
Oct. 15, 2026: A fundraising tournament for seat sponsorships occurs.
Summer 2027: The replacement of the theater seating is scheduled.

Market Landscape

This project reflects a broader trend of historic preservation among cultural venues balancing modernization with heritage requirements. By utilizing a tiered sponsorship model, the theater positions itself to maintain operational viability while competing with modern entertainment facilities.

Community members and theater patrons can participate in the project by sponsoring seats at tiers ranging from $250 to $2,500. This public contribution directly facilitates the replacement of aging auditorium infrastructure.

The takeaway

Historic venues often rely on public-private fundraising models to address the high costs of infrastructure maintenance. Residents interested in supporting the project should look for opportunities to engage with the upcoming seat sponsorship tiers.