Turner Classic Movies Will Feature Milwaukee Oriental Theatre
A film crew visits the historic cinema this week for the series Still Now Showing.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Documentary
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Starting Wednesday, a film crew will document Milwaukee's Oriental Theatre for the Turner Classic Movies series Still Now Showing. The program highlights historic cinemas and their importance to local communities.
Why it matters
The feature spotlights the historic site on a national platform, bringing attention to the preservation efforts led by Milwaukee Film. Such visibility is expected to draw movie fans from across the country to visit the city.
The Oriental Theatre main auditorium seats approximately 1,000 people, while its two smaller screens hold roughly 230 guests each. The site also houses a 1925 Wurlitzer pipe organ.
The players
Oriental Theatre
This historic Milwaukee cinema was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.
Turner Classic Movies
This television network produces the series Still Now Showing to highlight historic cinemas nationwide.
Milwaukee Film
This organization operates the Oriental Theatre and organizes various film festivals at the location.
The details
Operating under Milwaukee Film since 2018, the venue remains a key cultural hub that hosts various festivals. The cinema has seen several ownership changes, including the Pritchetts brothers taking control in 1972.
Timeline
The Oriental Theatre first opened its doors to the public in 1927.
The Pritchetts brothers purchased the cinema in 1972.
Milwaukee Film acquired the historic venue in 2018.
The theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.
A film crew will visit the site this Wednesday and Thursday.
Industry Dynamics
This feature highlights a trend in Hollywood where media networks spotlight independent, historic venues to engage audiences with classic film culture. It mirrors broader efforts to preserve local landmarks as essential destinations within the national entertainment ecosystem.
Fans of the venue can expect increased national attention and potential tourism following the episode's broadcast. Viewers should check local listings or the Turner Classic Movies schedule to see when the segment featuring the theatre airs.
The takeaway
Historic cinemas often serve as central anchors for local cultural communities and the broader film festival circuit. Preserving these sites ensures that unique architectural and historical landmarks remain active destinations for future generations.
Further reading
Learn more about local historical preservation in our Documentary section.
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Are historic movie theatres essential to maintaining a strong sense of community in your area?
