Martin Theatre (Closed)
Panama City, FL
Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb

The Martin Theatre makes a colorful introduction to downtown Panama City. Its Art Deco facade and projecting marquee give Harrison Avenue the unmistakable look of a theater block. Even without a crowd beneath the lights, it’s easy to picture moviegoers gathering on the sidewalk before an evening show.

Opened in 1936 as the Ritz, the theater arrived during Hollywood’s golden age. A 1956 modernization brought the Martin name and another chapter of movie exhibition. For decades, the marquee advertised the latest features to local audiences before changing entertainment habits and competition from newer cinemas helped bring its movie-house run to an end in 1978.

After years of vacancy, the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board helped restore the building and return it to community use. The Martin reopened in 1990 as a performing arts center, exchanging its regular movie schedule for live entertainment. The revived marquee once again announced activity inside, preserving a downtown gathering place along with its distinctive architecture.

Martin Theatre (Closed)
Panama City, FL
Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb

UPDATE: Hurricane Michael severely damaged the Martin Theatre in 2018, forcing another closure. Restoration and expansion efforts are underway to bring the property back as an entertainment venue. The project offers another chance for this longtime landmark to welcome audiences beneath its familiar marquee. 08-26