DeLand Athens Theatre

To help preserve one of DeLand's most historically significant landmarks Rep. Mica secured $300,000 in federal assistance to help restore the Athens Theater in DeLand, FL. Built in 1922 as a vaudeville theater and movie house in downtown DeLand, the Athens Theater originally featured live stage shows and films accompanied by original Wurlitzer pipe organs. The Theatre operated for nearly 70 years, evolving into the entertainment centerpiece of the city and drawing large crowds for movies and artistic events for people of all ages.

Severely deteriorated, the building closed its doors to the public in the early 1990s.  The Theatre sat idle for several additional years until city leaders and local residents took steps to salvage the historic timepiece for the future.

Restoration of the theater is complete and opened in 2008. The exterior has been meticulously renovated and returned to its original 1921 appearance.  The basement, orchestra pit and floors have been full reconstructed.  The outside and bottom level of the Athens now looks as it did when it was first built, a distinctive 1920's style movie house featuring classic films and the vaudeville experience.

This historic structure, will serve the community's needs for amusement, business and education purposes allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of high-quality entertainment on a year-round basis.