Reg Lenna Center for the Arts

The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts was known as the Palace Theatre from 1923-1987. The Reg is a restored theatre used as a community center for the performing arts in Jamestown, New York.  The center is named after a notable local resident, Reginald Lenna who donated $1 million to begin restoration work in 1987.  Seating capacity is over 1,100 and after restoration was completed it opened on October 12, 1990. 

The Reg celebrates its 100th year!

1923-2023

The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts was first opened on February 5, 1923 as the Palace Theatre, a "High Class Vaudeville" house.  Films, usually a short comedy plus a feature were shown before and after the twice-a-day vaudeville performances.  Three years later Nikitas Dipson bought the facility and continued with film and vaudeville shows.  In 1930, Dipson leased the Palace Theatre to Warner Brothers for 20 years.

For a short time the format of films and vaudeville was continued, but live performances were slowly downplayed to emphasize the cinema.  By 1934, films were the only entertainment available on a regular basis. In 1950, Warner Bros. terminated their lease and Dipson Theatres, still the owners, once again took over management.

The Palace Theatre was remodeled to the plans of architect, Michael J. DeAngelis by modernizing the marquee, the lobby, redecorating the auditorium, installing new heating and cooling systems, carpeting, wall coverings and new seats.  At the reopening Dipson reaffirmed his intention to feature not only first run films of the best quality, but also stage shows, orchestras and vaudeville.  In 1956, Forever Darling starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had its world premiere at the Palace Theatre (Jamestown being Ball's hometown).  With the passing of years, fewer and fewer people attended the theatre.  Equipment was wearing out and the building needed extensive repairs. On September 10, 1981 the last movie was shown .. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.

At that time, many in the Jamestown area assumed the Palace Theatre would be left to decay as was the other vintage cinema in town, the Winter Garden Theatre. However, the community gathered in force to save the Palace Theatre.

In 1990, it was renamed the Reg Lenna Civic Center, in honor of the principal donor, Reginald Lenna, for its restoration and has been completely and lovingly restored with the addition of new and/or refurbished seating, air conditioning, stage and sound equipment plus projection units. The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts renamed this in 2014 is now a state-of-the-arts performance space which retains all of its original unique design qualities. 

Thank you, Reginald Lenna for saving this theatre for future generations and for your military service.