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1932 Criterion Theatre Tickets

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The venue

About 1932 Criterion Theatre

The 1932 Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, Maine is a beloved historic Art Deco venue offering live performances and film in a intimate setting. With a capacity of about 870 seats, the venue features an Orchestra and Balcony configuration, including Orchestra 664 seats and Balcony 84 seats, making for a classic, close-up listening and viewing experience. Located at 35 Cottage Street, this NRHP-listed venue has stood since 1932 and remains a cornerstone of Bar Harbor’s cultural scene. In 2025, ownership and management transitioned to the Harper House Music Foundation, continuing its mission as The Criterion Theatre (also called the 1932 Criterion Theatre).

Whether you’re planning a night of music, film, or live performance, we’ve got you covered with practical details on parking, transit, and nearby accommodations and dining. We’ll help you secure your seats and make the most of your Bar Harbor experience.

Key details at a glance: Address – 35 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Capacity – approximately 870 seats (Orchestra 664, Balcony 84). Parking – paid downtown parking in-season (May 15–October 30); options include street parking and municipal lots; Park Mobile app accepted. Transit – Island Explorer offers fare-free service with a Bar Harbor passenger hub and several routes stopping near downtown. Nearby hotels – Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (about 0.1 miles) and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa (about 0.2 miles). Notable history – Opened in 1932 with two shows for a 2,000-strong audience; renovated and reopened in May 2015; listed on the National Register of Historic Places; ownership/management changed in 2025 to Harper House Music Foundation. The venue remains a cornerstone of Bar Harbor’s arts scene and is sometimes referred to as The Criterion Theatre or the 1932 Criterion Theatre.

  • Seating map – Official seating chart available on the venue site.
  • Nearby attractions – Local shops, restaurants, and scenic Bar Harbor waterfront are all within quick reach of the theater’s Cottage Street location.
  • Affiliate hotel and dining picks – We list trusted partner recommendations for convenient stays and dining options to enhance your visit.

If you’re planning your trip, we can help you secure seats and coordinate with our partner hotels and restaurants to make your Bar Harbor evening as smooth as possible. Date-specific details for performances are listed individually, with the venue treated as a standalone page for each show.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 35 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  • Capacity: about 870 seats (sources vary: 869–877; Visit Maine lists 870 seats)
  • Venue type: historic Art Deco theatre for live performances and film
  • Seating chart: seating map available on the official site; reported configuration includes Orchestra and Balcony (official info lists Orchestra 664 / Balcony 84)
  • Parking: downtown Bar Harbor has paid parking in-season (May 15–October 30); options include street parking and municipal lots; Park Mobile app accepted
  • Transit: Island Explorer fare-free shuttle serves Bar Harbor with a passenger hub in Bar Harbor; several routes stop near downtown; free service
  • Nearby hotels: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (about 0.1 miles away) and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa (about 0.2 miles away)
  • Notable events: opened in 1932 with two shows and a 2,000-strong audience; renovated and reopened in May 2015; NRHP-listed; ownership/management changes in 2025 to Harper House Music Foundation
  • Renamed/demolished: not demolished; continues to operate as The Criterion Theatre (also referred to as the 1932 Criterion Theatre); no permanent renaming