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Oriental Old Theater Tickets
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About Oriental Old Theater
The Oriental Old Theater is a beloved Milwaukee landmark that began as a grand movie palace and today operates as a charming five-screen cinema under Milwaukee Film. Located at 2230 N Farwell Ave in the city’s Near West side, this venue blends historic architecture with modern screen entertainments. Whether you’re here for a classic midnight screening, a festival film, or a casual show with friends, secure your seats through our easy, no-fuss process—we’ve got you covered.
Venue-wide, the complex offers a total of approximately 1,943 seats across five screens, giving you flexible options for dates and programs. The building’s storied past includes the famous Rock Horror Picture Show midnight screenings (a Milwaukee tradition since 1978) and early performances by iconic acts like Violent Femmes and James Honeyman-Scott. In 2023, the Oriental was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its status as a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s cultural landscape.
Plan ahead with convenient parking and transit choices. Metered street spaces and nearby paid garages or lots, plus SpotHero options, help you move in and out with ease. The venue is served by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), making it accessible from across the city. For visitors from out of town, the surrounding hotel and dining options offer a comfortable and convenient stay or a memorable meal before or after the show.
Nearby hotels include the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, The Pfister Hotel, and The Iron Horse Hotel, all within a short distance and great for a pre-show stroll or a post-show nightcap. For dining, you’ll find a range of nearby restaurants—from casual bistros to refined eateries—perfect for a quick bite or a full Milwaukee dining experience. When you’re ready to pick up your tickets, our friendly team is ready to help you land the seats you want in the venue’s diverse screening spaces: Abele Main (1,020 seats), Lubar West (228), Herzfeld East (228), North (275), and South (192). Remember: tickets and availability change by date and program. If a show has been rescheduled, we’ll reflect that as RESCHEDULED from its original date, and for dates not yet announced, you’ll see Date to be announced. We’re here to help you find the best options and secure your seats with a straightforward, reliable process—like having a trusted friend in the business.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Address: 2230 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Venue type: Historic movie palace, now a five-screen cinema operated by Milwaukee Film
- Screens and seating: Abele Main – 1,020 seats; Lubar West – 228; Herzfeld East – 228; North – 275; South – 192 (total ≈ 1,943 seats)
- Parking: Metered street parking and nearby paid garages/lots; SpotHero options available
- Transit: Served by Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)
- Nearby hotels: Kimpton Journeyman Hotel (310 E Chicago St), The Pfister Hotel (424 E Wisconsin Ave), The Iron Horse Hotel (500 W Florida St)
- Notable events: Rock Horror Picture Show midnight screenings since 1978 (world’s longest continuous run); early performances by Violent Femmes and James Honeyman-Scott; NRHP listing in 2023
- Renamed/demolished: Not demolished; retains Oriental Theatre name and operates under Milwaukee Film