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The World Theatre Tickets

Location
Historic Downtown Kearney, NE

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The venue

About The World Theatre

The World Theatre is a storied nonprofit venue in downtown Kearney, Nebraska. Nestled in the historic Masonic Temple building, this community-run cinema and performing arts center hosts film screenings and live performances in an intimate setting. With a seating configuration that includes a main auditorium, mezzanine, and balcony, The World Theatre offers a unique, historic ambience for shows and special events.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for a performance, We’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, transportation, and nearby hotel and dining options to make your visit easy and enjoyable.

The World Theatre’s legacy goes back to its 1927 opening and its 1983 renaming to World 2 Theatre, followed by a renovation and return as The World Theatre in 2012. It remains a landmark on The Bricks in downtown Kearney and is NRHP-listed as part of the Masonic Temple and World Theater Building context. For upcoming performances, check the listings and secure your seats early to experience this intimate, historic venue.

  • Capacity: approximately 300 seats across main floor, mezzanine, and balcony
  • Parking: on-street parking in downtown Kearney; consider downtown parking rules and snow emergency restrictions
  • Transit: Greyhound service in Kearney; Tri-City Roadrunner and local options available
  • Nearby hotels: Holiday Inn Express Kearney, La Quinta Inn & Suites Kearney, Best Western Plus Mid Nebraska Inn & Suites (and other options within a few miles)
  • Nearby dining: walkable choices near The World Theatre to fit pre- or post-show plans

Affiliate partner links are provided for convenient hotel and restaurant bookings to help you plan a smooth visit.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 2318 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847.
  • Venue type: nonprofit, volunteer-run historic cinema and performing arts center located in the Masonic Temple building.
  • Capacity and seating: approximately 300 seats (Main floor, mezzanine, and balcony seating). Historically, the World Theatre was a larger venue (982 seats before 1983 twinning) per Cinema Treasures.
  • Seating/chart notes: current configuration includes a main auditorium with mezzanine and balcony levels; layout is shown in the theatre’s Rentals page images.
  • Recent rename/history: originally opened as World Theatre (1927), renamed World 2 Theatre in 1983, renovated and reopened as The World Theatre in 2012; not demolished.
  • Notable events: Alexander Payne presented Some Like It Hot at the 2012 reopening; All Night Strut (live musical) has been hosted; current programming includes films and live performances such as The Princess Bride showings.
  • Parking: located in downtown Kearney with on-street parking; downtown parking rules can affect access (e.g., snow emergency restrictions in the downtown area).
  • Transit: Greyhound bus stops serve Kearney; regional/local transit (Tri‑City Roadrunner) operates in the area; additional local options exist for getting to downtown venues.
  • Nearby hotels: multiple options within a few miles (e.g., Holiday Inn Express Kearney, La Quinta Inn & Suites Kearney, Best Western Plus Mid Nebraska Inn & Suites).
  • Notable: The World Theatre is a landmark on The Bricks in downtown Kearney and is NRHP-listed as part of the Masonic Temple and World Theater Building context.