Colonial Theatre Gets $100K Grant To Preserve 1903 Theatre

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Phoenixville's Colonial Theatre has received a crucial $100,000 grate from the state that will fund much needed repairs on the historic west wall of the theatre, officials said.

The funds come from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and will allow the Colonial to protect the integrity of its original theatre from 1903.

“The Colonial Theatre’s hard work securing this grant reflects highly on our community, and I congratulate the hard workers there keeping up this gem,” said State Rep. Paul Friel said in a statement. “The Colonial’s preservation is an investment in the enduring legacy of the performing arts and the shared heritage of our community’s generations past and future.”

The grant has been fully matched by the Archie W. and Grace Berry Foundation and other donors, the Colonial said. They're now shy just about $40,000 for the remaining construction costs. Donations to help finish the project can be gifted online here.

The 1903 Theatre is located in the original, older wing of the Colonial, and seats 658. It's one of the only theatres in the United States that is able to produce both 35mm and 2K digital projection. The massive, amphitheater experience for moviegoers is similarly rare.

Efforts to restore it have been underway for some time.

The specific grant won by the Colonial, the Keystone Historic Preservation grant, supports a variety of historical and heritage organizations, museums, and more across the state. The state Historical and Museum Commission says they'll promote the Colonial's restoration and similar projects which align with the coming 2026 United States Semiquincentennial celebrations.