Hippodrome Theatre

The Hippodrome Theatre is the centerpiece of Gainesville's historic downtown. The building once served as a Courthouse and Post Office, and it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Converted to a theatre in 1973, the Hippodrome Theatre now offers four floors of event space, including a large Basement facility and Art Gallery suitable for wedding receptions, as well as an old-fashioned Cinema and Mainstage for wedding ceremonies.

BASEMENT:  Twenty-five columns and pilasters adorned with elegant sconce lighting add drama and architectural interest to the Hippodrome Theatre Basement. Stylish pendant lighting illuminates the built-in bar, which boasts an Italian granite countertop and woodwork designed to compliment the room’s century-old wood doors. Neutral porcelain tile and brick walls painted with a designer plaster effect provide a versatile backdrop for any event. The facility is ADA accessible, and an elevator is positioned next to the basement’s private entrance on the East side of the building. Restrooms with cultured marble countertops are located on the basement floor.

ART GALLERY:   A lofted ceiling and tall windows bring an airy feeling to the Hippodrome Theatre’s charming Art Gallery. Historic wood moldings, elegant marble, and artwork from the current exhibit provide a culturally rich atmosphere. The room’s track lighting can be adjusted to set the mood of any event.

CINEMA:  Conveniently located on the first floor, the Hippodrome Theatre Cinema provides stadium seating for 73 guests from the comfort of fold-up rocker seats. Additional seating can accommodate groups of up to 95 people. Renters can display a movie, film, video, or presentation on our 10’ X 20’ projection screen using a variety of formats, including: 35mm film, DVD, VHS, Blu-Ray, and Netflix.

MAINSTAGE:  Located on the second floor of the Hippodrome Theatre, the Michael Doyle Mainstage is not only home to the Hippodrome Theatre’s live theatrical productions, but also available for public rental. Stadium seating makes viewing easy from all 268 seats, which wrap around the thrust stage on three sides.