Providence Performing Arts Center

The 5-manual Wurlitzer console

Then - 1941

Now - 2011

Once the premier picture palace of Rhode Island, the Loew’s State Theatre (later Ocean State Theatre and Palace Theatre) has been reborn as the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Starting life in 1928 as a Loew’s movie palace, it was designed by Rapp & Rapp Architects in the American Eclectic style. The theatre has survived many changes over the decades and was nearly demolished in the seventies. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and plays a vital role in the city of Providence’s ongoing cultural renaissance. The Providence Performing Arts Center’s programming includes touring Broadway, contemporary concerts, comedy, dance and children’s programming as well as collaborations with the Rhode Island Philharmonic and local performing companies. PPAC also offers performances at no cost to Rhode Island Middle Schools as part of its Community Outreach Series.

The organ in its original home

The Marbro Theatre, Chicago, IL

The PPAC auditorium seats 3090

Visit the PPAC website: