DBA Announces The Change Of Ownership Of The Queen Theatre

The City of Bryan invests in the longevity of the Queen Theatre in Historic Downtown Bryan. The Downtown Bryan Association announces the change of ownership of the Queen Theatre to the City of Bryan and is supportive of this change to preserve the Queen Theatre’s legacy in the community. 

The Queen Theatre was originally built in 1885 as a hotel in the heart of Downtown Bryan. The hotel began showing silent films on the ground level in the early 1900’s. The name “Queen Theatre” was officially given to the building in 1914. 5th Avenue Girl starring Ginger Rogers was the first movie shown in the Queen after the hotel was converted into a fully operational movie theatre in 1939. The Queen operated as a movie theatre from 1939 to the mid 1970’s. 

For the next several decades, the Queen fell into disrepair and it wasn’t until the Downtown Bryan Association purchased the building in 2010 that it’s journey to revitalization began. The restoration of the Queen Theatre was a community effort and was spearheaded by members of the Downtown Bryan Association Board of Directors, Ben Hardeman, Judge McDonald and Stephanie Sale. 

Local businesses donated their time, materials and labor to help piece the historic building back together. Many fundraising efforts were made over the years, where community members donated their time and money to help bring the Queen back to life. The Downtown Bryan Association restored the iconic building and reopened her doors in May 2018 as a single screen film house and performance venue. 

Since opening in May of 2018, The Queen has screened an average of 5 movies a week from blockbuster classics, westerns, musicals, to independent and foreign films. In addition to movies, the Queen has been host to the Bryan High Theatre Department’s Holiday Radio Play, Botanical Brouhaha Floral Workshop, The Queen Film’s Society meetings and numerous private rentals. 

“The Queen is the crown jewel of Downtown Bryan and the entire community,” said Ben Hardeman, Former City of Bryan Councilman and current DBA Board Member. “We are extremely grateful for how the community rallied together during the restoration of The Queen and we look forward to The Queen continuing to be a key community asset under the City of Bryan.”