Gillioz Theatre

325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806
Phone: 417-863-7843

East < GO > West

The 1,100 seat Gillioz Theatre opened in 1926 on the original alignment of Route 66 and closed in 1980. After that it sat empty until 2006 when it reopened after being restored. Gilliouz was a bridge builder and used the same style of construction on his theater using steel and concrete with wood only for handrails, doors and door frames It was apparently so well built that renovation was cheaper than tearing it down.

The ornate entrance and box office occupy a sliver of land that leads to the main theater on the other side of the block. You can't see it here, but there is a "G: in the stain-glass window above the marquee. The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

This mural that was across the street from the Gillioz has been painted over. The mural titled "Friday Morning 10 A.M. was located on the east side of the McDaniel Building. It was done by Ellen (Schaeffer) Baird around 13 years ago.

The McDaniel building is being renovated for student housing and because the wall was not treated before it was painted, the mural was in very rough condition and was removed in March 2014.

Photo(s): 2012