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Oriental Theatre
2230 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States
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Li
Review №1

B E A U T I F U L theater! Cannot wait for it to open again. Such a breathtaking building.

Cy
Review №2

Even carved into three theatres, it retains its funky charm with gold plated buddhas and lots of red. The staff here are phenomenally nice (nicer than I would be sometimes, honestly) and seem to always be smiling....genuinely. The movie offerings are first run, indies, foreign; really something for everyone. Their concession stand is first rate and I HIGHLY recommend joining their film club. With first dibs on new movies, discounts and FILM FEST, youd be crazy not to!

An
Review №3

An incredible theater with great showings and events. Cant wait to go back!

Th
Review №4

I saw the Fantastic Fungi. Did you know that some people swear that certain Mushrooms have healing properties including curing cancer? If you want to know more about this enduring Fungi see it at this theater before it is gone. (And do not forget the popcorn. Super yummy making you want more).

Ja
Review №5

This theater has been around since 1927 and has a beautiful interior. The prices are pretty reasonable for tickets and concessions.

A
Review №6

Long line to purchase tickets, long line to get concessions. Missed first bit of the movie. Architecturally, yeah its old and cool, but seats are small and old and the screen is small and sits low so you see the people in front of you heads. Theres no decline to the floor. All in all is it great? No. If you wanna see a movie in a modern theater with cushion stadium seats and online ticketing, you would be better off going to a new fancy movie theater. (online ticket sales close for the Oriental Theater 2 hours before the show). The plus is that its individually owned and run and shows better less commercial movies for a different crowd.

Ly
Review №7

Beautiful historic theater! Went here to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show for the first time and it was amazing. Everyone was so welcoming and the building is just beautiful and well kept. I will be visiting again and again

Rh
Review №8

One of the two best theaters in the State. The atmosphere is original, vintage and luxurious. You can just feel the history. The Staff is always pleasant and the food is good. I prefer the earlier shows, as the neighborhood can be a little sketchy after 11pm.

Od
Review №9

What a fantastically beautiful theater. It was lovely, spacious, and gave me a bit of sad nostalgia when I thought about how many beautiful old theaters like this one are forced to close.We went to see the Joker 70mm show, which was magnificent. Great spot. Will return when visiting.

Ia
Review №10

Really great experience! Excellent sound and picture, even in the smaller theaters. The place is beautiful, too. On top of all that, youre supporting local organizations and artists when you see a movie here. Keep up the good work!

Ch
Review №11

This place is a true Milwaukee gem. I spent countless weekend afternoons here watching Oscar nominated matinees. The theater itself is beautiful and well maintained. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The alcohol selection is a nice touch. One of my favorite theaters.

Br
Review №12

This is Milwaukees cathedral of film.Headquarters of Milwaukee Film and owner of theatre. Used to be one theatre. Put in 2 smaller theatres under the balcony(which is open on occasion), and does not take away from the main room. They bought it from Landmark and doing major renovation work but, still keeping what makes it great.Also home of the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Jo
Review №13

Its honestly a whole experience just coming here. The place is so full of life and detail. I seem to notice something different about the place with each visit. Definitely feels significantly more unique than other theaters

Ke
Review №14

We love the Oriental. They have great programming, show a good variety of films both current and older, and have a great atmosphere. Theres a bunch of good places to eat nearby, so its easy to build a whole night around your film.

Bi
Review №15

The Oriental is a pleasure to behold and in which to take in a movie. Its not a blockbuster kind of place - it has a very personal feel. The audience, to, seems to be a little more discerning, or maybe its just post-teenage.

Br
Review №16

Really pretty place to watch a movie

De
Review №17

Its a Milwaukee landmark. The interior is gorgeous. From the marquee outside, to the ticketbooth, to the concession stand, to the donor posters, and then the beautiful main theater. Its huge and grand and I highly recommend coming back during doors open or a tour to see the theater lit up so you can appreciate all its grandeur. I was all the way back in the balcony and still had a great view and could hear fine. This is a fun visit you should definitely put on your list of things to do on a day with bad weather.

Wa
Review №18

The last of the original movie palaces that cities like Milwaukee used to have in the days when going to see a motion picture was the pinnacle of high society. This location has been lovingly modernized and updated throughout the years by a variety of owners, most recently the Milwaukee Film organization that puts on an annual film festival, focusing on independent and documentary films. Ill never forget the energy in the air watching Fahrenheit 9/11 here!That works since thats the type of movies that you tend to see at this location. My recent visits here have included CatVideoFest 2020 and the Oscar Nominated Documentary shorts. Upgrades include updated bathrooms, digital projection and some new seats in some of the auditoriums, which were much needed as Landmark was beginning to let this glorious location go a bit too much.Unfortunately there is still a lot of work needed. There is no stadium seating in any of the auditoriums which means that you can still get stuck behind a guy with a massive head and spend your evening looking around his ginormous cranium. Also, the balcony section has been neglected for far too long, its time to update it or shut it down.

Ka
Review №19

Most charming theatre I have been to in the States. Never, ever disappointed! Excellent service and high quality food and drinks. A walk back in time, when decor was original and one of a kind. I have been attending cinema here for almost 60 years, and am always a happy customer!!!

De
Review №20

If you have never visited the Oriental you are missing one of most interesting, unique buildings in Milwaukee. Since the Milwaukee Film began operating it many improvements have happened but not to the East Indian decor. Its a must see. Join Milwaukee Film to view monthly screenings of festival quality films.

EJ
Review №21

Such a charming and historic theater. Anyone with an ounce of Milwaukee pride should consider supporting this place. They support local filmmakers and artists. They also show interesting films. I highly recommend this place, especially for date night.

St
Review №22

Havent been to the theater in about a year I think, Liked that they kept the lobby intact. I remember going there almost weekly back in the 90s and catching many great indie films. But I saw The Irishman this afternoon, and was a little disappointed in the smaller theater on the right. The seats were incredibly uncomfortable, and cramped. I know the film sold out, so a lot of people were in there, yet for 3 hours I felt we were all packed in there like sardines. And the screen felt very low, like you were just seeing it over the heads of everyone there. You are trying to get into the film and the back of everyones heads are moving, because of shifting in the seats. Most likely due to the seats being uncomfortable. With seats at a slope, or in stadium seating you dont get that. Its unobstructed view. Not sure why it was like it today, never had that issue before when I use to go there frequently. I hope the remodeling can fix that.

Ke
Review №23

GORGEOUS, ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. We saw The Pope Movie here and it was a very hard tie between loving the movie and loving the beauty of the theater.

Ол
Review №24

Comfortable seating, beautiful interior, good choice of movies, friendly employees. The things I don’t like are unavailability of choosing a seat while buying tickets and extra commission when buying tickets online.

De
Review №25

The best theater in Milwaukee! Beautiful renovation. No reclining seats here, just a beautiful theater.

Ri
Review №26

Seeing a movie here feels like an experience itself, return to the days of the silver screen. Its the opposite of modern stadium seating. They also play art house and foreign films.

Ca
Review №27

I loved this theatre when it was run by Landmark. They always had a great selection of movies and lots of awesome special showings and events. I havent been there since they were taken over by MKE Film but I imagine its still a great place to see a movie in a historic theatre.

Jo
Review №28

This is THE movie theater in the Milwaukee area. Of course I might be prejudice because I belong to Milwaukee Film and they own the Theater. They recently purchased this spectacular old theater and are in the process of renovating it. This doesnt interfere with the movies, lobby or restrooms. They show a wide variety of films both old and new.This is the last day of the Milwaukee Film Festival 2019 and what a festival it was! Almost 350 films to choose from in 15 days.

De
Review №29

The Oriental is an iconic movie theatre that is always a special place to visit. The food, wine and beer selections are an added bonus and I like that they sell a local brewers beers. The Milwaukee Film Festival is a great draw for this theatre and I look forward to the festival each year.

Jo
Review №30

Charming and wonderful venue for a movie. Love walking to the Oriental. New owners are bringing back the charm while making updates to make the theatre more comfortable. Highly Recommend when visiting Milwaukee

Jo
Review №31

Love seeing moving here!

Ty
Review №32

Probably the coolest movie going experience in the city. Beverages and popcorn are fairly reasonable and the selection of movies is always interesting. That being said, know they arent going to have every summer block buster, but your movie going experience is going to benefit immensely from going at this historic theater. The best option if youre a fan of golden age cinema, not the best option maybe for other folks.

Kr
Review №33

I love the oriental! They play awesome movies and offer a pleasant experience. Its a must!

Jo
Review №34

Excellent atmosphere! I love this theater!

Pa
Review №35

The classic setting in a walkable, vibrant neighborhood, impressive variety of shows, the epicenter of the MKE Film Festival, a community of film fans, and affordable (!!) concessions make this the only Milwaukee venue.

Ja
Review №36

This theater is a Milwaukee gem. They always have great movies, the interior is amazing, and its right in the middle of the east side. What more do you need for a night out?

de
Review №37

Truly a gem on the east side.lucky to live within walking distance.

An
Review №38

Beautiful theater, great movie options. Love the popcorn, bonus points for having nutritional yeast!

Jo
Review №39

The overall experience was refreshingly old fashioned. The decor of the Oriental brings you back to old timey opera houses with tall entryways and traditional red carpet. I got good vibes from this place and judging by the appearance of the Oriental, I would love to experience a good horror movie around Halloween time. The staff was friendly, popcorn genuinely tasted like it had real butter on it, and good local tap beer. Looking forward to coming back!

Je
Review №40

My favorite theater. Gorgeous and shows independent films along with more mainstream movies. You can get beer and wine here, and theyve opened a huge new bathroom on the ground floor.

Mi
Review №41

I loved being able to see the Premier of Give Me Liberty here. The movie was well done! The theater is amazing!

Ni
Review №42

If you arent a movie nerd, you will become a movie nerd. They will make you one. Its awesome.

Br
Review №43

My family and I love this theater. This theatre had awesome seating!!! The chairs were comfy and the pricing was reasonable. Coupled with the sound system we can’t say there is a bad seat in the house. This theater is also perfect for kids. Its clean and the tickets are a good price. All the employees that have serviced me seem extremely sweet.

Je
Review №44

Amazingly unique! Make sure you see the main screen room.

Me
Review №45

What a cool place!

Ti
Review №46

First time there tonight..beautiful theatre with a NYC 1980s ambience. On a full night the soda station line is a bit hectic...otherwise will be back to check out other movies and/or Rocky Horror Picture Show!!

Ju
Review №47

One of the most beautiful theatres in the city. They also choose great movies, better quality than your average movie theatre showings.

Ro
Review №48

Always a.pleasure seeing a movie here. My favorite Milwaukee movie theater and within walking distance.

M.
Review №49

Beautiful old theater with modern amenities. Near home with a great showcase of independent films you cant see anywhere else!

Da
Review №50

I’ve seen so many movies here. The first time I came here was in 2016 to see Knight of Cups with a friend and i fell in love with this theater right away. From all of my great experiences here seeing Nocturnal Animals, Moonlight, Song to Song, Lady Bird, The Shape of Water, Call Me By Your Name, Isle of Dogs, Hereditary, The Favourite, If Beale Street Could Talk, Blackklansman, and High Life, I have never had a bad experience here and the the atmosphere always makes it a wonderful movie experience.

Ma
Review №51

When you want to watch a movie in something more than a boring dark room.

Co
Review №52

I went here to see a documentary and I got to tell you, this theater is just beautiful. It is a historic theater, one that my great grandmother would go to as a child. Great popcorn and soda there also.

Dr
Review №53

Best theater in Wisconsin. Love the RHPS and the madness that comes with it

Se
Review №54

Beautiful historic venue.

Da
Review №55

Classic theater with beer too! Not a bad seat in the house

Ev
Review №56

Beautiful old theater with fully restored interior. Good selection in the concessions stand and a friendly staff. Great place for your next movie night!

Ch
Review №57

MKE film monthly screening THE BEST..

Mi
Review №58

I love everything MKE Film has done with the ol palace, and definitely excited to see whats yet to come.

Dm
Review №59

Amazing classic theater. Very historical and they play a lot of European and other foreign films.

An
Review №60

The majesty of the space is in tact, which is awesome. But even though I am a member of Milwaukee Film, they couldnt find me in their system and didnt seem to have an explanation. Also, since it changed hands, they got rid of some of the alternative refreshments- like vegan cookies- and only offer the corporate, standard candy selection...it was a somewhat disappointing experience.

Jo
Review №61

Clean and well run. Has a historic feeling of yesteryear when it was a movie palace. Enjoyed the movie (Biggest little farm) and the theater experience.

Ja
Review №62

Love this theater, especially the middle larger one! Support your local theaters that play films that are different from the norm.

Ca
Review №63

Nice place cool vintage vibe..

A
Review №64

What could be better? This lobby is to die for. The films are original, often independent. Beats Marcus every time.

Ma
Review №65

A must see venue. Super beautiful architecture

Pe
Review №66

This place is awesome and beautiful! A great place to see a movie!

Lu
Review №67

I love this place the decoration and the style makes it a unique movie theater in Milwaukee

He
Review №68

Wonderful theater. Sat in back row with broken ankle and had a perfect view

Pi
Review №69

Always a good time. Highly recommend this place. RHPS is an awesome time here as well. Absolutely beautiful interior. I prefer a theatre experience like this one. If you have never been here, you simply must go!

Ka
Review №70

The Oriental is one of the nations most beautiful movie theaters. Recently taken over by Milwaukee Film, it has a new sound system and beautiful updated first-floor Ladys Restroom. We like their popcorn, too! And if a person is a member, they get a dollar off each vending item.

St
Review №71

The Oriental isnt a place you are going to go for modern perks, reclining seats, or cutting edge sound. But it is a wondeful, historic theater that shows great classic and indie movies. The seats may not be modern, but Im about 6 and a half feet tall and I had plenty of leg room. Special thanks to Ryan who graciously let my fiancee have the movie poster for the movie we were there to see, which she has been a huge fan of since she was 9.

Ma
Review №72

The best place to watch a movie in the city. Unique on every front.

To
Review №73

The Oriental Theater is a legend unto itself. Always beautiful and unique, despite its multiple bastardizations, one must give props to the way the alterations are hidden. The three theaters are TINY! The seats are set in such a way that youre always trying to look around the person in front of yous head. It would be considerably better if the seats were staggered just slightly. The theater has a snack/bar area but its just kind of dropped into the lobby. There is no set crowd control so its difficult to get served or to just maneuver your way into your designated doorway. Another difficulty is the staff. Many of them are volunteers and are only compensated by getting to view free films. Not a bad deal but who knows what kind of training they are provided before starting. Questions are answered incorrectly. You get stopped trying to re-enter the lobby area after using the rest room. A two person ticket, if printed online, is only one piece of paper and youll get hassled if you happen to be the individual who doesnt have it. The Oriental is what it is... and since its the only venue in town to see indie/art films you just accept it and move on.

St
Review №74

The Oriental Theatre is a beautiful old preserved theater in the heart of the Eastside of Milwaukee. It has a feel of old world elegance and beauty. It is very ornate. The seats are comfortable and roomy. This is truly a gem of Milwaukee.

Gr
Review №75

One of Milwaukees most beautiful theaters. Sometimes you can hear sounds from the neighboring theater but its not often and never too distracting.

Ja
Review №76

An amazing place to see a movie. Phenomenal architecture - unlike anything you will see anywhere else. They also do a great job playing movies outside of the mainstream and is the hub of the Milwaukee Film Festival. A local treasure!

Gw
Review №77

This is the coolest theater ever. Even if your not seeing a movie I would recommend going in just to see the decor.

Mi
Review №78

Iconic! Rocky Horror a bucket list must see! Takes you back in time with the ambience and architecture while showing modern day off the path movies! Must experience when doing Milwaukee as a tourist or a lifelong resident! If you aint been to the Oriental you aint been to a Great Place on a Great Lake!

Cy
Review №79

Nice place to watch movies.

As
Review №80

Fair price. Older seats but updates are coming. Actually reasonable soda and popcorn (also good popcorn!). Worth checking it out!!

Jo
Review №81

Who doesnt love the Oriental? The place is a movie palace that is thankfully frozen in time. They dont make em like this anymore! Looking forward to the improvements that are coming to ensure this place keeps its status as the most beautiful place to see a movie in town!

La
Review №82

I saw Give Me Liberty and walked out prior to it ending.. didnt care for the movie.. the theater is ok.. not the most comfortable seats but it suffices

Ci
Review №83

If the walls could talk. A Great theater.

Ra
Review №84

Very unique movie experience. Gorgeous original interior and pleasantly large snack selection. The movie selection is very much for cinema buffs and oddballs but if they are playing something you want to see I highly recommend. Be warned, lots of movies only play for one day there, like the one I saw on its debut night.

El
Review №85

Ive always loved the Oriental Theater, and it has only gotten better since Milwaukee Film took over. Theyve obviously put a lot of time and effort into some long overdue repairs that Landmark put off. MKE Film has certainly polished up the jewel box theater.Programming has gotten much more interesting!

Ju
Review №86

This theater is a castle! It’s brilliantly designed with intricate and artistic detail. The sound is good and the chairs are comfortable. Besides playing movies, they also do the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s a wonder, local place to see a movie. They are a big part of the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Ni
Review №87

Great and classy environment. Need more food.

Ma
Review №88

Parking is a little tricky, but the theatre brings a diverse palate of cinema to Milwaukee.

Th
Review №89

Great looking building, you can feel the history, sound and projection were very good.

Se
Review №90

Beautiful space to watch a film. Indy films, and the occasional block buster. Film festivals. The Rockey horror picture show! Really a great place. Get there with enough time to enjoy the atmosphere and the architecture. Grab a beer and some popcorn. Check out a foreign film you wont catch at a multiplex. Located in a great area for a night out.

Th
Review №91

Great place to gather with friends. Kid friendly with bowling lanes and arcade (although I wish the pool tables were available to the kids too). Prices are great.

Ri
Review №92

Went there for the Milwaukee Film Festival. Theatre is beautiful.

Ch
Review №93

Love the character of the theater as well as the films they show. Looking forward to seeing it enter a new era under the leadership of MKE Film

Ni
Review №94

Fantastoc theater with an even better staff! Such history in this building.

Bi
Review №95

Gogeous theater with spectacular decor and excellent snack and drink options.

Gi
Review №96

Beautiful and amazing. Saw Roxky Horror Picture show!

Te
Review №97

This theater is a must visit landmark for Milwaukee film lovers.I have seen several films here, having been in each of the theater sections. The middle theater is my favorite, being the most extravagant and beautiful of the three. The middle theater is reserved for new or popular films, so be prepared to be in the other theaters for older or less popular films.The seats are typical of a classic theater. They are cushioned and have cup holders on the back of the chairs in front of you, but they are not recliners as presented in more modern theaters. Any seat will give you a good view of the screen though.The concessions are typical of a theater. They do serve alcohol, but I dont suggest getting any mixed drinks there. I had a whiskey sour once before and it was so sour my face actually puckered. Go to one of the many bars surrounding the area after a movie and have a discussion with your partner about the film experience instead.The thing I love most about The Oriental is the audience. Audience members are always respectful, quiet and mature. Everyone is there to enjoy film.The Oriental is a must visit in Milwaukee. Go see the latest indie film there, you wont regret it.

Ia
Review №98

I love the architecture, love even more the preserved it.The staff member selling tickets and snacks was really nice. An older gentlemen came into room before film started, I think doing promotions, honestly I couldnt hear him. They have upgraded audio equipment but honestly the room wasnt designed for modern surround sound movie sound tracks. It was acceptable if a little boomy.I will definitely go back when Im next in town.

Ja
Review №99

Great experience. Sound and visual were clear and vibrant. The work done to restore the theater and lobby areas is evident. Glad we made the trip out.

B.
Review №100

Beautifully designed & maintained, friendly staff, and good sound for the movie. They had a relatively good screen too. Going to this theater felt like an experience from the time I was walking up to the entrance to leaving and having time to look at the building designs in detail.The only bummer was a family sat down in the middle, next row up, and talked every 5-10 minutes so I kept getting distracted. Another group talked every 20 minutes. I was disappointed that people dont respect others by... refraing from talking and it doesnt actually get strictly enforced.

Information
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100 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:2230 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States
  • Site:http://orientaltheatremke.com/
  • Phone:+1 414-276-5140
Categories
  • Movie theater
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:No
Offerings
  • Food:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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