Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts is a historic venue located at 220 E. Thomas Street in Hammond, Louisiana. Owned and operated by Southeastern Louisiana University, the theatre has become a cultural hub in the region since its establishment in 1928. Known for its extensive historic past and charming architecture, the Columbia Theatre offers a respite from modern technology, allowing patrons to connect with live performances in a more personal way. Originally opened on September 1, 1928, by the Louisiana Amusement Company, Inc., the Columbia Theatre was once hailed as the most elaborate movie palace between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. It featured a 12,000 Robert Morton Wonder Organ, an Arctic-Air Refrigerated Cooling System, and could accommodate 1,200 guests. The theatre's grandeur was further enhanced by its elegant carpeting, draperies, and uniformed ushers, earning it the title of a "Palace of Entertainment." Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression and the impact of World War II, the Columbia Theatre remained a central entertainment venue in Hammond. However, the rise of television and multi-screen cinemas led to its closure in 1972. In the 1980s, efforts to renovate and repurpose the theatre were short-lived, and it faced the threat of demolition. The turning point came in the early 1990s when Marguerite Walter, director of Hammond’s Downtown Development District, and Harriet Vogt, director of Fanfare, spearheaded a campaign to save the theatre. They envisioned the Columbia Theatre as a non-profit entity that could revitalize downtown Hammond and promote the arts. With the support of U.S. Representative Robert Livingston and Senator John Hainkel, they secured state and federal funding for restoration. The theatre underwent a significant restoration and reopened triumphantly in January 2002. It now features an 830-seat performance hall and hosts a variety of live performances, including plays, musicals, concerts, and special events. The Columbia Theatre has become a beacon of arts education and a professional platform for local talent. In 2006, the performance hall was dedicated to the memory of the late State Senator John J. Hainkel, Jr., whose efforts were instrumental in the theatre's restoration. The Columbia Theatre continues to be supported by a variety of sponsors and remains a cherished landmark in Hammond's cultural landscape.