The Theatre

The Masonic Theatre first opened its doors in 1805 and soon became a cultural center in New Bern. It was one of the town’s premier venues for dramatic performances, benefit events, concerts, and vaudeville acts. During the Civil War, the building served as a Confederate arsenal and was later used as a hospital for Union soldiers.

In 1917, the theatre was converted into a motion picture house and remained a cinema until 1974. After films stopped showing, the Masonic Theatre returned to live performances, continuing its long history as a treasured venue for arts and entertainment in New Bern.