The Theatre
The Masonic Theatre first opened its doors in 1805, at which time it was the cultural center of New Bern. It served as the town’s foremost place for dramatic entertainment, including stage plays, talent benefits, concerts and vaudeville acts. During the Civil War, it was used as a Confederate arsenal and later as a hospital for Union soldiers.
In 1917 it was converted into a motion picture theater and remained so until 1974. It was the nation’s oldest continually operating theatre until it closed its doors in December 1974.
![1956 Ad](https://nbmtpreservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/masonic-theatre-2.jpg)
![](https://nbmtpreservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/meet-the-guys-and-dolls.jpg)
1956 Ad
Today, RiverTowne Players is housed in the historic Masonic Theatre. The Theatre has been restored to its original purpose for live entertainment. Visitors continue to enjoy the experience of taking in a RiverTowne Players production in the oldest working theatre in the United States.