The mission of the Millwald Theatre is to be a cultural hub that provides exceptional and accessible arts experiences including entertainment, education, and civic dialogue while promoting economic growth in our community.
Our Story
The Millwald Theatre is a historic theatre established in the town of Wytheville, Virginia in 1928. The restoration and management of the Millwald has been an ongoing project to provide a cultural arts and education center that serves the entire region and helps to revitalize downtown Wytheville. The facility is ADA accessible on two levels and includes a 512-seat auditorium, classrooms, dressing rooms, a green room, and administrative space.
For decades, the Millwald Theatre on Main Street served as the cultural and social center of Wytheville, Virginia. Built in 1928, it originally boasted Vaudeville and "moving pictures" programming. It was intended to host large crowds, with original seating capacity reports ranging from 424 to 700.
More than just a movie house, the theatre hosted pageants, rallies, community events, debates, fundraisers, and even an opera and a film festival during its long run. Key points in both US history and Wytheville history played out within its walls: presidential election results were reported by telegraph in the 1930s, its basement was designated a Cold War fallout shelter, and public debates over the infamous Wytheville UFO sightings were held on its stage.
In 2003, the Millwald celebrated its 75th anniversary and was hailed as "Virginia's longest continuously-running theater." Unfortunately, it would close its doors just three years later.
The future of the Millwald is inextricably linked to its past. By returning to its roots as a multi-purpose hub of arts and community, this piece of living history can once again thrive.
1928
A Living History
The Millwald Opens
Built on West Main Street in Wytheville, the theatre opens featuring Vaudeville and "moving pictures." Seating capacity reported between 424 and 700.
A Community Hub
Presidential election results are reported by telegraph from the stage. The theatre becomes the cultural and social center of Wytheville.
Fallout Shelter Designated
The theatre's basement is designated as a Cold War fallout shelter, reflecting its deep roots in the community's civic life.
75th Anniversary
The Millwald celebrates its 75th anniversary, hailed as "Virginia's longest continuously-running theater."
Millwald Theatre Inc. Established
The nonprofit organization is founded with a mission to restore and reopen the historic Millwald Theatre for the Wytheville community.
Restoration Construction Begins
Major restoration work gets underway, breathing new life into the historic building on West Main Street.
The Millwald Reopens
After years of restoration, the Millwald Theatre reopens its doors to the Wytheville community and Southwest Virginia.
Reborn for Today
Restored and reopened, the Millwald returns as Southwest Virginia's premier performing arts destination — diverse, accessible, and deeply rooted in community.
Be Part of the Story
From attending a show to volunteering, supporting, or renting our spaces — there's a place for you at the Millwald.