The History of Fox Theatre

The historic Fox Theatre in Springfield, MO, has been a cornerstone of the Square for over a century. From its opening in 1916 as a movie theater to its current role as a vibrant history and arts space, the Fox has witnessed and adapted to countless changes. Today, under the ownership of the History Museum on the Square and in partnership with the Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment, the theatre enters an exciting new chapter, blending historic preservation with community programming and cultural events.

The Electric Theatre

The story of the Fox Theatre begins in 1913, when much of downtown Springfield was devastated by a massive fire that started in Heer’s store and spread across the northeast corner of the Square. Three years later, as the Square began rebuilding, the Electric Theatre chain of Kansas City purchased the site to establish a movie theater. At its opening, the theatre was admired as “without a doubt the nicest theatre in South Missouri.” Interior designers from Kansas City ensured the theatre reflected the height of style, while local artist Oliver J. Corbett was commissioned to create the decorative painting that graced the interior. In addition to feature films, the theatre hosted vaudeville acts and even advertised shows on streetcars. In the photo below, those on the streetcar dressed as Charlie Chaplin to entice audiences.

In 1930, the Electric was acquired by Paramount, which owned it for four years before selling it to the Fox Theatre chain whom also owned the Jewell Theatre downtown, which would later become home to the famed television series Ozark Jubilee. Unlike most Fox locations, the theatre briefly reverted to its original Electric name, reflecting Springfield’s attachment to the familiar landmark. In the early 1940s, Fox operated both the Jewell Theatre and the Electric Theatre as major picture houses downtown. A dispute with the projectionist union led Fox to close the Jewell temporarily while keeping the Electric open.

Tragedy struck in 1947 when two fires damaged the theatre, culminating in a devastating blaze that destroyed much of the building. The theater manager and fire chief disagreed about the cause: the fire chief attributed it to two separate, unconnected fires, while the theater manager believed the first fire had not been properly extinguished, allowing embers to ignite the wooden beams of the theater. Regardless of the cause, the roof burned through causing massive damage inside. The theater remained closed for two years for renovations leaving the Jewell Theatre as the only Fox Theater in during that time.

The Fox Theatre

Following the reopening, the Fox remained a premier first-run theatre in downtown Springfield until 1982, known for its familyfriendly features and debuting many Disney films in the Queen City. In 1985, the Abundant Life Church made the Fox its home and remained there until 2014, at which time the History Museum on the Square took ownership. This marked the beginning of a renewed focus on preservation and adaptive use.

In 2025, the Fox entered an exciting new era through a collaboration with the Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment. This partnership builds on the theatre’s history while expanding its programming and cultural offerings. In addition to hosting History Museum functions, the Fox will host concerts and other special events in coordination with Gillioz programming.

Thanks to the History Museum on the Square and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Fine Art Fund, the historic Fox Theatre recently unveiled a beautifully refreshed lobby during the Ozark Jubilee Live concert. Renovations included the revealing of 1949 murals by artist George Kieffer, along with new carpet, updated lighting, and freshly painted walls. Continued restoration is underway and you can directly support these preservation efforts HERE.