Gillioz Theatre

Springfield, Missouri

MissouriRoadside AttractionTours & Excursions

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Built by M.E. Gillioz, the The Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Missouri, opened on October 11, 1926, just weeks before Route 66 was officially established.

Gillioz was a bridge builder by trade, and he built his theatre the same way he built his bridges: with steel and concrete, using wood only for handrails, doors, and doorframes. The original construction cost was $300,000. The result became Springfield’s premier entertainment venue, featuring Spanish Moroccan design elements throughout and a Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ for silent films alongside a stage for vaudeville acts.

The theatre hosted the premieres of three films, two of them starring Ronald Reagan, and welcomed some memorable visitors over the years. Elvis Presley is said to have spent an afternoon watching a movie at the Gillioz after running sound checks for his evening show at the nearby Shrine Mosque. The building also has a reputation for paranormal activity. After a projectionist died at his post on New Year’s Eve 1962, ghost hunters have been drawn to the space ever since.

After closing in 1980, the Gillioz sat dark for more than two decades before restoration began. The work was completed in October 2006, exactly 80 years after the original opening, with both the lobby and auditorium restored to their 1926 appearance. The theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 and has been named a top event venue by 417 Magazine, the Springfield News-Leader, and the Academy of Country Music, which ranked it among the top five venues under 4,000 seats in the country (alongside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and Austin City Limits in Texas).

Today the Gillioz seats just over 1,000 and hosts a full calendar of concerts, comedy shows, Broadway productions, film festivals, and community events. Whether you’re catching a show or just stopping by to admire the marquee, the Gillioz is a Route 66 landmark worth making time for in Springfield.

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Gillioz Theatre Marquee lit up at night in Springfield, Missouri

Gillioz Theatre

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Address:

325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806

Phone Number:

(417) 863-9491

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Photos of the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Missouri

Gillioz Theatre Marquee in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee in Springfield, Missouri
National Register of Historic Places plaque at Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee lit up at night in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee lit up at night in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee lit up at night in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee lit up at night in Springfield, Missouri
Gillioz Theatre Marquee lit up at night in Springfield, Missouri

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Missouri, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is the Gillioz Theatre located on Route 66?

The Gillioz Theatre is located at 325 Park Central East in Springfield, Missouri, on the east side of Park Central Square in downtown Springfield.

Can you visit the theatre without attending a show?

The Gillioz is a working event venue and is not generally open for casual walk-in visits outside of show dates. The theatre sometimes hosts guided tours, so pay attention to the event calendar if you are interested in attending. If you’re interested in seeing the interior, getting tickets to one of the many public shows on the calendar is the best way to experience the space.

Where can you park?

Plenty of free street parking, free parking lots, and paid lots are available surrounding the landmark. Read street signs when parking, as spots may be closed for special events, restricted, or time-restricted during business hours. Many spots have a two-hour limit weekday mornings and afternoons.

Where to Stay Near the Gillioz Theatre

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest on your road trip with a stay at one of these Springfield, Missouri hotels near Route 66.

Hotel Vandivort

Hotel Vandivort is a high-end boutique hotel located in a former Masonic temple just off Park Central Square, making it convenient to dining, shopping, entertainment, and Route 66 attractions. The hotel decor mixes vintage and industrial elements to offer a unique backdrop to your stay. Upgrade your experience to suite with a kitchenette, balcony, or fireplace.

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven

After a day behind the wheel, stopping at all of the Mother Road’s iconic roadside attractions, museums, restaurants, and more, a good shower and a comfy bed is always a welcome sight. Take that and add modern amenities, vintage charm, and a touch of Elvis, and you have the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven motel in Springfield, Missouri. Book a stay in the iconic Elvis Suite for a unique night!

Rockwood Motor Court

Rockwood Motor Court opened as a Tourist Camp in 1929, just three years after Route 66 was commissioned. Renovated in 2019, you’ll enjoy clean and comfortable rooms themed to eras of Route 66 with vintage décor, furniture, and memorabilia.

Attractions Near the Gillioz Theatre on Route 66

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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