A community theater in every sense of the word, The Harper Theater shows first-run and art films in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood.
An historic theater with the stature of the Harper Theater in Hyde Park, Ill., should be and is a neighborhood center. Theaters are natural magnets for culture and human activity, often serving as a backdrop for historic events. A theater should be a showcase for artists, a forum for ideas and a catalyst for conversation. It should be a place to meet and to reflect, to pause before, in the midst, or at the end of the day.
Community and regard for differences among people are ideas central to our philosophy here at the Harper Theater. The films, art exhibits and other programming here are all part and parcel of the community which we serve, our patrons—you. Respect is at the core of our philosophy; taste is paramount. That is why we have put so much care into the renovation of the Harper Theater and also why we’re going above and beyond with the amenities. For example, serving Chicago-roasted coffee from Metropolis Coffee Company, founded and based here in Chicago and well-known for their attention to quality and detail. We appreciate those qualities in them and expect the same from ourselves.
Films at the Harper Theater will be screened in an ideal environment: perfect temperature; clean, comfortable seats with perfect sight-lines to a rich visual display; and an intensely clear Dolby five-channel surround sound system. Our master image 3-D system is realistic and mesmerizing. That is our art: exhibiting films in the perfect environment. You’ll feel comfortable lingering after the shows to discuss the social and cultural importance of the films we choose to exhibit. We’ll be listening: the goal is for you to make the decisions as to what’s shown here.
