About OUR VENUE -- THE WONDERFUL WILDEY THEATRE
WILDEY THEATRE, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville IL
You will love the Wildey Theatre! Our returning attendees from the 2015 inaugural conference can attest to what a special place it is! We can't wait to welcome you to Edwardsville, IL, and to the Wildey Theatre!
Wildey History
Welcome to the Wildey Theatre! Built as an opera house in 1909 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the theatre has undergone many transformations over the years.
Located in downtown Edwardsville, this iconic building closed its doors as a full-time movie theater on March 8, 1984. A crowd of 400 people packed this North Main Street jewel that night to take in the final feature film shown there: "The Big Chill." Just two years later, in 1986, the Edwardsville Historic Preservation Commission designated the Wildey as a local landmark. Recognizing its history and importance as a downtown anchor, the City of Edwardsville acquired the Wildey property in 1999 with a state grant.
The Wildey Now
This architectural gem has been extensively renovated. It reopened in April 2011 as a center of the performing arts, entertainment, and movies. The theatre seats 325 -- all with amazing views of the action on the stage or screen -- and has state-of-the-art technical capabilities. The upstairs rooms have been lovingly restored, featuring wood floors, high ceilings, acoustic panels and an abundance of natural light, to offer additional capacity for special events and business meetings.
PLAN YOUR VISIT!!
https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/775/Plan-Your-Visit
PARKING FOR THE WILDEY THEATRE
WILDEY THEATRE, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville IL
Above Map
There are several parking options for patrons who wish to drive to the Wildey, including nearby lots and limited on-street spaces on North Main and surrounding streets.
The Wildey Theatre is outlined in RED. Public parking is outlined in YELLOW.
Accessibility
The Wildey Theatre is accessible for visitors with special needs, and offers seating for those needing special accommodations to attend shows. Please call 618-307-1750 to purchase those tickets. Those with mobility issues may be dropped off in the short-term parking area at the front entrance to the Wildey Theatre. Our staff members are here to help you enjoy your visit. If you have questions, concerns or a special request, please feel free to contact us at 618-307-1750 or speak to a staff member on site and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
