Never Miss a Show Again!

The Capitol has one meeting room space on its second floor that may be reserved Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with a max seating of 25.

History

The Capitol has been an important part of the cultural fabric of Bowling Green for over 100 years. It had long been said that it began its life as a vaudeville house in the late 1890s, but deeper research shows that the property at 416 E. Main was listed as a saloon and restaurant at that time. The first picture show business to operate at this address, the Columbia Theatre, opened in 1911. The Capitol Theatre, managed by the Nashville-based Crescent Amusement Company, replaced the Columbia in 1921. In 1938, the building went through an extensive renovation and expansion. For many years, in addition to its primary role as a movie house, the downtown theater also hosted community events and leased space to local businesses and organizations.

Following a decline in use, the Capitol stopped showing movies in 1972.  After remaining largely vacant for a number of years, the building was purchased in 1977 by a visionary group of citizens formerly known as the Bowling Green-Warren County Arts Commission. Following a $1.3 million renovation, the Capitol Arts Center reopened its doors to the community in September 1981 and was managed by the Capitol Arts Alliance for 30 years.

In July 2000, a $6.7 million grant from the Commonwealth of Kentucky was given to fund the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, Inc. (aka SKyPAC), a facility for larger performing arts productions than the Capitol Arts Center could host. SKyPAC managed the Capitol until 2021. Warren County Public Library began leasing the building the spring of that year and is its current manager. 

The library uses the auditorium for community events, including library presentations, lectures, performances, and free movies. The space is also rented out to outside groups, concert promoters, and producers.