Built in 1936, the Historic Martin Theatre was originally called "The Ritz", and was one of a chain of Columbas, Georgia-based, Martin Theatre-owned, "Ritz" theatres. During the "Movie Palace" era, the theatre hosted movies, vaudeville and talent shows and so was equipped with a small stage and two small dressing rooms, as well as a movie screen. In the late 1950’s, the "Ritz" became the "Martin Theatre" and was extensively redecorated, received it’s trademark Marquee, and started showing movies exclusively. In the early 70’s the theatre closed, stood vacant for over a decade, and was eventually purchased by a private group and converted into a shooting gallery. The Panama City Downtown Improvement Board, whose mission is to bring about the renaissance of the downtown Panama City area, made plans to renovate the building into a multi-use facility and performing arts center in the mid 1980’s. Returned to its art deco glory, its doors were reopened in November of 1990, renovated and rejuvenated and ready to serve the community.
Today, the Historic Martin Theatre is a center for cultural activity in Bay County. Although the theatre seats only 469, it is the single largest presenter in the Bay County Area.
