A Legacy Restored, A Future Inspired
The Fischer Theatre stands today as a vibrant cultural hub thanks to the vision and generosity of Julius W. Hegeler II and the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation, whose dedication to preserving Danville’s historic landmarks made its restoration possible. Their leadership and commitment, along with the efforts of countless volunteers, donors, and supporters, have transformed the Fischer into a thriving center for the arts, history, and community connection.
We believe art is vital to a good life. Our purpose is to fund and oversee the restoration, maintenance, and operations of the Historic Fischer Theatre in order for all to experience the arts in this local treasure.
Our Mission
Our History.
The Fischer Theatre was originally built in 1884 as the Grand Opera House. The grand opening feature, held on November 5, 1884 was the Emma Abbott Grand English Opera Company presenting “King for a Day”, beginning the theatre’s rich performing arts history. Live theatrical and musical performances were the primary focus through the Vaudeville era. However, the first movie held at the theatre was shown as early as 1899 by the International Cinegraph Company of New York. It was the Fitzsimmons-Jeffries fight held earlier in the year on June 9th at Coney Island. Later, in 1929, “state of the art” motion picture equipment was added, solidifying the theatre’s role in coming decades as a movie theatre as well.
In 1912, ownership of the Grand Opera House transitioned to Mr. Louis F. Fischer. After much renovation and investment, the grand opening of the “new” Fischer Theatre took place in March of 1913, and we have known the Lady by that name ever since. Following a storied history and through almost 100 years of operation in the community, the theatre doors were eventually closed in 1981. This brought us to what was until very recently feared to the last chapter in the theatre’s story.
But together and since 1983, our community and a cast of hundreds if not thousands of volunteers and donors carried on fundraising efforts to restore the theatre and return it back to its hopeful place as a performing arts center in the heart of our community. From the efforts of Gene Hackman, Jerry Van Dyke, Dick Van Dyke, Donald O’Connor, and Bobby Short raising funds together on stage to friends and neighbors, bagging groceries for donations, the decades still rolled by without much progress. That is until the generosity of a beloved local philanthropist, Mr. Julius Hegeler II, made our community’s dream a reality. With Mr. Hegeler’s vision and determination, and the skilled artisans who took up the project, the Fischer Theatre is again open to our community.
The Lady waits no longer.