NEWS

The Gem Theatre in Kannapolis originally opened in 1936, and was renovated in 2024. (News of Davidson photo)

With the loss of Our Town Cinema, Davidson cinephiles might be looking for a relatively close local venue to enjoy a film on a big screen with big sound.

While there are large, multi-screen venues at Birkdale and in Mooresville, there is a very different alternative. Those willing to make a 20-minute trip to Kannapolis are in for a treat. The Gem Theatre is located in the heart of old downtown Kannapolis. Built in 1936, the theatre is on the National Register

The Gem Theatre is quite spectacular. (News of Davidson photo)

of Historic Places and is one of the best-preserved examples of a single-screen venue. Originally built and owned by Cannon Mills, currently, it is owned by the City of Kannapolis.

The theatre underwent an extensive renovation that was completed in 2024. More information about the renovation can be found in this video.

Full disclosure, The Gem is a movie theatre connected not only to my childhood but also to my family history. Throughout my childhood, we often returned to Kannapolis, my mother’s hometown. Saturday afternoons were movie afternoons. My sisters, cousins, and I often walked or rode bicycles for the two-block trip from our grandmother’s home. That trip could take longer than expected if a train was passing through town, blocking our access to uptown.

I remember seeing movies like “Herbie” and “The Absent Minded Professor,” while one of my sisters remembers the classic “The Lady and the Tramp.”

One of my mother’s older sisters worked at The Gem, and doing rough math, my sisters and I believe that she worked there in the very early years of the theatre. Our aunt would have been 14 years old then it opened in 1936, and she might have even been one of those first employees at the iconic theatre.

Better yet, at the same time, her future husband, the future Rev. Dr. Horace Sills, worked there as an usher.

These days the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Kannapolis operates the theatre. As a result, the prices are surprisingly affordable. Tickets for the matinee show are $3.74 cents, and even for an evening show adult tickets are less than $5.00. The concessions are affordable too. A small popcorn is $2.00, a medium is $2.75, and a large is $4.25. Drinks are $2, $2.75, and $3 respectively. Candy is priced at $1.50. They also offer a large popcorn and two drink combination for $8.00.

If you are even slightly interested in architecture, plan to arrive early and stay late to admire the art deco style inside and outside The Gem. From the neon sign to myriad architectural details, you won’t be disappointed. Various historic memorabilia are on display throughout the building, and a hallway on the first floor includes a timeline of the theatre’s history. Here's a sneak peak album of photos of The Gem.

The Gem is located within walking distance of the new Cannon Ballers’ stadium and the N.C. Music Hall of Fame. Several public parking lots are located close by as well.