The Midland Theatre was built by Marcus Loew and was completed in the mid-1920s at a cost of four million dollars. At the time, it was one of the largest buildings within a 250-mile radius of Kansas City. The outside of the building was styled in a way reminiscent of the Renaissance Revival period. The building was constructed from terra cotta brick and is adorned with winged figures, flowers, leaves and other foliage. The history of the Midland Theatre as well as its events draws visitors and guests to Midland theatre hotels in the area every year.

More than 500,000 feet of the Midland theatre is surrounded by hand cut Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers, antiques, artworks from around the world. There is amazing plaster and woodwork throughout the theatre. The Theatre was home to a Robert-Morgan pipe organ until after the Second World War. Movies with sound brought the end of stage shows and organ music. Robert Fray purchased the organ in the 1960’s after it sat for years unused. In 1984, the organ was placed in the Kansas City Music Hall. Visitors staying at local Midland Theatre hotel accommodations will find a wealth of information on both the Theatre and the Music Hall to help them plan sightseeing trips.

The Midland Theatre closed in the 1960’s for renovations. Upon reopening, it became home to the Kansas City professional bowling league, the Kansas City Stars. Financially, the Stars were not successful, leaving Midland the very same year. AMC purchased the Theatre in the late 60’s and continued to run it as a movie house until the early 1980’s. It has since become a performance hall for concerts, Broadway stage shows, ballets and other events. In 1977, the Midland theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a favorite for guests of many Midland Theatre hotels serving the area. In 2006, the theatre was closed again to start preparation for new renovations.

Guests who stay at a Midland Theatre hotel are often interested in the history and elegance of the Theatre and its building. There are events year round to entertain and enlighten visitors and residents alike. For those just visiting Kansas City, the Midland Theatre is one of many local attractions that routinely wind up on visitors’ must-see lists. As such, many local hotels can offer historical information, show and event dates and times, as well as providing transportation arrangements for those guests farther than walking distance to the Theatre.