The Martin Theater opened in 1940 and closed as a movie theater in 1970. Restored to its art deco splendor, the theater is now known as the Martin Centre and is used as a performing arts center.  The venue hosted movies, dance performances, and the famous “Juke Box Saturday Night.”

In 2019, the historic landmark got new life when it was purchased from the City of Douglas by two local entrepreneurs, Robb Hurst and Brian Norris.  Their passion for live music and historic preservation made them the perfect duo to bring life back to The Martin.  Their goal as a non-profit is to create access and excitement for the arts in our community as well as preserving the historic Martin Centre. This passion project will allow the Martin Center Preservation Company to take the first steps to stabilize the Martin Centre as the focus of cultural arts and events in Douglas and Coffee County. The duo, along with their spouses, strive to provide a professionally operated theatre that the community can be proud of. Ultimately, the goal of the Martin Centre Preservation Company is to enhance Quality of Life for South Georgia and make an impact on the economic development goals of the region by making Douglas/Coffee County an even better place to live and more attractive to new industry through access to the arts.

You can help the Martin Centre’s legacy live on by supporting the theatre, improving quality of life and bringing diverse cultural experiences to Coffee County. We want you to be part of our Martin family, experience its beauty and history and this is why we offer several ways for you to engage with us to help maintain and develop the Martin Centre. Become a Friend of The Martin today!