Built in 1912 as a vaudeville house, the Englert is the historic anchor of Iowa City's performing-arts scene. After narrowly avoiding demolition in 1999, a community-led fundraising campaign restored the 725-seat theatre to its full Edwardian dignity. It now hosts touring music, dance, lectures, comedy, and the marquee events of the annual Mission Creek Festival.
Even if you can't catch a show, the lobby is worth a look during box-office hours for the period plasterwork and the lit-up marquee at night. The Englert is half a block off the Pedestrian Mall on East Washington Street.