Milwaukee Film’s Historic Oriental Theatre Awarded Cream of the Cream City Award for Commercial Rehabilitation

MILWAUKEE – Thursday, May 29th – Milwaukee Film is thrilled to announce that on May 5th, the historic Oriental Theatre was awarded a 2025 Cream of the Cream City Award in the category of Commercial Rehabilitation, as selected by the City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission.

Milwaukee Film’s executive director Susan Kerns expressed, “Milwaukee Film is so honored by this award and by the trust the Milwaukee community puts in us as stewards of this gorgeous movie palace.” She continued, “Each restoration decision was made with care so we can welcome film audiences and architectural enthusiasts into the space for generations to come, especially as we look forward to the 100th anniversary of the Oriental Theatre in 2027.”

The winners of this year’s Cream of the Cream City Awards will be honored at a ceremony this evening at Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery (917 W. Juneau Ave.), starting at 5:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

“Every time I am in the theatre, I think of the legends whose artistry has graced the theatre’s stage and screen, from vaudeville greats to classic Hollywood stars to punk bands to the filmmakers just here for the Milwaukee Film Festival,” Kerns stated. “The Oriental Theatre embodies nearly 100 years of artistry and reminds us of the importance of coming together collectively to celebrate art, life, and our fair city,” she concluded.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.