Odeon Theater

Opened in 1928, the Odeon is the longest continually operating theater in West Texas. Operating in the small, picturesque town of Mason, Texas, motion pictures here have entertained audiences for nearly a century. Though without the community, that streak could have ended much earlier.

Since opening, the theater has shown an abundance of films across all genres first screening the pioneering sci-fi drama silent movie “Metropolis”. Then in 1957, the theater screened a special premier showing of the Disney film “Old Yeller”, but decades of movies passed and the Odeon found its future to be uncertain.

In 1994, plans were announced to convert the theater building into other uses, but the town of Mason responded by forming the non-profit Odeon Preservation Association (OPA) to save the structure and develop a performing arts center.

OPA was able to purchase the theater and the following year, funded by grants, refurbishment began on the theater. The building’s facade and marquee were repainted, neon lighting was restored to its 1940’s appearance, and even the sound and project systems were upgraded.

Today, clad in neon lights and outfitted with a distinctly western facade, the Odeon continues to offer a classic moviegoing experience in small town Texas 4 nights a week, along with musical performances and special events – all thanks to the community that kept it alive.