County Theater – Art Deco in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
The County Theater, is a shining example of American Streamline Moderne, a more aerodynamic form of Art Deco architecture. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, this independently operated theater retains its nostalgic mid-20th-century charm while continuing to function as a community cinema and cultural institution.
The theater's exterior is dominated by curved edges, horizontal banding, and sleek surfaces, all hallmarks of the Streamline Moderne aesthetic. The materials—glossy blue and yellow tile—are highly reflective and cleanly geometric, giving the façade a futuristic sheen reminiscent of trains, ocean liners, and industrial design from the 1930s and 1940s.
Rising from the marquee is the theater’s iconic vertical sign tower, with the word “COUNTY” spelled out in streamlined, neon-outlined letters. This vertical feature adds height, drama, and nighttime visibility—typical of Art Deco cinemas designed to draw attention from pedestrians and motorists alike.
The entrance doors feature round windows—“portholes”—framed in polished metal, evoking ship design and the industrial aesthetic popular in Streamline Moderne. These porthole details, combined with horizontal chrome bands above, further the nautical and machine-age feel.
In sum, the County Theater is a beautifully preserved example of Art Deco's Streamline phase, reflecting both the aesthetic innovation and cultural aspirations of early 20th-century American cinema. It stands today not only as a movie house but also as a living piece of architectural Americana, combining style, nostalgia, and civic pride.
Location: 20 E State St, Doylestown, PA 18901, United States
Website: https://www.countytheater.org/