The historic LanTex at 113 W. Main St. in Llano is nearing the century mark as a theater, although its origins go back further than that. Llano County’s only theater was vacant for some of those years, but most have been with doors open and entertaining audiences with movies and live performances. The LanTex is one of the rare remaining single-screen theaters still operating in Texas.
The Spanish-style beauty with “conditioned air,” an orchestra pit, and a cry room opened its doors to a packed house on May 19, 1927, with a screening of the silent film “The Fourth Commandment.” A contest was held prior to opening night to name the new venue. The prize-winning name “Lantex” was announced opening night and garnered the entrant $10 worth of gold.
The building that houses the theater was constructed in 1896. It was occupied by a variety of businesses, including a livery, a saloon/barber shop combination, a grocery store/tin shop, a cafe, a doctor’s office, a meat market, and an auto repair shop before it was transformed into the LanTex Theater.
In 1951, the LanTex was ravaged by fire, leaving only the facade intact. It was reconstructed to include modern amenities of the time. The theater closed in 1982 and sat vacant until around 1990, when it was purchased by a local church and served as a mission until 1996. The building was bought by a local amateur theater group in 1997 and again operated as a theater until the group disbanded. The city of Llano has owned the building since 2002 and uses it as a weekend movie theater as well as the venue for the Llano Country Opry. The theater is available to rent for special events, private parties, and small conferences.
Over the years, the theater has served the Llano community in many ways, including hosting school concerts, World War II bond drives, public meetings, and celebrations. The LanTex continues to be the city’s sole movie theater. Catch a flick on the silver screen or a live stage performance at the LanTex Theater.