Find out about Orlando’s oldest and longest running venues.

The city of Orlando was incorporated in 1885, along with several historic buildings and businesses that you can still visit today. For example, did you know that Orlando is home to one of the very first cinemas to use motion picture technology? You would be surprised to discover the artifacts that can be found throughout the destination, rich with stories and memories of Orlando’s historic heritage.

Discover: Orlando Walking Tours

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Rogers-Kiene Building / CityArts (1886)

Located in the Downtown Arts District, the Rogers-Kiene Building, aka the Rogers Building, was an English gentlemen’s club when it was built in the Queen Anne style back in 1886. The building was added to the U.S National Register of Historic Places in 1983, forever preserving the rich history of this location. Today, the building is home to downtown’s CityArts, a multi-use arts and events venue that showcases local and international artworks. If you haven’t been, check out CityArts’ Third Thursdays, one of my favorite creative community events.

Discover: Orlando’s Art Markets

Beacham Theatre (1921)

From when it first opened in 1921 till now, the Beacham Theatre changed its name a total of eight times before landing on its current moniker, which is named after its founder. Back then, the theater was a vision of the future, as it was one of the few cinemas to incorporate motion picture technology during the age of silent films. In 1987, the City of Orlando recognized the theater as a historic landmark. Today, it is a multi-use entertainment venue that hosts concerts and nightclub events in City District Main Street.

Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment

Dubsdread Golf Course & The Tap Room at Dubsdread (1924)

In the College Park Main Street district, you can find “the oldest restaurant in Orlando”: The Tap Room at Dubsdread. The historic Dubsdread Golf Course opened in 1924 and has remained a popular golf destination ever since. Although the restaurant has only been open for a couple of decades, the building just turned 100 years old in 2024. (It originally served as the course’s clubhouse.) The Dubsdread course also has a long and celebrated history in the world of golf — it hosted the Orlando Open in the ‘40s and saw the likes of famous golfers such as Sam Snead, Babe Zaharias and Patty Berg. Come out here for a round of fun and try out their award-winning menu!

Discover: Orlando’s Best Golf Courses

Orlando Family Stage (1926)

Orlando Family Stage is a professional theater company for young audiences that has been around since 1926. Originally known as the Orlando Repertory Theatre, the company is one of the oldest operating theater institutions in the southeast U.S. and the only professional theater that is exclusively dedicated to young audiences and families. Located in Loch Haven Cultural Park, which is part of Ivanhoe Village Main Street east of downtown, the performing arts center has become a timeless Orlando gem. You can find some of their shows on our events calendar, with a gala centennial celebration coming in 2026.

Discover: Things to Do in Loch Haven Park

Orange County Regional History Center (1927)

In 1892, the newly formed city of Orlando constructed their first courthouse — the Orange County Courthouse — in the heart of what is now known as Heritage Square Park. The courthouse was eventually replaced with a neoclassical building in 1927 and revived in 1998 with the goal of becoming a regional museum on a historic site, making way for what is now the Orange County Regional History Center. Today, you can explore all 5 floors of the historic high-rise courthouse that are filled with cultural stories and immersive exhibits that will take you back in time to the origins of Orange County.

Discover: Orlando’s Rich History

Firestone Building / The Vanguard (1929)

The historic Firestone Building in downtown Orlando’s City District has been around since 1929 when it was first built for Harvey Firestone’s Tire and Rubber Company, one of the largest makers of car tires. The building was used to sell tires and repair cars until 1977. It was thought to be shut down for good in 1991 until it found new life as a club venue. Today, it is home to popular nightclub The Vanguard, where you can attend one of their many high-energy events.

Discover: Things to Do in Orlando Neighborhoods

Harry P. Leu Gardens (1936)

The Mizell-Leu House Historic District is home to the breathtaking Harry P. Leu Gardens, which debuted in 1936. Orlando native Harry Leu and his wife Mary planted the garden one seed at a time as they traveled around the world and brought seeds home with them, expanding their garden across 40-plus acres. After they donated the land to the city in 1966, it remained as a time capsule, preserving the family’s historic houses and the stories of their local legacy. The gardens are stunning on their own, but I adore the way they come alive during the holidays with events like Dazzling Nights.

Discover: Guide to Gardens

Orlando Science Center (1955)

Orlando Science Center was founded in 1955, making it one of the oldest museums in the city. Originally called the Central Florida Museum, the private institution changed its name in 1984 after a large expansion and change of philosophy. Nowadays, the center sees over 600,000 visitors annually and remains a local favorite in Loch Haven Cultural Park. With recurring events like STEM Fest and Science & Wine, there’s something special for everyone at the center.

Discover: Guide to Museums & Galleries

Orlando Museum of Art (1960)

Also part of Loch Haven Cultural Park, Orlando Museum of Art was founded in 1924, and its eye-catching current building has been around since 1960. Originally called the Loch Haven Art Center, the venue is our flagship museum and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1971. Stop by for a robust lineup of permanent and rotating exhibits, plus live events, special educational programming and other reasons to visit.

The Plaza Live (1963)

In 1963, Orlando’s very first two-screen movie house, The Plaza Theatre, opened in what’s now called The Milk District® just east of downtown. Since then, the spot has transformed from a cinema to a theater space, eventually becoming the music venue it is today. Known as The Plaza Live, the venue has made a name for itself as an entertainment venue that spotlights small, up-and-coming artists, as well as big names such as Bon Iver, Rick Springfield, Kathy Griffin and many more. The building is owned by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and you can catch their symphonies and concerts on our events calendar.

Discover: Intimate Live Music Venues

Map of Vintage Venues

Use this interactive map to track down the historic Orlando buildings and businesses featured in this blog.

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