1907 – The Babcock Building is constructed and opens to the public.

1927 – The theater is fully remodeled and “talkies” introduced.

1935 – A fire breaks out and burns down the theater.

1935 – The theater is rebuilt in 6 months and reopens in new Art Deco style.

1955 – The theater is once again remodeled for “modern” cinema in its current Skouras-style design.

1981-2008 – The theater begins to change hands with different groups and investors working to bring it back to prominence as Billings’ only downtown cinema.

2008 – A group of local developers purchase the Babcock and begin restoring and remodeling every aspect of the building.

2018 – The City of Billings establishes ownership of the theater and leases it to Art House Billings to once again reopen the space to the community multiple nights a week.

2025 – One quarter of the ceiling in the theater collapses in the middle of the night instigating the City of Billings to look for new ownership and care for the future of the Babcock Theatre.

2026 the Babcock is re-opened (for the last time)!

We will continue to screen new and classic films for everyone to enjoy at the best prices around.

The Babcock will be a premier space to take in music performed at the highest level. From local talent and touring artists to partnering with other organizations

With new staging, sound, lighting, and greenroom space, the Babcock will once again capture imaginations through storytelling and live theater, comedy, dance, presentations, and more.

Whether it’s new seats, bathrooms, technology, and more, every aspect of the Babcock will be upgraded for all to enjoy.

2026

Reopen the theater.
Handrails in balcony.
New balcony seats.
Address acoustics.
Some aesthetic improvements.

2027

Full stage rehab.
Concert sound and lighting.
Some quality of life improvements.

2028

Major infrastructure investment.
New roof.
HVAC investment.

2029

Bathroom remodel.
Mechanical & Electrical upgrades.
Fire protection upgrades.

2030

New theater seats.
Flooring.
Projection booth and Greenroom upgrades.
Final finishing touches.

While this is a bold and audacious vision, we have confidence in our ability to see this through. This comes from some keys factors:

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
The investment in the Babcock Theatre is not for the benefit of Art House Billings alone. We are in conversation with some incredible Billings partners like The Pub Station, Alberta Bair Theatre, The Billings Symphony, and more as we dream of how this space can best serve our city’s arts and culture scene. Every organization we talk to is thrilled and supportive of our vision for all that the Babcock can be and are excited to join us in the work of filling the space with a variety of experiences for our community.

STRONG MEMBER SUPPORT
We continue to see our Art House Membership Program grow every year. This is an incredible metric for how engaged our community continues to be. With over 1,700 active members at the moment, we feel the support and enthusiasm for more great film, art, and culture in Billings.

CITY OF BILLINGS SUPPORT
In September of 2026, the Billings City Council awarded Art House Billings $553,000 in TIF resources to go towards this work. There is strong alignment that this space matters for our city and investment in the Babcock will have strong economic and cultural impact for Billings.

GRANT AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Since our initial opening in 2015, Art House Billings has been working to build relationships with foundations and grantors across Montana and nationwide. Through preliminary conversations and laying the groundwork for all that is to come, we are hopeful for more investment in our work at the Babcock Theatre.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY…YOUR SUPPORT
YES…YOU READING THIS RIGHT NOW.
The Babcock is an iconic Billings landmark that is for all of us! Our success has always been found in the heart of the community because we have amazing individuals, businesses and families willing to step up and do what they can.

Whether it’s giving what you can now, pledging to give an amount over the next couple years, or helping us share the story, when we all step up, we know we are going to get there!

1 Available
All live shows, concerts, and performances will be marketed as “on the __________ stage at the Historic Babcock Theatre”.

2 Available
Your name will be seen by artists & renters using the space. You can also name the expanded history wall of our beloved theater.

8 Available
Your name in a star, placed in concrete, for everyone passing by the ticket booth to see.

$100,000 – Babcock Cornerstone
$50,000 – Babcock Founder
$25,000 – Babcock Builder
$10,000 – Babcock Sustainer
$5,000 – Babcock Steward

DONATE TODAY

We would be honored to have your support! Donate today or set-up a recurring donation at the button below!

GET YOUR NAME ON THE WALL

Give just $85/month for 5 years to get to $5,000 and a spot on our community donor wall at the historic Babcock Theatre.

MULTI-YEAR PLEDGE

When planning your gift, consider a multi-year pledge to help set us up in planning for the future of the campaign and make the biggest impact possible! Email pari@arthousebillings.com to talk through options.

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

1. Consider giving through your Donor Advised Funds. Give now through our DAF link!
2. Planned Giving:
• Leave your legacy with film, art and culture in Billings. Don’t forget you can leave Art House Billings in your will! Please reach out to us with specific questions and notify us if you choose to name Art House Billings in your will for us to plan ahead and to be able to properly thank you!
3. There are so many ways to give and we are happy to chat through any and all options. Thank you for your support and interest.

REACH OUT

Email our Development Director
We look forward to connecting with you around all things Babcock 120.