The Rex Theater: Galax’s Enduring Arts Epicenter

In the heart of Galax, Virginia, there’s a place where music echoes off the walls, history clings to every corner, and the spirit of Appalachia takes center stage. The Rex Theater, built in 1940, started as a classic small-town movie house. Today, it’s an epicenter of arts, culture, and community. In this place, the rhythms of bluegrass and roots music are celebrated weekly, drawing people from all over the region. The Rex has evolved with time, but its role as Galax’s cultural heartbeat has never changed.

Foundations of an Historic Gem

The Rex Theater opened its doors on October 9, 1940, with a showing of No Time for Comedy, a Hollywood film that was all the rage. Admission was thirty cents. Excitement buzzed through the streets as residents flocked to experience the new Art Deco theater, complete with air conditioning—a novelty then—and a modern sound system. With its sleek, white structural glass and black accents, the theater’s facade stood out against the town’s historic buildings, creating a sense of sophistication that felt almost out of place yet welcoming. The theater originally seated 750 people across its main floor and balcony. For years, it was the only movie house in the Twin Counties, giving locals a steady stream of Hollywood’s best.

The Rex was built by Rex Sage, a local businessman with a knack for understanding his community’s needs. In the early days, families came to watch the latest films, and young people flocked there on Friday nights. The movie theater remained a mainstay for decades, but as the years wore on, it eventually needed more than just film showings to stay afloat. By the time the Galax Downtown Association acquired the Rex, it was clear that the theater required an update to keep its place in Galax’s downtown district.

Transition from Silver Screen to Performing Arts Venue

The Galax Downtown Association had big plans when it took ownership of the Rex. Understanding its potential as a cultural hub, the association partnered with the City of Galax to bring the building back to life. They consulted Virginia Tech’s experts on historic preservation, starting the restoration work with the basement—a space that once operated as a separate business from the theater above.

Renovations began in earnest in 2014, focusing first on essentials like asbestos removal, plaster ceiling replacement, and adding a handicap-accessible restroom to make the lobby more inclusive. In 2015, new stage lighting and sound equipment brought a professional polish to performances, while an updated roof and new carpeting and drapes gave the space a fresh feel. By 2019, the Rex underwent another round of improvements, this time updating the seating to a more spacious layout, reducing the overall capacity to 320 seats—down from the original 750 but offering more comfort and a better experience for live performances.

The Heart of Blue Ridge Music: From Film to Live Music

Today, the Rex Theater has earned a reputation far beyond Galax as a center for live music, mainly traditional Appalachian genres like bluegrass and old-time music. A major contributor to this reputation is “Blue Ridge Backroads Live,” a weekly radio show that broadcasts live from the theater. Every Friday night, Classic Country 98.1 FM sends out 100,000 watts of old-time tunes and bluegrass picking to listeners across five states—and beyond, via online streaming. For many, tuning in has become a Friday night ritual, whether listening from home or sitting in one of the Rex’s cushioned seats.

The Blue Ridge Backroads show isn’t just popular in the region; it’s an integral part of The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. This highway path connects major bluegrass and old-time music venues across the state, offering a path for musicians and fans to trace the legacy of Appalachian music through historic theaters and community stages.

Community Engagement and Cultural Programming

The Rex Theater’s calendar is packed with community-focused events and performances that span genres, age groups, and tastes. There’s a rhythm to the events hosted at the Rex, from regular Friday night shows to special screenings and community celebrations. It’s where one night might feature a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist, and the next might host a community play, offering locals a chance to showcase their acting chops. This blend of programming reflects the spirit of Galax itself—diverse, welcoming, and rooted in tradition.

Looking Forward: A Vision for the Rex Theater’s Future

Each year, the Rex Theater continues to grow its audience and enhance its offerings while staying true to its roots. Plans are always on the horizon for improvements—better acoustics, expanded programming, and perhaps even more collaborations with musicians and artists from outside the region. In a world constantly moving toward the next big thing, the Rex finds value in preserving what it has and adding to it in ways that feel true to the community’s spirit.

The Rex Theater’s Role in Galax’s Cultural Heritage

The Rex Theater may have opened its doors over 80 years ago, but it feels as relevant to Galax today as it did in 1940. Through careful renovations, community engagement, and a commitment to promoting traditional music, the Rex has stayed true to its purpose: serving as a gathering space where people can enjoy great performances, share memories, and experience the cultural richness of the Blue Ridge.

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Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.