Home of Athena's Gem
A One-of-a-Kind Revival in the Heart of Oregon’s Wheat Country
Nestled in the rolling hills of northeast Oregon between Pendleton and Walla Walla, the Athena Gem Theatre is located in Athena, Oregon. The theatre is a century-old landmark reborn – the result of 20 years of unwavering community grit, vision, and heart.
Where History Takes the Stage
Originally built in 1901, the Gem Theatre and neighboring Star Saloon have undergone a remarkable transformation. After decades of decline, restoration began in October 2005. Now, after more than 65,000 volunteer hours, $2.5 million in grants and donations, and the commitment of over 400 volunteers – many of them local youth – we’re preparing to celebrate the Grand Reopening in October 2025.
Some of our newest volunteers are the children of the original student helpers – proof that the spirit of the Gem is truly generational.
A Fully Restored Performing Arts Venue
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190-seat auditorium
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Proscenium stage with fly space and orchestra pit
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Cinema screen & digital projection
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State-of-the-art sound system & LED stage lighting
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Home to the Mighty Wurlitzer Opus #503 pipe organ – built in 1921
Video of our recent test of the new AV equipment
The Star Saloon Experience
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Historic 1900s front and back bar serving concessions
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A restored 1920s ElectroKold soda fountain
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A vintage 1946 Cretors popcorn popper
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Commercial kitchen, restrooms, and table seating across two floors
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Rotating exhibit space for Hodaka Motorcycles
The facility is also part of Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program, featuring a 26kW solar installation on our new roof.
Art, Film, and Local Legends
Outside, you’ll find a mural commemorating the filming of F.W. Murnau’s 1928 film City Girl – shot during harvest just five miles from the Gem. This mural is part of the Oregon Film Trail and a celebration of local heritage.
And speaking of heritage – Athena is the original home of Hodaka Motorcycles, built here from 1964 to 1978 by PABATCO. The Gem will soon house the long-awaited Hodaka Museum, a tribute to this legendary brand and the riders who loved it. Athena is also host to Hodaka Days and the Athena Caledonian Games, both cherished local events.
We’re Almost There – And You Can Help
While the Gem is nearly complete, we’re still raising funds for essential final equipment:
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Theatre sound system
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Digital projection system
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Fly winch and LED stage lighting
The total remaining cost: $205,000. This professional-grade equipment will serve the Gem for decades to come.
How You Can Support the Final Push
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Sponsor an engraved sidewalk paver – $125, includes up to 55 characters
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Make a tax-deductible donation of any size to help bring our stage fully to life
The Gem Theatre is More Than a Building
It’s a community-built, student-powered, grit-fueled revival of a historic space – and we can’t wait to welcome you in. Explore our site, see the progress, and consider being part of our legacy.
Athena was home to the Pacific Basin Trading Company (PABATCO) in the 1970's which was the manufacturer of Hodaka Motorcycles. Athena is home to both Hodaka Days as well as the Athena Caledonian Games.
It is anticipated that the completed Gem/Star project will contain the much-awaited Hodaka Museum filled with amazing bits of motorcycling history!
The GemTheatre.org is a non-profit organization that is overseeing the restoration of the building and the installation of the Hodaka museum. Browse around our site and learn more about us and our project. Consider a donation to this most excellent cause!
