Doris Duke Theatre, at 280 seats, is Hawai‘i’s largest independent arthouse theatre. Serving as one of the museum’s gathering places, the theatre screens independent, documentary, and international films, and hosts lectures, performances, and concerts by local and visiting performers. Programming is dedicated to addressing relevant, impactful issues and to cultivating transformative experiences within our community.

HoMA has had a film program since the 1930s, when it showed classic films in Central Courtyard. The theatre opened in 1977, named in honor of Doris Duke, a generous philanthropist and supporter of Islamic art and culture, jazz and other music and performing arts. The Doris Duke Foundation provided funds for the modernization and re-dedication of the theater in 2000.