[2] The theatre is significant both for its role as the social and cultural center of Merced from the Depression through the post World War II era and for its mix of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

They used what was at the time the most modern projection and sound technology, and the theatre was only the second building in Merced to have an air conditioning system.

Their use of dramatic atmospheric features included castle facades and ventilators that sent "clouds" floating across the star-bespeckled ceiling.

A 100-foot (30 m) high tower rises above the marquee, and the orange neon block letters proclaiming MERCED can be seen for miles.

[2] The lobby includes a mural of Spanish exploration done by Dutch-born artist Antoon Bonaventure Heinsbergen.