Built originally as a Workingmen’s Library and Institute, this imposing building was first opened in March 1895 at a cost of £4,000. It was financed by the worker’s of the local collieries, the Parc and the Dare, through the first Mineworkers Trade Association. Miner’s pledged a penny out of every pound they earned to finance its building and upkeep, a great commitment when you realise average wages were less than two pounds per week.

In 1913 the original station street site was enlarged with the addition of the Parc and Dare Theatre to the structure, designed by Merthyr born architect Jacob Rees

The original plan for the theatre was as a major music hall venue. However by the time of its completion it was obvious to its management committee that music hall had had its heyday and that the future lay with the new ‘moving pictures’. Thus the Parc and Dare Theatre began its life as a cinema, with the addition of live performances from local dramatic companies

As well as hosting prestigious annual semi-national Eisteddfod. Playing a pivotal role in the cultural life of the local community The 1926 general strike had a severe effect on the Parc and Dare. Miners no longer had an income with which to support the hall, and having enough food on the table became a much greater priority than culture and entertainment. As such the hall faced bankruptcy and the miners were forced to sell 99% of their shares to the Ocean Coal Company.
 

In 1930 the Parc and dare screened the first ‘talkie’ picture, 'Broadway Melody', and crowds flocked from miles around to witness this new phenomenon.

Post nationalisation the Parc and Dare Lodge of the National Union of Mineworkers re-purchased the hall at a cost of £35,000. With the advent of television and the decline of the local mining industry the Parc and Dare underwent a period of decline, making its closure almost inevitable.

However the management of the hall donated it to the local authority, the Rhondda Borough Council, in 1975. Since that time the local authority has spent large amounts of money making the Parc and Dare a thriving cinema, theatre and concert hall and a valuable part of the Valley’s cultural landscape.