Monthly Archives: September 2019

The Chicago Theater is located on north State St. in Chicago. It was built in 1921 at a cost of four million dollars (fifty-six million today). It has 3,880 seats and was the first movie palace, a prototype for all the ones to follow. It was also one of the first  to use air conditioning. … Continue reading »

The Rialto Square Theater opened in 1926 at a cost of two million dollars (twenty-six million today). It is located in Joliet IL, near Chicago, and very near in appearance to the Chicago Theater. Vaudeville was originally the main attraction, followed by movies until the 1970s. Saved from demolition in 1980, it was renovated and … Continue reading »

Grauman’s is located on the famous Walk of Fame in Hollywood. It opened in 1927. In 2013 it partnered with IMAX and underwent extensive renovation. It now has 932 seats and one of the largest movie screens in North America. The first photo is undated.

Located in Jersey City, NJ, Lowes Jersey Theater opened in 1929 (ninety years ago this month) at a cost of two million dollars (twenty-five million today). It has 3,021 seats and not only hosted movie goers but presented live performances as well. It closed in 1986 and was threatened with demolition. After 10 years the … Continue reading »

The Palace Albany Theater is located in Albany, NY . It opened in 1931 with 2,844 seats and closed in 1969. It was purchased by the City of Albany and underwent a three-million-dollar renovation in 2002. The theater now hosts about 150 events per year, much like the Lowes Jersey Theater. The first photo is … Continue reading »