Slideshow · Entertainment
14 Most Breathtaking Historic Movie Theaters in America
During the 1920s and 1930s, going to the movies was a transcendent ritual. Master architects like Rapp & Rapp, Thomas Lamb, and Timothy Pflueger transformed downtown streetscapes into opulent theatrical cathedrals. Here are the 14 most stunning historic movie theaters surviving across America today.
8 hours agoVerified Editorial
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14 Most Beautiful Historic Movie Theaters in America 
14. Byrd Theatre, RichmondOpened in 1928, Richmond's Byrd Theatre features a French Empire auditorium with a 2.5-ton Czechoslovakian crystal chandelier. 
13. Tampa Theatre, FloridaDesigned by John Eberson in 1926, this romantic atmospheric palace immerses guests beneath a starry Mediterranean night sky. 
12. Alabama Theatre, BirminghamBuilt in 1927 by Paramount Pictures as the 'Showplace of the South,' the Alabama dazzles with ornate Spanish-Moorish relief carvings. - AdvertisementSwipe or tap ▶ to continue countdown
11. Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, HollywoodThe birthplace of the Hollywood red carpet premiere in 1922, Grauman's Egyptian brought King Tut mania to Hollywood Boulevard. 
10. Paramount Theatre, OaklandDesigned by Timothy Pflueger in 1931, Oakland's Paramount is considered one of the purest Art Deco movie palaces in existence. 
9. The Orpheum Theatre, Los AngelesThe crown jewel of Downtown Los Angeles' Broadway theater district, featuring an ornate French Renaissance Beaux-Arts auditorium. 
8. Boston Opera House, MassachusettsBuilt in 1928 as the B.F. Keith Memorial Theatre, this Thomas Lamb masterwork celebrates grand French Baroque and Rococo theater design. - AdvertisementSwipe or tap ▶ to continue countdown
7. United Palace, Upper ManhattanOpened in 1930 as Loew's 175th Street Theatre, this staggering 'Wonder Theatre' merges Indo-Persian, Moorish, and Byzantine motifs. 
6. Kings Theatre, BrooklynOne of New York's five famed 'Wonder Theatres,' the 1929 Kings Theatre in Flatbush boasts a soaring French Renaissance auditorium. 
5. The Castro Theatre, San FranciscoBuilt in 1922 with a Spanish Colonial Baroque facade, the Castro is world-renowned for its neon blade sign and classic cinema culture. 
4. TCL Chinese Theatre, HollywoodWith its pagoda roof, temple bells, and world-famous Forecourt of the Stars, Grauman's Chinese is cinema's ultimate landmark. - AdvertisementSwipe or tap ▶ to continue countdown
3. Ohio Theatre, ColumbusSaved by citizens in 1969 and named the Official Theatre of Ohio, this Spanish-Moorish palace seats 2,791 under a glowing dome. 
2. Radio City Music Hall, New YorkThe largest indoor theater on Earth, Radio City's iconic Art Deco auditorium radiates beneath golden concentric sunrise arches. 
1. Fox Theatre, DetroitAmerica's ultimate movie cathedral: C. Howard Crane's staggering 5,048-seat Burmese and Hindu palace is pure architectural majesty. - Advertisement
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