Brooklyn boasts a rich history of movie theaters

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

Brooklyn boasts a rich history of movie theaters, many dating back to the early 20th century when grand movie palaces were built as entertainment hubs. Below is a curated list of notable old movie theaters with historical significance, including both those still operating (often restored or repurposed for films and events) and defunct or repurposed ones. I’ve focused on those frequently highlighted for their architectural, cultural, or community impact, drawing from historical records and preservation efforts. For current operating details on some, see the map below.

### Still Operating or Restored

– **Kings Theatre** (1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY): Opened in 1929 as one of Loew’s five “Wonder Theatres,” this opulent French Renaissance-style movie palace featured lavish interiors with chandeliers, ornate ceilings, and seating for over 3,000. It hosted films and vaudeville until closing in 1977 due to urban decline. Restored and reopened in 2015 after a $95 million renovation, it now serves as a venue for concerts, comedy, and screenings, preserving its role as a cultural landmark in Flatbush.

– **Brooklyn Paramount** (385 Flatbush Ave Extension, Brooklyn, NY): Built in 1928 as America’s first theater designed for sound films, it premiered with “Manhattan Cocktail.” It played a key role in introducing big band jazz (e.g., Duke Ellington in 1931) and hosted early rock ‘n’ roll acts to desegregated audiences in the 1950s. Closed around 1962, it was repurposed as a gym for Long Island University before a recent revival as a multi-genre live music venue, maintaining its Baroque architecture and historical legacy.

– **Cobble Hill Cinemas** (265 Court St, Brooklyn, NY): Originally opened in 1926 as the Lido Theater, a single-screen venue that suffered a furnace explosion in 1939 but continued operating. Renamed multiple times (including Cobble Hill in the late 1960s), it was multiplexed into five screens by the 1990s. Still showing films today, it’s valued for its neighborhood charm and longevity as one of Brooklyn’s enduring independent cinemas.

– **Alpine Cinemas** (6817 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY): Dating back to 1921, this is considered Brooklyn’s oldest continuously operating movie theater. Built in the Bay Ridge area, it has undergone updates but retains its classic marquee and role as a community staple for affordable, quality films. It gained attention during the pandemic for public messages supporting local relief efforts.

– **BAM Rose Cinemas** (30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY): While the cinemas themselves opened in 1998 with four screens for art house and repertory films, they are housed in the historic Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), founded in 1861 and at its current Fort Greene location since 1908. BAM has long been a performing arts venue, and the cinemas extend its legacy by screening independent and classic films in a restored playhouse setting.

### Defunct or Repurposed

– **Walker Theater** (18th Ave and 64th St, Bensonhurst): Opened in 1928 with over 2,300 seats, a Wurlitzer organ, and a mix of films and Italian-language movies. Named after Mayor James J. Walker, it operated until 1988, briefly quadruplexed, before becoming a Target store. Its frieze, marquee, and artwork were restored, highlighting its architectural significance.

– **Fortway Theater** (Fort Hamilton Pkwy between 67th and 68th Sts, Dyker Heights): Built in 1927 as an atmospheric stadium-style theater with 2,500 seats, live shows, and an orchestra. It later became a five-screen multiplex under Loew’s before closing in 2005. Now a pan-Asian market, it represents the era of grand independent theaters.

– **Majestic Theater** (Downtown Brooklyn, now part of BAM Harvey Theater): Opened in 1904 as a vaudeville and movie house in a bustling entertainment district. It hosted films until mid-20th century, then fell into disuse before BAM acquired and restored it in the 1980s-90s for performances (with occasional screenings). Its history ties into Brooklyn’s early theater boom.

– **RKO Dyker** (86th St between 5th and 6th Aves, Bay Ridge): Opened in 1926 as a vaudeville and movie venue with over 2,000 seats and a Marr & Colton organ. It ran until 1977, then converted to retail. Now a family entertainment center, remnants like the proscenium and marquee preserve its Golden Age cinema heritage.

– **Bay Ridge Theater** (3rd Ave between 71st and 72nd Sts, Bay Ridge): Debuted in 1915 with a gala for films and vaudeville, seating 1,200. Closed in 1959, it became a bingo hall and later retail (now Rite Aid and McDonald’s). Its exterior features like arched windows and Ionic pilasters make it a notable example of early 20th-century architecture.

For more forgotten theaters, check resources like Cinema Treasures or Untapped New York, which document over 100 historic sites across Brooklyn. Many of these venues reflect the borough’s immigrant history, urban renewal challenges, and ongoing preservation efforts. If you’re interested in visiting, note that some repurposed sites still show architectural traces.

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