Across the United States, there are countless abandoned cinemas that still hold on to the echoes of their glorious past. These once-breathtaking movie theatres, now showing signs of age and neglect, have been captured through the lens of photographer Matt Lambros. His work brings these historic venues back to life, offering a moving look at their former splendor.
Paramount Theatre, Newark, New Jersey
Built in 1886 and revamped in 1916, the Paramount Theatre started out as a vaudeville venue before becoming a cinema in 1932. After decades of showing movies, it was repurposed for retail and military surplus. Sadly, it now faces demolition, with only the façade set to be preserved.
Embassy Theatre, Port Chester, New York
Since opening in 1926, the Embassy Theatre has been a popular spot for plays and private events. It closed as a cinema in the early 1980s and had a brief stint as a dance club before becoming abandoned in 2012. Despite various attempts to revive it, funding issues have stalled any plans.
Loew’s Canal Theatre, New York, New York
This Spanish Baroque masterpiece, designed by Thomas W. Lamb, opened in 1927 with a grand 2,314-seat capacity. Although the façade is now a historic landmark, the theatre has been left to deteriorate since the early 2000s, following a dramatic explosion in 1932.
Shore Theatre, Brooklyn, New York
Opened in 1925, the Shore Theatre’s design was inspired by its coastal location. Over the years, it has served as a casino, a family-friendly venue, and more. It has been waiting for renovation since it was sold to a developer in 2016.
Loew’s Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, New York
Matt Lambros discovered the Loew’s Kings Theatre, a stunning example of early 20th-century design, through his passion for abandoned cinemas. Although it fell into disrepair after closing, it has seen partial restoration. Its intricate design continues to inspire awe.
Lyric Fine Arts Theatre, Birmingham, Alabama
Built in 1914, the Lyric Fine Arts Theatre was a vaudeville hub and one of the first in the South to host racially integrated audiences. Today, it operates as a performing arts center, keeping its rich history alive while adapting to contemporary needs.
Variety Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio
Opened in 1927 with a striking Spanish Gothic design, the Variety Theatre was a venue for major acts and even served as a wrestling gym for a time. Abandoned in the late 1980s, its grand design still hints at its vibrant past.
Eastown Theatre, Detroit, Michigan
Completed in 1931, the Eastown Theatre was known for its Baroque grandeur and 2,500-seat capacity. Its history includes highs and lows, from hosting famous bands to experiencing fires. It was demolished in 2015, but Lambros’s photographs preserve its legacy.
Fox Theatre, Inglewood, California
Built in 1949, the Fox Theatre was known for its early film screenings and unique “cry room” for parents with babies. Though it’s currently for sale, its neo-Baroque style remains a striking example of mid-century cinema design.
Colonial Theatre, Laconia, New Hampshire
This 1914 theatre, adorned with Venetian-themed décor, closed in 2002 after a varied history as both a cinema and a pizzeria. It is now being restored as a performing arts center, maintaining its historical charm.
Loew’s 46th Street Theatre, Brooklyn, New York
Opened in 1927, this atmospheric theatre was designed to mimic a classical Italian garden. Despite its decline, its enchanting design still evokes admiration and nostalgia.
Matt Lambros’s photographs of these abandoned cinemas do more than capture decaying buildings—they preserve the essence of a bygone era of cinema, offering a glimpse into the changing landscape of American entertainment.