Loew’s Palace Theatre
View of the Loew's Palace Theatre from the balcony.
- The lobby of the Loew’s Palace Theatre.
One of the frescos that was painted on the wall of the auditorium.
Thirty years later the theater was renamed again as the Loew’s Palace Theatre. Due to a decline in ticket sales the Loew’s corporation sold the building in the early 1970’s. After showing adult films for a few years, the Palace closed permanently in 1975. Joy Center Ministries, Inc., who had the rights to sell or lease portions of the building at the time, intended to rent out the store fronts and turn the theater into a Christian revival center, but the project was put on hold when it was discovered that the city of Bridgeport had a $1.2 million lien on the property due to unpaid taxes. The city took possession of the building in lieu of payment.
The balcony-level women's bathroom.
Since its closing, the interior of the Palace has been used as a set in movies, including the recent “All Good Things,” a 2010 film starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. The Palace Theatre is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the city of Bridgeport hopes to one day restore the theater to its former glory.
The chandelier still hangs in the Palace Theatre.
A view of the stage from the main level of the auditorium.
Ornate molding covers the theater's ceiling.
Another fresco is painted on the proscenium arch.
The upper level of the lobby area that leads to the balcony.
Another view from the balcony level of the theater.
I would love to watch a movie in here. Beautiful photos.
Thank you, Sarah.
I see fascade Pipes along the sides of the auditorium. Is there any chance that the rest of the pipe organ is still in place, and even more unlikely, that it is still operable?
There was a Hall theater organ installed in the Palace in late 1921 prior to the opening. I don’t know if the console is still there, but even if it is I doubt it’s been played in almost 50 years. I would doubt it’s still operable.
Sad to see this wonderful relic from the golden age of movie theaters.
It seems that the world of the 21st century has no sense of esthetics judging from the ticky tac shopping malls of today
This theatre seems to be in very good condition for having been closed as long as it has. It would be wonderful to see it restored.
Palatial! Superb work!
What a beautiful space. It’s so sad to see it sitting there not being used. On the other hand, Thank you for documenting these spaces.
I spent my early childhood going to the Palace and the Majestic, saw many Elvis movies, Our Man Flint, Whatever Happend to Baby Jane, etc.
I’ve always loved those theaters.
I am fascinated by your superb photography. As a kid in the mid 1950′s I lived in East Bridgeport went to this theater and the one next to it many times over the years. I think the admission was about 25 cents for matinees. It was a great adventure to go into these theaters, at the time it was all normal and natural to have such interesting architecture. How did you gain access? Your production values are to be admired. Thank you for doing the hard work and adding to my memories. Tom
Ive seen a lot of abandoned theater photos over the years,but these pics top all the others,what a great movie house,hope it sees the light of day again someday