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.
Trackbacks
- Bridgeport theaters | Hunroom
- The RKO Hamilton Theatre « After the Final Curtain
- Loew’s Majestic Theatre « After the Final Curtain
- The Ridgewood Theatre « After the Final Curtain
- After the Curtain: RKO Hamilton Theater | Untapped New York
- 10 Incredible Abandoned Theaters Around The USA | The Roosevelts
- Loew’s Palace Theater Bridgeport / CT | Anshitsu - Lost and Forgotten Places
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.
Doug – Matt,
I just happened to see your questions and comment – sorry for my being so late but – yes the console is still there but in very bad shape. I was given a tour when Joy Center Ministries had control of the property. You might be able to save the case although doubtful. The most important thing is the rest of the organ is for the most part is intact i.e. pipes, wind chest, swell box, etc. But again I’m sure not in working order however, a good organ service company and quite a bit of money could bring this instrument to working order. I’m sure a new blower would be in order, too since there is newer technology available since the instrument was installed. You would need this project to be undertaken by someone who really appreciates such a grand instrument and not inclined to destroy it like the fate of so many church pipe organs in Bridgeport. It is also impotant to note that shortly after the city of Bridgeport took control once again, they shored up the building by installing roofing material to prevent leaking so the deterioration due to outside elements was taken care of. Plus I was told some kind of climate control was installed as well. I hope this answers your question.
John
To answer your question about the pipe organ console, our church currently has a Hall Pipe organ in playable condition that was installed in the 1920′s two manual 9-rank in Bridgeport. In the late 1990′s I found out about the organ in the Palace because we were considering re-voicing our current instrument and wanted to check out a larger Hall organ. I did see the three manual console in the orchestra pit. I was not able to get up close due to poor lighting and scaffolding. I was able to gain access to the building when contractors were shoring it up to protect against the elements.
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
To Matt, John and Derrik. I am involved with Pipe organ restoration. I believe Hall organs were well made. I even have a few ranks of Hall pipes that are collecting dust in my attic.
If the windchest and pipework are intact they would be worth removing and reconditioning. The design of wind chests and pipes has not changed since the early 1900′s.
I doubt if the old console is useful, because the old technology with pneumatic switches has been replaced with digital switching.
Unfortunately I am too far removed from the location, and already have more than I can restore in several lifetimes. I would like to encourage anyone to give the windchests and pipes their consideration and if appropriate, their TLC..
DRD
Probably the theater has remarkable acoustics. Is it true?
My mother used to be a candy girl here and I used to play in the curtains while the movie played. This was one of my favorite memories as a child and I’ve grown to love old theatres. I would love to see this beautiful, historic building come back to life and bring joy to others as it did so many.
Clif Snow
Having worked there, I can say that in the summer, it was cool in there,
There is Air Conditioning, And also HEAT, this is “under” the main lobby.
A maintenance man was needed to operate this equipment.
He got very sick, and we visited him in St.V’s, myself and the candy girls !
Just wanted to compliment this site. I’m both elated and saddened to find it – and you’re absolutely right – people paid to see the theatre, not the movie. But excellent work. I really appreciate what it is you’re doing.
On a side note (and you’re welcome to send me a message privately if you need to answer that way), but how do you gain access to the interiors of many of the buildings which are in significant disrepair?
This is how they sparked people’s imaginations before special effects. How could you not have a great experience in a building like this?! As our built environment becomes more and more focused on cost and marketing-of-the-moment, buildings like this one help remind people of what is possible and how people lived in earlier times.