About
Abandoned architecture has fascinated me since I was five years old. My grandmother used to take my brother and I in to investigate any old barn she happened to drive past. She was curious about what was left behind, and her inquisitive nature made a lasting impression on me.
I grew up in Dutchess County, New York, and like most places there were quite a few supposedly “haunted” buildings begging for a closer look. Hudson River State hospital, one of the first places I went to on my own, was one of them. My friends and I used to drive around the campus late at night trying to scare each other. It was then that my interest in abandoned buildings evolved into a vehicle for artistic expression.
I’ve spent ten years composing photographic obituaries for once-thriving buildings that are now crumbled and forgotten. My hope for my work is that it will shine light on beautiful, dated architecture and on the equal yet sinister beauty in decay.
Matt Lambros is a photographer based in New York City.
http://www.mlambrosphotography.com/
“After The Final Curtain” is a photographic documentation of the effects of years of neglect and decay in some of America’s greatest theaters.
Please please please shoot the Uptown Theater in Chicago!
I second Roberts plea!
I’m heading out west to photograph more theaters shortly, and I hope the Uptown will be one of them.
Lovely blog! Do you have anything on the Pelham Picture House which has recently been renovated?
Thanks! I don’t have anything about the Pelham Picture House. I’m trying to spotlight theaters that are in need of renovation, and the Pelham Picture House has already reopened.
Matt, this is just wonderful! Your photographs of these exquisite theaters are so haunting and beautiful. PLEASE keep up the good work!
–Joe
Los Angeles
When will you publish all these memorable pictures in a book? I already have a spot on my coffee table.
I share your interest in capturing the neglect of the RKO Keith’s in Flushing NY. I’ve been posting images and slide shows for a few years. It needs all the publicity it can get for 2 reasons: 1 The loss of a landmark that has defined the neighborhood for millions and a cultural asset; 2 What is proposed to take its place will choke the saturated neighborhood with over-development.
Good stuff. My bro lives in NYC. I saw your work on how to be a retronaut.
There is a theater in the architecture tradition of the ones that you photograph in downtown Hanover, PA, zip code 17331 (about an hour north of Baltimore, MD). It is also in need of restoration, current owners attempted but vandals and the economy have hurt their cause and it is now up for sale. Would love to see it restored, the building is quite remarkable. Please photograph it for your site…
Sheila,
I contacted the current owners of the theater in Hanover a few months back. I was told that the building is currently for sale, and unable to be photographed. I plan to try again in the near future.
I would love to have my gypsy band’s new cd shoot in the decaying Chicago Uptown theatre. Thoughts/interest?
-S
Unfortunately, the owners of the Uptown Theatre in Chicago are not allowing anyone inside at the moment. The following is taken from the Uptown Theatre website:
“Owned by UTA II, LLC, which intends to restore it, the theatre is not available for tours, photos, film shoots, weddings, etc. at this time.”
I am absolutely in love with your sites. Great photography. I just blogged about After the Final Curtain.
Thank you, Patrick.
Just read the About and realized this is about Abandoned architecture! Love this stuff.
Thanks. Dave
You should restore/renovate all theatres!
If I had the money I would.
He, he, sorry I mean: It should be renovated/restored.
I agree.
Matt – as you know, you’ve just had some publicity here in the UK in the Sunday Telegraph. I think you’ve exhibited your work here? Any plans to come back over and do that again.?? Great work – keep at it. Oh, and if you run out of subjects in the US, we have plenty over here!!!
All the best,
Bryan
When we were kids we could walk to the Music Box Theater, and the Uptown. Hope the folks in Bridgeport are successful in their efforts to preserve a piece of history.
Hi Matt, gorgeous photography, loved your website with the abandoned hospitals/theatre and i love the outlets/ I, for some reasons, have always love shooting outlets and old ceiling fixtures. Anyway, beautiful…
How much of re-touching are you doing if you don’t mind me asking?
Hi Frederique,
Just the basics. Color correction, straightening, sharpening, and some blending of bracketed images.
Truly like the name and the issues it connects with. Keep sharing
Hi Matt. I just found your site and it’s truly fascinating. I live in Brooklyn in a area were I am surrounded by the remnants of theatre history. I have the downtown area to the north of me with all it’s hidden glory. South is Flatbush where the titans still stand. My favorite, The Kings on Flatbush Avenue. My kids think I’m crazy but it’s good to know that others like yourself appreciate these awesome structures. Thank You.
Great blog. There was a feature in Chicago Magazine not too long ago about abandoned, or decrepit theatres in Chicago that may be worth checking out for some more ideas. Keep the awesome pictures coming!
Peter – Thanks! I did see that article and I’ve been to most of the theaters that it profiled.
Matt – I am trying REALLY hard to find information about the historical significance (if any) of The Lawndale Theater in Chicago. All the information I keep finding online is the same stuff, just worded differently. Since you have had the honor of photographing it, i thought you might be able to point me in a new direction?
I had trouble finding anything as well. Have you tried asking the Theatre Historical Society about it? They may have some more information.
Good luck!