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.”