#streamlinemoderne — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #streamlinemoderne, aggregated by home.social.
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Streamlined theaters of ‘moderne’ movie magic
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” – Frank Gehry – Source: brainyquote.com
Listed below are some of the nation’s most iconic movie theaters that feature Streamline Moderne architecture. Related to art deco, Streamline Moderne was employed principally in the 1930s and 40s as a more economical alternative due to the advent of the Great Depression and World War II. It served as a transitional design between art deco and mid-century modern and is often portrayed through sleekness and curvature to portray a sense of aerodynamics and speed.
As the images below attest, the Streamline Moderne style of architecture can also include a hearty salute towards the heavens with pylon towers extending skyward. While the theaters are listed by year of completion, as the Alex Theatre below notes, the tower adornment may have been added at a later date.
Normal Theatre (1938) in Normal, Illinois – Source: en.wikipedia.orgTo this avid fan of theaters (or “theatres”), the Tower Theatre in Sacramento, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, the Normal Theatre in Illinois, and the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, California are among the most visually breathtaking structures in the nation. Fortunately for all of us, a number of these dynamic structures have been preserved through preservation efforts and/or adaptive reuse, though many are no longer utilized solely as theaters.
Academy Theatre (1939) – Inglewood California ~ 125 foot tall pylon tower – The tower and building still exist as a church, though the spiral portions of the tower have been redesigned. Source: Facebook.comEnjoy the magical images throughout the post as representations of this most fascinating design. Peace!
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Alex Theatre (1925/tower added 1940) – Glendale, California = 100 feet tall
Source: Facebook.comTower Theatre (1926/tower added 1931) – Miami, Florida – 40 foot pylon tower rises above the theater roof
Source: flickr.comLincoln Theatre (1936) – Miami Beach, Florida
Source: shulman-design.comTower Theatre (1936) – Compton, California – Sadly, the tower, sign, and marquee have all been removed.
Source: losangeletheatres.blogspot.comTower Theatre (1936) – Houston, Texas – now Doc’s jazz performance venue
Source: modernluxury.comLandis Theatre (1937) – Vineland, New Jersey
Source: roadarch.comLiberty Theatre (1937) – Ellensburg, Washington
Source: dailyrecord.comTower Theatre (1937) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: velocityokc.comTower Theatre (1937-1998) Corpus Christi, Texas = 51 foot tower sign – the tower sign was saved before the building was demolished in 1998
Source: caller.comKallet Theatre (1938) – Oneida, New York
Source: cinematreasures.comTower Theatre (1938) – Sacramento, California = 100 foot tall pylon tower
Source: ruffhausstudio.comTower Theatre (1939) – Fresno, California = 80 foot tall finned pylon tower
Source: weddingwire.comGrand Theatre (1940) – San. Francisco, California
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1940) – Bend, Oregon ~ 78 foot tall sign above the roof
Source: knbd.comRoss Ragland Theatre (1940) – Klamath Falls, Oregon = 97 foot tall tower, including 12 foot spire
Source: commons.wikimedia.or20th Century Theatre (1941) – Cincinnati, Ohio
Source: cincygroove.comEdison Theatre (1941) – Fort Myers, Florida
Source: roadarch.comOrinda Theatre (1941) – Orinda, California
Stunning Steamline Moderne entryway – Source: roadarch.comFremont Theatre (1942) – San Luis Obispo, California
Photo by authorDel Oro Theatre (1942) – Grass Valley, California ~ 70 foot tall pylon sign
Photo by authorTower Theatre (1946) – Marysville, California
Photo by authorWill Rogers Theatre (1946) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: route66news.comBrook Theatre (1946) – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Source: cinema treasures.orgCulver/Kirk Douglas Theatre (1946) – Culver City, California
Source: roadarch.comMulkey Theatre (1946) – Clarendon, Texas
Source: roadarch.comVillage Theatre (1947) – Coronado, California
Source: tripster.comBoomer Theatre (1947) – Norman, Oklahoma
Source: okcmod.comCircle Theatre (1947) – Dallas, Texas – the tower is now gone
Source: Facebook.comHuish Reel Theatre (1947) – Richfield, Utah
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1947 as the Park-In) – Springfield, Missouri – the tower and marquee include streamline moderne elements.
Source: news-leader.comAlameda Theatre (1949) – San Antonio, Texas = 85 foot tall marquee sign
Source: roadarch.comGalion Theatre (1949) – Galion, Ohio
Source: roadarch.comState Theatre (1949) – Traverse City, Michigan
Photo by authorEdna Theatre (1950) – Edna, Texas = 60 foot tall pylon marquee sign
Source: commons.wikimedia.orgHiland Theatre (1950) – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Another example of streamline moderne elements being emphasized in the signage and marquee.
Photo by authorClyde Theatre (1951) – Fort Wayne, Indiana – the replica sign was installed in 2018
Photo by authorSOURCES:
- https://www.visitokc.com/listing/tower-theatre/2089/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32999-d17237738-Reviews-The_Tower_Theatre-Sacramento_California.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Pennsylvania)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Fresno,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Bend,_Oregon)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Sacramento,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Miami,_Florida)
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/del-oro-theatre
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/history-of-the-hiland-theater/
- https://noehill.com/yuba/nat1999000692.aspx
- https://www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/assets/files/historic-contexts-and-reports/Movie-Theaters-in-New-Mexico-MPDF-Final-Sent-to-NPS.pdf
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/412764338844049/posts/24629292583431220/
- https://www.retrometrookc.org/tower-theatre/
- https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11754
- https://www.405magazine.com/boomer-and-bust/
- https://ednatheatre.com/about/historical-information
- https://www.caller.com/story/news/special-reports/building-our-future/throwback/2020/07/08/corpus-christi-tower-theater-landmark-six-points/5390734002/
- https://clydetheatre.com/our-story/
- https://6abc.com/post/iconic-tower-removed-from-tower-theater-/5464901/
- https://www.houstoniamag.com/home-and-real-estate/2024/01/tower-theatre-houston-building-ideas
- gemini.google.ai
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/venue/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/history/
- https://www.the20thcenturytheater.com/about-us/
- https://fresnotowertheater.com/past-events-artist-list/
- https://coconutgrovespotlight.com/2026/01/12/miami-moves-to-revive-tower-theater-in-little-havana/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Theatre_(Inglewood,_California)
- https://www.modernluxury.com/docs-houston-revives-the-tower-theater/
- https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2020/06/tower-compton.html
- https://www.usmodernist.org/archart/the-apple-tower-theatre-in-l-a-from-traditional-building/index.html#:~:text=Charles%20Lee%20designed%20the%20Tower%20Theatre%20in,straight%20up%E2%80%94by%20adding%20a%20150%2Dfoot%2Dtall%20clock%20tower.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Theatre
- https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/object-lesson-spire-atop-ragland-theater/article_1b764290-b3ce-52bf-858e-462cbec23016.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/in3.html
- http://www.cinematreasures.com
- http://www.roadarch.com
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/fl2.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20060208014715/http://www.lakewoodtheater.com/history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Theater
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/il8.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/nj.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/ny2.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/oh3.html
#architecture #art #cinema #cities #film #fun #history #landUse #marquee #movies #pylon #sign #streamlineModerne #theaters #TowerTheater #travel
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Streamlined theaters of ‘moderne’ movie magic
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” – Frank Gehry – Source: brainyquote.com
Listed below are some of the nation’s most iconic movie theaters that feature Streamline Moderne architecture. Related to art deco, Streamline Moderne was employed principally in the 1930s and 40s as a more economical alternative due to the advent of the Great Depression and World War II. It served as a transitional design between art deco and mid-century modern and is often portrayed through sleekness and curvature to portray a sense of aerodynamics and speed.
As the images below attest, the Streamline Moderne style of architecture can also include a hearty salute towards the heavens with pylon towers extending skyward. While the theaters are listed by year of completion, as the Alex Theatre below notes, the tower adornment may have been added at a later date.
Normal Theatre (1938) in Normal, Illinois – Source: en.wikipedia.orgTo this avid fan of theaters (or “theatres”), the Tower Theatre in Sacramento, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, the Normal Theatre in Illinois, and the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, California are among the most visually breathtaking structures in the nation. Fortunately for all of us, a number of these dynamic structures have been preserved through preservation efforts and/or adaptive reuse, though many are no longer utilized solely as theaters.
Academy Theatre (1939) – Inglewood California ~ 125 foot tall pylon tower – The tower and building still exist as a church, though the spiral portions of the tower have been redesigned. Source: Facebook.comEnjoy the magical images throughout the post as representations of this most fascinating design. Peace!
——-
Alex Theatre (1925/tower added 1940) – Glendale, California = 100 feet tall
Source: Facebook.comTower Theatre (1926/tower added 1931) – Miami, Florida – 40 foot pylon tower rises above the theater roof
Source: flickr.comLincoln Theatre (1936) – Miami Beach, Florida
Source: shulman-design.comTower Theatre (1936) – Compton, California – Sadly, the tower, sign, and marquee have all been removed.
Source: losangeletheatres.blogspot.comTower Theatre (1936) – Houston, Texas – now Doc’s jazz performance venue
Source: modernluxury.comLandis Theatre (1937) – Vineland, New Jersey
Source: roadarch.comLiberty Theatre (1937) – Ellensburg, Washington
Source: dailyrecord.comTower Theatre (1937) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: velocityokc.comTower Theatre (1937-1998) Corpus Christi, Texas = 51 foot tower sign – the tower sign was saved before the building was demolished in 1998
Source: caller.comKallet Theatre (1938) – Oneida, New York
Source: cinematreasures.comTower Theatre (1938) – Sacramento, California = 100 foot tall pylon tower
Source: ruffhausstudio.comTower Theatre (1939) – Fresno, California = 80 foot tall finned pylon tower
Source: weddingwire.comGrand Theatre (1940) – San. Francisco, California
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1940) – Bend, Oregon ~ 78 foot tall sign above the roof
Source: knbd.comRoss Ragland Theatre (1940) – Klamath Falls, Oregon = 97 foot tall tower, including 12 foot spire
Source: commons.wikimedia.or20th Century Theatre (1941) – Cincinnati, Ohio
Source: cincygroove.comEdison Theatre (1941) – Fort Myers, Florida
Source: roadarch.comOrinda Theatre (1941) – Orinda, California
Stunning Steamline Moderne entryway – Source: roadarch.comFremont Theatre (1942) – San Luis Obispo, California
Photo by authorDel Oro Theatre (1942) – Grass Valley, California ~ 70 foot tall pylon sign
Photo by authorTower Theatre (1946) – Marysville, California
Photo by authorWill Rogers Theatre (1946) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: route66news.comBrook Theatre (1946) – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Source: cinema treasures.orgCulver/Kirk Douglas Theatre (1946) – Culver City, California
Source: roadarch.comMulkey Theatre (1946) – Clarendon, Texas
Source: roadarch.comVillage Theatre (1947) – Coronado, California
Source: tripster.comBoomer Theatre (1947) – Norman, Oklahoma
Source: okcmod.comCircle Theatre (1947) – Dallas, Texas – the tower is now gone
Source: Facebook.comHuish Reel Theatre (1947) – Richfield, Utah
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1947 as the Park-In) – Springfield, Missouri – the tower and marquee include streamline moderne elements.
Source: news-leader.comAlameda Theatre (1949) – San Antonio, Texas = 85 foot tall marquee sign
Source: roadarch.comGalion Theatre (1949) – Galion, Ohio
Source: roadarch.comState Theatre (1949) – Traverse City, Michigan
Photo by authorEdna Theatre (1950) – Edna, Texas = 60 foot tall pylon marquee sign
Source: commons.wikimedia.orgHiland Theatre (1950) – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Another example of streamline moderne elements being emphasized in the signage and marquee.
Photo by authorClyde Theatre (1951) – Fort Wayne, Indiana – the replica sign was installed in 2018
Photo by authorSOURCES:
- https://www.visitokc.com/listing/tower-theatre/2089/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32999-d17237738-Reviews-The_Tower_Theatre-Sacramento_California.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Pennsylvania)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Fresno,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Bend,_Oregon)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Sacramento,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Miami,_Florida)
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/del-oro-theatre
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/history-of-the-hiland-theater/
- https://noehill.com/yuba/nat1999000692.aspx
- https://www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/assets/files/historic-contexts-and-reports/Movie-Theaters-in-New-Mexico-MPDF-Final-Sent-to-NPS.pdf
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/412764338844049/posts/24629292583431220/
- https://www.retrometrookc.org/tower-theatre/
- https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11754
- https://www.405magazine.com/boomer-and-bust/
- https://ednatheatre.com/about/historical-information
- https://www.caller.com/story/news/special-reports/building-our-future/throwback/2020/07/08/corpus-christi-tower-theater-landmark-six-points/5390734002/
- https://clydetheatre.com/our-story/
- https://6abc.com/post/iconic-tower-removed-from-tower-theater-/5464901/
- https://www.houstoniamag.com/home-and-real-estate/2024/01/tower-theatre-houston-building-ideas
- gemini.google.ai
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/venue/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/history/
- https://www.the20thcenturytheater.com/about-us/
- https://fresnotowertheater.com/past-events-artist-list/
- https://coconutgrovespotlight.com/2026/01/12/miami-moves-to-revive-tower-theater-in-little-havana/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Theatre_(Inglewood,_California)
- https://www.modernluxury.com/docs-houston-revives-the-tower-theater/
- https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2020/06/tower-compton.html
- https://www.usmodernist.org/archart/the-apple-tower-theatre-in-l-a-from-traditional-building/index.html#:~:text=Charles%20Lee%20designed%20the%20Tower%20Theatre%20in,straight%20up%E2%80%94by%20adding%20a%20150%2Dfoot%2Dtall%20clock%20tower.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Theatre
- https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/object-lesson-spire-atop-ragland-theater/article_1b764290-b3ce-52bf-858e-462cbec23016.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/in3.html
- http://www.cinematreasures.com
- http://www.roadarch.com
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/fl2.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20060208014715/http://www.lakewoodtheater.com/history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Theater
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/il8.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/nj.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/ny2.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/oh3.html
#architecture #art #cinema #cities #film #fun #history #landUse #marquee #movies #pylon #sign #streamlineModerne #theaters #TowerTheater #travel
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Streamlined theaters of ‘moderne’ movie magic
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” – Frank Gehry – Source: brainyquote.com
Listed below are some of the nation’s most iconic movie theaters that feature Streamline Moderne architecture. Related to art deco, Streamline Moderne was employed principally in the 1930s and 40s as a more economical alternative due to the advent of the Great Depression and World War II. It served as a transitional design between art deco and mid-century modern and is often portrayed through sleekness and curvature to portray a sense of aerodynamics and speed.
As the images below attest, the Streamline Moderne style of architecture can also include a hearty salute towards the heavens with pylon towers extending skyward. While the theaters are listed by year of completion, as the Alex Theatre below notes, the tower adornment may have been added at a later date.
Normal Theatre (1938) in Normal, Illinois – Source: en.wikipedia.orgTo this avid fan of theaters (or “theatres”), the Tower Theatre in Sacramento, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, the Normal Theatre in Illinois, and the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, California are among the most visually breathtaking structures in the nation. Fortunately for all of us, a number of these dynamic structures have been preserved through preservation efforts and/or adaptive reuse, though many are no longer utilized solely as theaters.
Academy Theatre (1939) – Inglewood California ~ 125 foot tall pylon tower – The tower and building still exist as a church, though the spiral portions of the tower have been redesigned. Source: Facebook.comEnjoy the magical images throughout the post as representations of this most fascinating design. Peace!
——-
Alex Theatre (1925/tower added 1940) – Glendale, California = 100 feet tall
Source: Facebook.comTower Theatre (1926/tower added 1931) – Miami, Florida – 40 foot pylon tower rises above the theater roof
Source: flickr.comLincoln Theatre (1936) – Miami Beach, Florida
Source: shulman-design.comTower Theatre (1936) – Compton, California – Sadly, the tower, sign, and marquee have all been removed.
Source: losangeletheatres.blogspot.comTower Theatre (1936) – Houston, Texas – now Doc’s jazz performance venue
Source: modernluxury.comLandis Theatre (1937) – Vineland, New Jersey
Source: roadarch.comLiberty Theatre (1937) – Ellensburg, Washington
Source: dailyrecord.comTower Theatre (1937) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: velocityokc.comTower Theatre (1937-1998) Corpus Christi, Texas = 51 foot tower sign – the tower sign was saved before the building was demolished in 1998
Source: caller.comKallet Theatre (1938) – Oneida, New York
Source: cinematreasures.comTower Theatre (1938) – Sacramento, California = 100 foot tall pylon tower
Source: ruffhausstudio.comTower Theatre (1939) – Fresno, California = 80 foot tall finned pylon tower
Source: weddingwire.comGrand Theatre (1940) – San. Francisco, California
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1940) – Bend, Oregon ~ 78 foot tall sign above the roof
Source: knbd.comRoss Ragland Theatre (1940) – Klamath Falls, Oregon = 97 foot tall tower, including 12 foot spire
Source: commons.wikimedia.or20th Century Theatre (1941) – Cincinnati, Ohio
Source: cincygroove.comEdison Theatre (1941) – Fort Myers, Florida
Source: roadarch.comOrinda Theatre (1941) – Orinda, California
Stunning Steamline Moderne entryway – Source: roadarch.comFremont Theatre (1942) – San Luis Obispo, California
Photo by authorDel Oro Theatre (1942) – Grass Valley, California ~ 70 foot tall pylon sign
Photo by authorTower Theatre (1946) – Marysville, California
Photo by authorWill Rogers Theatre (1946) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: route66news.comBrook Theatre (1946) – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Source: cinema treasures.orgCulver/Kirk Douglas Theatre (1946) – Culver City, California
Source: roadarch.comMulkey Theatre (1946) – Clarendon, Texas
Source: roadarch.comVillage Theatre (1947) – Coronado, California
Source: tripster.comBoomer Theatre (1947) – Norman, Oklahoma
Source: okcmod.comCircle Theatre (1947) – Dallas, Texas – the tower is now gone
Source: Facebook.comHuish Reel Theatre (1947) – Richfield, Utah
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1947 as the Park-In) – Springfield, Missouri – the tower and marquee include streamline moderne elements.
Source: news-leader.comAlameda Theatre (1949) – San Antonio, Texas = 85 foot tall marquee sign
Source: roadarch.comGalion Theatre (1949) – Galion, Ohio
Source: roadarch.comState Theatre (1949) – Traverse City, Michigan
Photo by authorEdna Theatre (1950) – Edna, Texas = 60 foot tall pylon marquee sign
Source: commons.wikimedia.orgHiland Theatre (1950) – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Another example of streamline moderne elements being emphasized in the signage and marquee.
Photo by authorClyde Theatre (1951) – Fort Wayne, Indiana – the replica sign was installed in 2018
Photo by authorSOURCES:
- https://www.visitokc.com/listing/tower-theatre/2089/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32999-d17237738-Reviews-The_Tower_Theatre-Sacramento_California.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Pennsylvania)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Fresno,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Bend,_Oregon)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Sacramento,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Miami,_Florida)
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/del-oro-theatre
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/history-of-the-hiland-theater/
- https://noehill.com/yuba/nat1999000692.aspx
- https://www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/assets/files/historic-contexts-and-reports/Movie-Theaters-in-New-Mexico-MPDF-Final-Sent-to-NPS.pdf
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/412764338844049/posts/24629292583431220/
- https://www.retrometrookc.org/tower-theatre/
- https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11754
- https://www.405magazine.com/boomer-and-bust/
- https://ednatheatre.com/about/historical-information
- https://www.caller.com/story/news/special-reports/building-our-future/throwback/2020/07/08/corpus-christi-tower-theater-landmark-six-points/5390734002/
- https://clydetheatre.com/our-story/
- https://6abc.com/post/iconic-tower-removed-from-tower-theater-/5464901/
- https://www.houstoniamag.com/home-and-real-estate/2024/01/tower-theatre-houston-building-ideas
- gemini.google.ai
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/venue/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/history/
- https://www.the20thcenturytheater.com/about-us/
- https://fresnotowertheater.com/past-events-artist-list/
- https://coconutgrovespotlight.com/2026/01/12/miami-moves-to-revive-tower-theater-in-little-havana/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Theatre_(Inglewood,_California)
- https://www.modernluxury.com/docs-houston-revives-the-tower-theater/
- https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2020/06/tower-compton.html
- https://www.usmodernist.org/archart/the-apple-tower-theatre-in-l-a-from-traditional-building/index.html#:~:text=Charles%20Lee%20designed%20the%20Tower%20Theatre%20in,straight%20up%E2%80%94by%20adding%20a%20150%2Dfoot%2Dtall%20clock%20tower.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Theatre
- https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/object-lesson-spire-atop-ragland-theater/article_1b764290-b3ce-52bf-858e-462cbec23016.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/in3.html
- http://www.cinematreasures.com
- http://www.roadarch.com
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/fl2.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20060208014715/http://www.lakewoodtheater.com/history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Theater
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/il8.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/nj.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/ny2.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/oh3.html
#architecture #art #cinema #cities #film #fun #history #landUse #marquee #movies #pylon #sign #streamlineModerne #theaters #TowerTheater #travel
-
Streamlined theaters of ‘moderne’ movie magic
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” – Frank Gehry – Source: brainyquote.com
Listed below are some of the nation’s most iconic movie theaters that feature Streamline Moderne architecture. Related to art deco, Streamline Moderne was employed principally in the 1930s and 40s as a more economical alternative due to the advent of the Great Depression and World War II. It served as a transitional design between art deco and mid-century modern and is often portrayed through sleekness and curvature to portray a sense of aerodynamics and speed.
As the images below attest, the Streamline Moderne style of architecture can also include a hearty salute towards the heavens with pylon towers extending skyward. While the theaters are listed by year of completion, as the Alex Theatre below notes, the tower adornment may have been added at a later date.
Normal Theatre (1938) in Normal, Illinois – Source: en.wikipedia.orgTo this avid fan of theaters (or “theatres”), the Tower Theatre in Sacramento, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, the Normal Theatre in Illinois, and the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, California are among the most visually breathtaking structures in the nation. Fortunately for all of us, a number of these dynamic structures have been preserved through preservation efforts and/or adaptive reuse, though many are no longer utilized solely as theaters.
Academy Theatre (1939) – Inglewood California ~ 125 foot tall pylon tower – The tower and building still exist as a church, though the spiral portions of the tower have been redesigned. Source: Facebook.comEnjoy the magical images throughout the post as representations of this most fascinating design. Peace!
——-
Alex Theatre (1925/tower added 1940) – Glendale, California = 100 feet tall
Source: Facebook.comTower Theatre (1926/tower added 1931) – Miami, Florida – 40 foot pylon tower rises above the theater roof
Source: flickr.comLincoln Theatre (1936) – Miami Beach, Florida
Source: shulman-design.comTower Theatre (1936) – Compton, California – Sadly, the tower, sign, and marquee have all been removed.
Source: losangeletheatres.blogspot.comTower Theatre (1936) – Houston, Texas – now Doc’s jazz performance venue
Source: modernluxury.comLandis Theatre (1937) – Vineland, New Jersey
Source: roadarch.comLiberty Theatre (1937) – Ellensburg, Washington
Source: dailyrecord.comTower Theatre (1937) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: velocityokc.comTower Theatre (1937-1998) Corpus Christi, Texas = 51 foot tower sign – the tower sign was saved before the building was demolished in 1998
Source: caller.comKallet Theatre (1938) – Oneida, New York
Source: cinematreasures.comTower Theatre (1938) – Sacramento, California = 100 foot tall pylon tower
Source: ruffhausstudio.comTower Theatre (1939) – Fresno, California = 80 foot tall finned pylon tower
Source: weddingwire.comGrand Theatre (1940) – San. Francisco, California
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1940) – Bend, Oregon ~ 78 foot tall sign above the roof
Source: knbd.comRoss Ragland Theatre (1940) – Klamath Falls, Oregon = 97 foot tall tower, including 12 foot spire
Source: commons.wikimedia.or20th Century Theatre (1941) – Cincinnati, Ohio
Source: cincygroove.comEdison Theatre (1941) – Fort Myers, Florida
Source: roadarch.comOrinda Theatre (1941) – Orinda, California
Stunning Steamline Moderne entryway – Source: roadarch.comFremont Theatre (1942) – San Luis Obispo, California
Photo by authorDel Oro Theatre (1942) – Grass Valley, California ~ 70 foot tall pylon sign
Photo by authorTower Theatre (1946) – Marysville, California
Photo by authorWill Rogers Theatre (1946) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: route66news.comBrook Theatre (1946) – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Source: cinema treasures.orgCulver/Kirk Douglas Theatre (1946) – Culver City, California
Source: roadarch.comMulkey Theatre (1946) – Clarendon, Texas
Source: roadarch.comVillage Theatre (1947) – Coronado, California
Source: tripster.comBoomer Theatre (1947) – Norman, Oklahoma
Source: okcmod.comCircle Theatre (1947) – Dallas, Texas – the tower is now gone
Source: Facebook.comHuish Reel Theatre (1947) – Richfield, Utah
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1947 as the Park-In) – Springfield, Missouri – the tower and marquee include streamline moderne elements.
Source: news-leader.comAlameda Theatre (1949) – San Antonio, Texas = 85 foot tall marquee sign
Source: roadarch.comGalion Theatre (1949) – Galion, Ohio
Source: roadarch.comState Theatre (1949) – Traverse City, Michigan
Photo by authorEdna Theatre (1950) – Edna, Texas = 60 foot tall pylon marquee sign
Source: commons.wikimedia.orgHiland Theatre (1950) – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Another example of streamline moderne elements being emphasized in the signage and marquee.
Photo by authorClyde Theatre (1951) – Fort Wayne, Indiana – the replica sign was installed in 2018
Photo by authorSOURCES:
- https://www.visitokc.com/listing/tower-theatre/2089/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32999-d17237738-Reviews-The_Tower_Theatre-Sacramento_California.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Pennsylvania)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Fresno,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Bend,_Oregon)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Sacramento,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Miami,_Florida)
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/del-oro-theatre
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/history-of-the-hiland-theater/
- https://noehill.com/yuba/nat1999000692.aspx
- https://www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/assets/files/historic-contexts-and-reports/Movie-Theaters-in-New-Mexico-MPDF-Final-Sent-to-NPS.pdf
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/412764338844049/posts/24629292583431220/
- https://www.retrometrookc.org/tower-theatre/
- https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11754
- https://www.405magazine.com/boomer-and-bust/
- https://ednatheatre.com/about/historical-information
- https://www.caller.com/story/news/special-reports/building-our-future/throwback/2020/07/08/corpus-christi-tower-theater-landmark-six-points/5390734002/
- https://clydetheatre.com/our-story/
- https://6abc.com/post/iconic-tower-removed-from-tower-theater-/5464901/
- https://www.houstoniamag.com/home-and-real-estate/2024/01/tower-theatre-houston-building-ideas
- gemini.google.ai
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/venue/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/history/
- https://www.the20thcenturytheater.com/about-us/
- https://fresnotowertheater.com/past-events-artist-list/
- https://coconutgrovespotlight.com/2026/01/12/miami-moves-to-revive-tower-theater-in-little-havana/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Theatre_(Inglewood,_California)
- https://www.modernluxury.com/docs-houston-revives-the-tower-theater/
- https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2020/06/tower-compton.html
- https://www.usmodernist.org/archart/the-apple-tower-theatre-in-l-a-from-traditional-building/index.html#:~:text=Charles%20Lee%20designed%20the%20Tower%20Theatre%20in,straight%20up%E2%80%94by%20adding%20a%20150%2Dfoot%2Dtall%20clock%20tower.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Theatre
- https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/object-lesson-spire-atop-ragland-theater/article_1b764290-b3ce-52bf-858e-462cbec23016.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/in3.html
- http://www.cinematreasures.com
- http://www.roadarch.com
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/fl2.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20060208014715/http://www.lakewoodtheater.com/history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Theater
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/il8.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/nj.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/ny2.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/oh3.html
#architecture #art #cinema #cities #film #fun #history #landUse #marquee #movies #pylon #sign #streamlineModerne #theaters #TowerTheater #travel
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Streamlined theaters of ‘moderne’ movie magic
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” – Frank Gehry – Source: brainyquote.com
Listed below are some of the nation’s most iconic movie theaters that feature Streamline Moderne architecture. Related to art deco, Streamline Moderne was employed principally in the 1930s and 40s as a more economical alternative due to the advent of the Great Depression and World War II. It served as a transitional design between art deco and mid-century modern and is often portrayed through sleekness and curvature to portray a sense of aerodynamics and speed.
As the images below attest, the Streamline Moderne style of architecture can also include a hearty salute towards the heavens with pylon towers extending skyward. While the theaters are listed by year of completion, as the Alex Theatre below notes, the tower adornment may have been added at a later date.
Normal Theatre (1938) in Normal, Illinois – Source: en.wikipedia.orgTo this avid fan of theaters (or “theatres”), the Tower Theatre in Sacramento, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, the Normal Theatre in Illinois, and the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, California are among the most visually breathtaking structures in the nation. Fortunately for all of us, a number of these dynamic structures have been preserved through preservation efforts and/or adaptive reuse, though many are no longer utilized solely as theaters.
Academy Theatre (1939) – Inglewood California ~ 125 foot tall pylon tower – The tower and building still exist as a church, though the spiral portions of the tower have been redesigned. Source: Facebook.comEnjoy the magical images throughout the post as representations of this most fascinating design. Peace!
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Alex Theatre (1925/tower added 1940) – Glendale, California = 100 feet tall
Source: Facebook.comTower Theatre (1926/tower added 1931) – Miami, Florida – 40 foot pylon tower rises above the theater roof
Source: flickr.comLincoln Theatre (1936) – Miami Beach, Florida
Source: shulman-design.comTower Theatre (1936) – Compton, California – Sadly, the tower, sign, and marquee have all been removed.
Source: losangeletheatres.blogspot.comTower Theatre (1936) – Houston, Texas – now Doc’s jazz performance venue
Source: modernluxury.comLandis Theatre (1937) – Vineland, New Jersey
Source: roadarch.comLiberty Theatre (1937) – Ellensburg, Washington
Source: dailyrecord.comTower Theatre (1937) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: velocityokc.comTower Theatre (1937-1998) Corpus Christi, Texas = 51 foot tower sign – the tower sign was saved before the building was demolished in 1998
Source: caller.comKallet Theatre (1938) – Oneida, New York
Source: cinematreasures.comTower Theatre (1938) – Sacramento, California = 100 foot tall pylon tower
Source: ruffhausstudio.comTower Theatre (1939) – Fresno, California = 80 foot tall finned pylon tower
Source: weddingwire.comGrand Theatre (1940) – San. Francisco, California
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1940) – Bend, Oregon ~ 78 foot tall sign above the roof
Source: knbd.comRoss Ragland Theatre (1940) – Klamath Falls, Oregon = 97 foot tall tower, including 12 foot spire
Source: commons.wikimedia.or20th Century Theatre (1941) – Cincinnati, Ohio
Source: cincygroove.comEdison Theatre (1941) – Fort Myers, Florida
Source: roadarch.comOrinda Theatre (1941) – Orinda, California
Stunning Steamline Moderne entryway – Source: roadarch.comFremont Theatre (1942) – San Luis Obispo, California
Photo by authorDel Oro Theatre (1942) – Grass Valley, California ~ 70 foot tall pylon sign
Photo by authorTower Theatre (1946) – Marysville, California
Photo by authorWill Rogers Theatre (1946) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Source: route66news.comBrook Theatre (1946) – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Source: cinema treasures.orgCulver/Kirk Douglas Theatre (1946) – Culver City, California
Source: roadarch.comMulkey Theatre (1946) – Clarendon, Texas
Source: roadarch.comVillage Theatre (1947) – Coronado, California
Source: tripster.comBoomer Theatre (1947) – Norman, Oklahoma
Source: okcmod.comCircle Theatre (1947) – Dallas, Texas – the tower is now gone
Source: Facebook.comHuish Reel Theatre (1947) – Richfield, Utah
Source: roadarch.comTower Theatre (1947 as the Park-In) – Springfield, Missouri – the tower and marquee include streamline moderne elements.
Source: news-leader.comAlameda Theatre (1949) – San Antonio, Texas = 85 foot tall marquee sign
Source: roadarch.comGalion Theatre (1949) – Galion, Ohio
Source: roadarch.comState Theatre (1949) – Traverse City, Michigan
Photo by authorEdna Theatre (1950) – Edna, Texas = 60 foot tall pylon marquee sign
Source: commons.wikimedia.orgHiland Theatre (1950) – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Another example of streamline moderne elements being emphasized in the signage and marquee.
Photo by authorClyde Theatre (1951) – Fort Wayne, Indiana – the replica sign was installed in 2018
Photo by authorSOURCES:
- https://www.visitokc.com/listing/tower-theatre/2089/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32999-d17237738-Reviews-The_Tower_Theatre-Sacramento_California.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Pennsylvania)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Fresno,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Bend,_Oregon)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theatre_(Sacramento,_California)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Miami,_Florida)
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/del-oro-theatre
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/history-of-the-hiland-theater/
- https://noehill.com/yuba/nat1999000692.aspx
- https://www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/assets/files/historic-contexts-and-reports/Movie-Theaters-in-New-Mexico-MPDF-Final-Sent-to-NPS.pdf
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/412764338844049/posts/24629292583431220/
- https://www.retrometrookc.org/tower-theatre/
- https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11754
- https://www.405magazine.com/boomer-and-bust/
- https://ednatheatre.com/about/historical-information
- https://www.caller.com/story/news/special-reports/building-our-future/throwback/2020/07/08/corpus-christi-tower-theater-landmark-six-points/5390734002/
- https://clydetheatre.com/our-story/
- https://6abc.com/post/iconic-tower-removed-from-tower-theater-/5464901/
- https://www.houstoniamag.com/home-and-real-estate/2024/01/tower-theatre-houston-building-ideas
- gemini.google.ai
- https://ndi-nm.org/hiland-theater/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/venue/
- https://www.fremontslo.com/history/
- https://www.the20thcenturytheater.com/about-us/
- https://fresnotowertheater.com/past-events-artist-list/
- https://coconutgrovespotlight.com/2026/01/12/miami-moves-to-revive-tower-theater-in-little-havana/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Theatre_(Inglewood,_California)
- https://www.modernluxury.com/docs-houston-revives-the-tower-theater/
- https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2020/06/tower-compton.html
- https://www.usmodernist.org/archart/the-apple-tower-theatre-in-l-a-from-traditional-building/index.html#:~:text=Charles%20Lee%20designed%20the%20Tower%20Theatre%20in,straight%20up%E2%80%94by%20adding%20a%20150%2Dfoot%2Dtall%20clock%20tower.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Theatre
- https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/object-lesson-spire-atop-ragland-theater/article_1b764290-b3ce-52bf-858e-462cbec23016.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/in3.html
- http://www.cinematreasures.com
- http://www.roadarch.com
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/fl2.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20060208014715/http://www.lakewoodtheater.com/history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Theater
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/il8.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/nj.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/ny2.html
- https://www.roadarch.com/theatres/oh3.html
#architecture #art #cinema #cities #film #fun #history #landUse #marquee #movies #pylon #sign #streamlineModerne #theaters #TowerTheater #travel
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Perfection. NBC Radio City building, LA. Opened its doors in 1938. Demolished in the 1960s.
#artdeco #streamlinemoderne #radiostudio #architecture #midcentury -
Light Fixture from the Powhatan Apartment Building in Chicago, Illinois, completed 1929
Provenance of the photograph unknown; most likely lifted from an auction catalog together with the note “designed by Victor S. Pearlman & Co., 1929.”
#StreamlineModerne #ArtDeco #decoration #Highrises #RetroFuture
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An example from a US Post Office of a certain age ...
#typography #ArtDeco #USPS #StreamlineModerne #WeirdAssLetterForms
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Here's an example of the "weird-ass" letter S in some Art Deco typography in the Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs, MO (built 1936-37). I don't think this is exactly Benton's Broadway font, but is close
(Some US Post Offices of a certain age use this kind of font on their sign, too)
#typography #ArtDeco #HallOfWaters #ExcelsiorSprings #DepressionModern #StreamlineModerne #WeirdAssLetterForms
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Downtown Supernova by M Kungi
Mixed Medium on Canvas
Original Color Study
(mkungi.com)#StreamlineModerne #ArtDeco #Train #Zeppelin #Dirigible #Highrises #RetroFuture
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(Modern) Streamline Moderne
City Gate, Beach Road, Singapore, 2019. My own shot.
SAA Architects, completed 2018.
#singapore #artdeco #streamlinemoderne
#architecture #highrise -
Sky Captain and the Art of Tomorrow by Kevin Conran.
Dynamite: May, 2021.Artwork by Kevin Conran.
#artdeco #streamlinemoderne #artwork #conceptart #pulp #sciencefiction #skycaptain
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May 18, 1935: Designed by Wurdeman & Becket, the Pan Pacific Auditorium opened #OTD in 1935. It was destroyed by fire in 1989 & is now the site of the Pan Pacific Park (located here -> https://goo.gl/maps/K8WG2AW3vELcngcM9).
#UCLA Library photo (1956): https://digital.library.ucla.edu/catalog/ark:/21198/zz0002t5x9 #StreamlineModerne #LosAngeles #LAhistory
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Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, Tulsa, OK
Courtesy katsrcool on Flickr.
#artdeco #architecture #art #design #Church #Window #StreamlineModerne #pulp #voidpunk
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1925 Rolls Royce Phantom I, re-bodied 1934 by Jonckheere Carrossiers, Belgium.
One-off design that won the Cannes Concours d’Elegance’s Prix d’Honneur in 1936.
Photos by Scott Williamson for Car Collector Magazine, 2007.#streamlinemoderne #artdeco #rollsroyce #phantom #car #vintagecar #vintage
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1939 Larson Falls Flyer 17′ Split Cockpit sports boat, powered by a Gray Marine Six Cylinder Inboard Phantom Engine.
Streamline Moderne at its awesomest.
Source: Attribution decay. Probably an item shot from an auction that no longer exists.
#streamlinemoderne #artdeco #boat #sportsboat #Larson #FallsFlyer #Inboard #phantomengine
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Former Car Showrooms, 71-73 Great Portland Street
1937
Joseph Emberton
#architecture #modernism #streamlinemoderne #artdeco #London
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City Gate mall & condo tower, some kind of neo-Streamline Moderne, in Kampong Glam, Singapore.
My own photograph. August 2019, Canon PowerShot.
(On a side note, keeping track of weekdays is apparently too complicated for me, as evident this week… So I made double sure it’s really Thursday today :D)
#ArtworkThursday #architecture #streamlinemoderne #singapore #highrise #gate #citygate #voidpunk
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Sky Captain and the Art of Tomorrow by Kevin Conran.
Dynamite: May, 2021.Artwork by Kevin Conran.
#ArtworkThursday #artdeco #streamlinemoderne #artwork #conceptart #pulp #sciencefiction #skycaptain
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Belvedere Court, Hampstead Garden Suburb
1938
Ernst Freud
Moderne style apartment block formed of three long ranges with circular staircase towers, designed by Ernst Freud, son of Sigmund. Intended as rental apartments for Jewish families from Europe, internally the flats were ultra modern with central heating, fitted kitchens and waste disposal chutes.
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#Photography #DigitalArt #SaultSteMarie #NorthernOntario #Ontario #Canada The #MemorialTower is all that is left of The #SaultMemorialGardens, a former ice hockey arena (1949 to 2006). The Gardens' front facade was representative of #StreamlineModerne #architecture style, using straight lines and curved forms - #ArtDeco . The Gardens' most #distinctivefeature was the Memorial Tower and red-lighted beacon.
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Some #ArtDeco #architecture to admire from #Hastings seafront. This is the #1930s Marine Court building, and the resemblance to a #CruiseShip is intentional as it was based on the #Cunard #ship #QueenMary. If the architectural form looks aerodynamic with long lines and curves, and sometimes nautical elements, then you know it's in the #StreamlineModerne style and that's the case here. I'm a big fan of Brutalism but Art Deco runs it a very close second.