Structures designed for viewing dramas, operas and other spectacles either on stage or on screen or both. Theatres were open-air in ancient Greece and Rome, but usually covered in Europe from the 16th century. An intermediate form was partially covered.
The official site includes images and archaeological evidence of the original Elizabethan circular theater, the story of its reconstruction (1994-7) and a timeline. http://shakespeares-globe.org/
Redwood building designed by architect Julia Morgan in 1908 as the St. John's Presbyterian Church. Brief description, photographs, plan. http://www.juliamorgan.org/
A picture palace in the flamboyant, short-lived, Pueblo Deco style, designed by Carl Boller in 1925. Photographs and history from the City of Albuquerque. http://www.cabq.gov/kimo/index.html
This stylish site by Kjell Furberg, cinema historian and photographer, provides an architectural feast from the silent era onwards. English and Swedish language versions. http://www.algonet.se/~furberg/
Illustrated history by the University of Virginia of the extravagant buildings that sprang up in the inter-war years to house the movies. Includes socio-economic background, guide to Art Deco. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CAP/PALACE/home.html
Dedicated to saving classic movie theaters in the US. News, database, photographs, virtual tours and message boards. Also aims, founders, sponsors and volunteer staff of the web-site. http://cinematreasures.org
The official site offers photographs and a history (with source) of this extraordinary Art Deco theater. The 1930s movie palace was designed by San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. http://www.paramounttheatre.com
The American phenomenon which began in the 1930s: open-air cinemas, viewed from automobiles. An illustrated history and list of theaters both operating and closed. http://www.driveintheater.com/
The official site of this theater in San Antonio (US), opened in 1926 in a fantasy Meso-American style. Includes photographs and history. http://www.aztecontheriver.com/home.htm
Karel Dibbets explores the theaters, the people, the companies, and the visitors of Dutch cinemas from 1906 to the present. Large list of cinemas with opening dates, some with architect. http://www.xs4all.nl/~kd/
Describes and illustrates London playhouses in the 16th and 17th century, particularly the original Globe Theatre, and its modern reconstruction. From Reading University. http://www.rdg.ac.uk/globe/
Peter McCurdy describes the reconstruction by his firm of the Elizabethan theater in London used by Shakespeare. Research, construction. http://www.mccurdyco.com/page3.html
Nonprofit educational organization dedicated to documenting and celebrating historic theatres of all types in the United States. http://www2.hawaii.edu/~angell/thsa/
Andreas Praefcke's postcard collection of theatre buildings and concert halls worldwide. He provides notes on the history of some of the better-known ones. http://www.andreas-praefcke.de/carthalia/
A study of the former Saenger organization and its theaters, mainly in the US. A list, with illustrated histories of selected theaters, some now gone. http://www.saengeramusements.com/
A non-profit organization to preserve and promote the Warner Grand Theater, an Art Deco movie palace in San Pedro, California. Includes a history of the theater, which opened in 1931. http://www.grandvision.org
History of the landmark building in Chicago which opened in 1921, designed by architects Rapp and Rapp for the Balaban and Katz Corporation http://uptowntheatre.com/
A registered charity with the aim of purchasing, restoring and re-opening the Edwardian Theatre Royal in Hyde, Manchester. Follow its progress and learn about the theatre's history. http://www.theatreroyalhyde.org.uk/
This Art Deco national landmark in Park Ridge, Illinois was designed in 1928 by architects Zook and McCaughey. Pickwick Preservation Society gives a history and describes its activities. http://www.pickwick.org/
Stuart Neville explores the history of cinemas in Glasgow, Scotland, from the earliest cinemas. Illustrated with archive and new photographs, architect's plans and press advertisements. http://www.glasgowcinemas.co.uk
El Cerrito's historic theater with its Art Deco interior and murals is one of California's hidden treasures. History, photographs and progress on its restoration. http://cerritotheater.org
This Art Deco cinema in the UK, designed by David Nye in 1936, has been restored and re-opened. Includes photographs and links to articles on the restoration project. http://www.therexcinema.com/
Built in 1587 by Philip Henslowe, the Rose was the first theatre on London's Bankside. In 1989 its remains were discovered and partially excavated midst a blaze of international press coverage. History, news and opening times. http://www.rosetheatre.org.uk/
A list with dates and brief descriptions of the theaters built (1910-32) along South Broadway for films and vaudeville. http://lacity.org/tourist/movpalac.htm
