The movie theater is an icon of American culture, and it’s no surprise that some of these theaters have been around for a long time. It’s always fun to visit a movie theater with a rich history, and the oldest one in the US is sure to be an exciting experience. So what’s the oldest movie theater in the US?
The answer to this question is surprisingly hard to find, as there are many different contenders for the title. One of the oldest surviving theaters is located in Wollaston, Massachusetts and is called the AMC Wollaston Theater.
This theater opened its doors in 1912 and has been running ever since, with occasional renovations to stay up-to-date with modern technologies. The theater still shows movies today, mostly first-run Hollywood films.
Another contender for the title of oldest movie theater in America is the Empire Theatre, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This theater was built back in 1895 and has been operating ever since.
It was originally a vaudeville house but was converted into a movie palace when talkies became popular. Today it hosts live music concerts and other performances.
The Ambler Theater, located outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also claims to be one of the oldest movie theaters in America. This theater opened back in 1912 and boasts that it’s one of only three original nickelodeon theaters still operating today (the other two are both located outside Pennsylvania). The Ambler Theater has gone through several renovations over the years but still retains its original charm.
Finally, the Hollywood Blvd Cinema, located near Chicago, Illinois also claims to be one of the oldest movie theaters in America. This theater opened its doors back in 1921 and has since become famous for its unique decor featuring classic Hollywood memorabilia from decades past.
While each of these theaters claims to be one of the oldest movie theaters in America, it’s hard to say which one holds that title definitively. All four are certainly deserving of recognition for their long histories and ongoing contributions to American culture.
Conclusion: It’s hard to definitively say which one holds the title as ‘the Oldest Movie Theater’ in America, however all four contenders – AMC Wollaston Theater (MA), Empire Theatre (IA), Ambler Theater (PA), Hollywood Blvd Cinema (IL) are undoubtedly deserving of recognition for their long histories & ongoing contributions to American culture!