Belgrade Theatre

Philadelphia, PA

2848 Belgrade Street

, Philadelphia, PA 19134 United States

(map)

Status:	Closed
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Art Moderne

Function:	Retail
Seats:	500
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	David Supowitz
Firm:	Unknown

The Belgrade, located on Belgrade Street near Auburn Street, originally opened in 1913, with seating for around 500. In 1920, the theater was remodeled, and in 1937, the Belgrade received another facelift, this time in the Art Moderne style, by architect David Supowitz. The theater remained in operation until 1966. Today the building houses a furniture repair store.

Contributed by Bryan

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Thumbnails here (DON'T expand w/o subscription):

http://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/image_gallery.cfm/8148

posted by TC on Mar 1, 2005 at 2:59pm

In its Port Richmond, Philadelphia neighborhood, the Belgrade was known by other names: Bello, Owens, Owensies,and Hero.

posted by monichetti on Sep 20, 2006 at 8:42am

Remodeled in 1937, the Belgrade was one of the first theaters to use glass block sructurally and decoratively.

The Belgrade showed Polish language movies in the 1950's to accommodate its Polish Port Richmond neighborhood. Students from St. Adalbert Catholic School(Polish) often made field trips to the Belgrade to view the Polish films.

The Belgrade temporarily suspended movie operations during World War I and became a sewing shop that manufactured uniforms for
American troops.

A Mr. Owens was the first owner of the Belgrade; hence, its name Owens Theater and Owensies a neighborhood nickname.

Bello is the neighborhood equivalent to Belgrade.

posted by monichetti on Sep 20, 2006 at 8:56am

Only the top photo posted at philadelphiabuildings.org is that of the Belgrade Theater. The 2 other photos are of a beer distibutor. The Belgrade did not stand alone nor did it have parking. The theater stood directly at the sw corner of Belgrade and Auburn Streets in Philadelphia Pa. Brick row homes and businesses;namely, Spina Bakery were neighbors to the Belgrade.

posted by monichetti on Sep 20, 2006 at 9:37am

This photo is from 9-15-1937 The Exhibitor article on Glass Brick
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/821096270/

Text: Aisleheads of the new Belgrade Theatre, Philadelphia, PA David Supowitz, Architect, uses glass brick corners inlaid in wood and lighted from within to direct patrons and promote (Howard Haas note: rest of text missing from my photocopy)

Another photo from same page of the drinking fountain:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/821184060/

posted by HowardBHaas on Jul 15, 2007 at 12:10pm

I remember seeing "The World of Henry Orient", "A Hard Day's Night" and "Giant", among other films, at The Belgrade.

posted by JohnmM on Oct 8, 2007 at 5:20pm

Here is an undated photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2au577

posted by ken mc on Dec 27, 2007 at 8:36pm

ken mc, do you have any memories of the belgrade that you can share on this forum?

posted by monichetti on Jul 3, 2008 at 5:29am

No, I don't. I went to college in Philly, but I don't recall this theater.

posted by ken mc on Jul 3, 2008 at 7:59am

Here is the view from Google. I guess they just stuccoed over whatever was on the front.
http://tinyurl.com/r84oq7

posted by ken mc on May 7, 2009 at 7:27pm

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