North Park Theatre

Originally part of the Shea’s chain, the North Park Theatre exemplified a spacious comfortable neighborhood theatre, which originally seated 1,222 when it opened in 1920. While certainly not a movie palace like the Shea’s Buffalo Theatre (now the Shea’s Performing Arts Center), it’s grand by today’s expectations. The theatre building (and the theatre itself) have that solid look and feel that’s almost impossible to reproduce with modern architecture.

The beautiful wooden entry doors and marble entryway represent sharp contrast to the multiplexes. The marquee is impressive and although the theatre is a little worn it’s kept tidy. Even more important, it’s kept adequately warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The building was later operated by Loew’s Theatres.

I don’t think I’d catagorize the North Park Theatre as an art house but they tend to show only semi-mainstream and some foreign films. I’ve seen several good films at the North Park Theatre. Their popcorn is good and the neighborhood hosts many excellent reasonably priced restaurants. Operated by Dipson Theatres for many years, it was taken over by independent management in 2013. Restoration and renovations were carried out, and new digital projection equipment installed. The North Park Theatre was reopened March 7, 2014 with “Girl on a Bicycle”.

A trip to the North Park Theatre and Hertel Avenue is an enjoyable experience.

Recent comments (view all 66 comments)

DavidDymond on May 24, 2013 at 3:38 pm

Was this theatre owned and operated by the BASIL BROTHERS???

LouB on May 24, 2013 at 4:34 pm

The Dipsons have lost money for the last 5 years showing art films. Maybe some diversity might work-second run films at reduced prices, kids matinees on Saturday, classical films. Just a thought.

Buffalo International Film Festival on June 11, 2013 at 3:30 pm

With community support, it is possible that the Buffalo Cinematheque may help resurrect and upgrade the theater. Look for a KickStarter soon to support this. It will require serious interest on the part of the entire community.

cpdearing on September 1, 2013 at 7:38 pm

Hi! I work with the new ownership group. You can keep updates on our progress by following us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nptheatre and signing up at our website, http://www.northparktheatre.org

The goal is to create a DESTINATION movie theatre experience for films buffs all over the Northeast.

Advice and suggestions are welcome.

Patsy on March 9, 2014 at 7:53 am

Pleased to see North Park on CT and do plan to visit this restored gem this summer.

LouB on April 28, 2014 at 5:39 pm

Theatre looks great! Seeing a movie here is special.

spectrum on January 2, 2015 at 5:40 pm

The following link shows some nice interior photos featuring the extensive restoration carried out in 2013-2014. They also upgraded the infrastructure and put in digital projection.

http://www.northparktheatre.org/about/

robboehm on December 25, 2017 at 6:57 pm

Facade appears in a recent TV Christmas movie. Can’t remember which one. It wasn’t a Prince for Christmas because that showed the Aurora.

robboehm on July 3, 2018 at 11:59 am

Interior and exterior shots appear in current Turner Classic Movie promotions.

LouB on May 30, 2019 at 2:44 pm

Theater has been renovated. Drop ceiling was removed doubling the ceilings height to 30 feet.