Naro Expanded Cinema

1507 Colley Avenue,
Norfolk, VA 23517

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Related Websites

Naro Expanded Cinema (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Wilder Theatres

Functions: Movies (Foreign), Movies (Independent)

Styles: Art Deco

Previous Names: Colley Theatre, Naro Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 757.625.6276
Manager: 757.625.6275

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News About This Theater

Naro Expanded Cinema

The Colley Theatre, in the Ghent section of downtown Norfolk, opened on February 23, 1936 with James Cagney in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. It was still named Colley Theatre in 1957.

Reopened in the early-1970’s as an art house and revival theater, the Naro Theatre has enjoyed success over the years, catering to a loyal audience interested in independent, foreign and limited release features.

Contributed by Brett England

Recent comments (view all 23 comments)

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on May 7, 2012 at 3:38 pm

This photo of the Colley Theatre is dated 1936. Aside from the loss of the vertical sign and the original marquee, and the removal a bit of the nice Art Deco detailing on the ground floor, the facade of this theater is remarkably well preserved.

bufffilmbuff
bufffilmbuff on February 14, 2014 at 9:58 am

Now that the Naro is completely digital I have technical question about their old days. I know during the 70’s and 80’s they had 70mm capacity. But back when the theatre was still called the Colley, did they also have 70mm? I ask since I know the Norfolk premiere showings of both CLEOPATRA and PATTON played there. I know other road show pictures played there in the 60’s as well. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks.

sliwi
sliwi on January 31, 2015 at 1:48 pm

I lived in Norfolk during the 1950s. I lived on Baldwin Ave. around the corner from the Colley Theater. Does any remember whether it had a balcony or not. Please let me know. I spent many Saturday matinees in this theater.

Coffindan
Coffindan on August 24, 2016 at 10:47 am

sliwi, yes it does have a balcony. It’s usually not open these days however. I’m not too sure why.

MSC77
MSC77 on April 23, 2019 at 1:17 pm

What company or chain ran the Naro in the early 1980s?

MSC77
MSC77 on October 9, 2022 at 2:33 pm

Sharing the link to a recently-published chronology of the Tidewater region’s 70mm presentation history. The Naro Expanded Cinema is mentioned quite a few times in the piece.

rivest266
rivest266 on October 22, 2023 at 2:25 pm

Reopened as Naro on March 17th, 1967. Ad posted.

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