New Metro Twin
2626 Broadway,
New York,
NY
10025
2626 Broadway,
New York,
NY
10025
14 people
favorited this theater
Opening as the Midtown Theater, this classic theater, located almost 60 blocks north of Times Square, survived several tumultuous years.
Beginning as a first run theater, the Midtown Theatre, now known as the Metro (Twin), switched to second run and then adult films during New York City’s darker years (the 1970’s and 1980’s).
Restored by Clearview Cinemas and twinned, the former balcony became the second auditorium, but elaborate ornamentation remained on view in both spaces. The Metro Theatre has retained its beautiful and unique Art Deco style facade.
This underrated theater closed in January 2003, shortly after the Olympia Theatre met the reaper, but reopened only a couple months later.
The Metro Twin was once more closed by Clearview in August 2004 but again reopened under independent ownership in December 2004 after a renovation. The New Metro closed once again at the end of 2005. The facade is legally protected, but the interior was gutted and offered for retail.
In April 2012, it was announced the Metro Theatre would be reopened by the Alamo Drafthouse chain in 2013 as a 5-screen theatre on 3 levels.
Contributed by
Cinema Treasures
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Here’s an interview with the new owner: westsiderag
He’s going to run into trouble with that ‘no kids under 6’ policy. Cineplex Odeon was sued for attempting that in New York.
Sad that the theater was completely gutted. Seems that Alamo might have employed many of the original architectural features in the new auditoriums. It is heartening to hear that they will research the original decor and use that as a basis to design and trim the new interior.
Al… I wonder if Alamo will be able to succeed where CO wasn’t, based on their being licensed to serve liquor on the premises.
The Ritz mentioned in the interview with Tim Leauge is a cool venue that was turned into two stadium seating theaters with great sight lines. I think they were working with a raw shell there but it’s a pretty classy-looking place, I’m sure The Metro will also incorporate elements of the original look. After all they are all about vintage.
With this said I love Alamo Drafthouse – they program everything down to the pre-show (imagine YouTube clips designed to get you excited about the film you’re about to see). While I also really like Nitehawk in Willliamsburg (it’s the closest thing to Alamo in the area) it’s always encouraging to see a movie theatre run by film lovers create a fun but respectful atmosphere (including kicking out talkers and texters), I think people will travel uptown for the experience. (and it makes sense to go uptown, below 14th is probably over screened so they’ll be massive compitition for product). The only thing about them that’s a little concerning is the pace at which they’re expanding….
How in world are they going to build five screens with stadium seating and tables plus a lobby and kitchen in that little single screen space?
Since there was a balcony in the original, they’ll stack them and likely utilize basement space. I anticipate at least a few of these rooms will be quite small, but I’m hoping the screen sizes remain reasonable.
I am dubious about these big plans. I passed by the other day and not only was there not any work being done but there was also a Space Available banner up.
Photos of the construction progress: http://www.westsiderag.com/2013/04/08/heres-a-first-peek-at-the-transformation-of-the-old-metro-theate
Direct link to article and photos here