Palace Theatre
791 Broadway,
Gary,
IN
46402
791 Broadway,
Gary,
IN
46402
16 people
favorited this theater
John Eberson designed the Palace Theatre in a Atmospheric style, seating originally nearly 3,000. The theater opened in November 1925 with live stage shows and vaudeville acts in addition to motion pictures.
Operating for decades as one of Gary’s grandest entertainment venues, the cavernous Palace Theatre slowly slid into decline, closing in 1972.
Since then, several attempts have been made to bring the theater back to life, but unfortunately, none have been successful. Meanwhile, this sadly forgotten Eberson designed treasure has fallen into major disrepair, with substantial water damage to its auditorium and its Renaissance-style exterior crumbling away. A precarious-looking 1950’s or 1960’s era marquee appears in danger of falling off at any time.
Though in danger of being lost, the Palace Theatre would make an ideal performing arts or classic films venue, for anyone with enough interest, and more importantly, money, to put into restoring it.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 83 comments)
The Fb page looks great. Hope to see something done with Gary.
?Who is the current owner of the theatre/building?
The city is and we are trying to rehab the building.
theatre123 thanks for the info. Now that’s gonna be a BIG job!
We need your support and others as well.
I remember the Palace Theater in Gary well. I had the honor of being it’s manager for a while.
One day the televisions told the sad story that our great leader had been killed in Dallas
Already we had several people in our matinee audience. I went out on the stage and said the following: “Please excuse us for stopping the movie, but I have to tell you that it has just been reported that John F. Kennedy had just be assigned in Dallas, Texas.”
There was a quite in the theater, but everyone remained setting. No one saying any thing. I then said “do you not under stand what I am saying, The president of the United States is dead.” A woman let out a frighting scream, and people went running from the theater.
http://www.change.org/petitions/friends-of-the-palace-theatre-restorerehab-the-palace-theatre-and-make-it-functional-again?
It seems they have a petiton to restore it
http://www.change.org/petitions/friends-of-the-palace-theatre-restorerehab-the-palace-theatre-and-make-it-functional-again?
The ornate Spanish Baroque organ screen of the Palace Theatre at Gary can be seen in this photo illustrating an ad for the George Kilgen & Son organ company in the October 13, 1928, issue of Motion Picture News.
Gosh darnit, when I see pics like that 1928 one you posted a link to, Joe Vogel. Makes me sad that I have a strong gut feeling, that this theater will more than likely never be saved, especially considering it closed in 1972. :( At least the New Regal(nee Avalon) Theater 20 miles west on the southeast side of Chicago, might have a small chance of being saved and brought back to life. crossing fingers
Tribune article with one current photo. Copy & Paste to view.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-gary-abandoned-homes-st-0219-2-20150218-story.html