Varsity Theatre
4329 University Way NE,
Seattle,
WA
98105
4329 University Way NE,
Seattle,
WA
98105
8 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Far Away Entertainment, Landmark Theatres (USA), United Theaters of California
Architects: Bjarne H. Moe
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Nearby Theaters
Located in the Meister Building which was built in 1921 and designed by architect William White. The Varsity Theatre was opened on October 2, 1940. It was tripled on February 8, 1985. In September of 2003 I found the Varsity Theatre to be open and busy showing movies. “Varsity” was spelled out in red letters with a yellow background in between twin marquees that extended out from the building at an angle.
In the 1970’s it was operated by United Theaters of California (a subsidiary of Pacific Theatre). They sold it to Landmark Theatres (USA) in the early-1980’s. It was taken over by Far Away Entertainment in January 2015. The Varsity Theatre was closed on January 15, 2026.
Contributed by
Don Lewis
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
My image of the VARSITY
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/261191581
The Meister Building was built in 1921, according to this historical site summary from the City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods. The original architect of the building was William White. The expansion and conversion of the building into the Varsity Theatre took place in 1940, and was designed by theater architect Bjarne Moe.
I should have said that the conversion of the building to a theater in 1940 was designed by Bjarne Moe. The expansion of the building took place much later, when the two additional screens were added.
The Varsity got an updating in the mid-1950s, which was handled by the B. F. Shearer Company. Boxoffice of October 22, 1955, featured a two-page article about the project, starting here.
Landmark will be pulling out of the Varsity in January but the property owners are in talks with “an established operator”. Still 35mm got the early run of Interstellar as a result.
Joe Vogel: thanks for the article reference. The link you posted is dead, but I found it at https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/27026732/boxoffice-october221955 (pages 126-7)
Opened on October 2nd, 1940 without any fanfare. Article uploaded. The Uptown and Varsity both reopened with 3 screens apiece on February 8th, 1985. Grand opening ad posted.
The Varsity Theatre closed on January 15, 2026 with Primate, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Marty Supreme.
I am so going to miss this theatre! Going there steady since 1990. 1st film I saw there was Warlock with Julian Sands. Funky old theatre. 86 years is a good long run. However I really hope someone steps up & re opens. Grand Illusion are you listening?
Here’s a story about the closing. Article
I worked at the Varsity several times as a Union projectionist,as a single screen as well as the triplex. I ran the outstanding 1980 Australian film “Breaker Morant” there for over 6 months. The Varsity in the 1970’s operated by United Theaters which was the Washington state division of Pacific Theaters from California. Late 1979 or early 1980 the projection equipment was replaced. Not with new equipment but with used gear of 1940’s vintage. The worn out Motiograph projectors and soundheads were replaced with Brenkert BX-80 projectors and RCA 9030 soundheads along with Magnarc carbon arc lamps. The mono tube amp was replaced with a Dolby CP50 and BGW solid state amps as well. The used gear was supplied and installed by McRae Theater Equipment of Seattle. All of it was in very good condition. United Theaters had chosen not to spend a lot of money on the upgrade, they sold the theater shortly later to Landmark Theaters and it was Landmark that added the 2 small screens upstairs. Landmark also replaced the equipment in the original booth and it was fitted with Xenon lamps, newer Simplex projectors and was automated.