Capitol Theatre
220 W. Dominick Street,
Rome,
NY
13440
220 W. Dominick Street,
Rome,
NY
13440
12 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Capitol Theatre, Rome (Official), Rome Grand Theatre Organ Society/ATOS - Capitol Theatre
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Kallet Theaters Inc.
Architects: Leon H. Lempert, Jr.
Functions: Cultural Center, Movies (Classic), Movies (Silent)
Styles: Art Deco
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
315.337.6453
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- May 9, 2008 — Capitol screens silent classic
- Jul 23, 2007 — Upcoming theatre events
The Capitol Theatre opened December 10, 1928 with Colleen Moore & Gary Cooper in “Lilac Time” as part of the Kallet Theaters chain. It was designed by architect Leon H. Lempert, Jr. It was equipped with a Moller 3 manual 7 ranks organ which was opened by organist Robert S. Bancroft. It operated as a first run movie house until the 1970’s, when it closed.
In 1985 the Capitol Theatre re-opened as a civic center. Recently, the original installation Moller theatre organ was returned to working condition.
In 2002, a series of silent movies in 35mm with theatre organ accompaniment was started, featuring such internationally known organists as Philip Carli and Dennis James. The organ is maintained by the Rome Grand Theatre Organ Society, a chapter of the ATOS.
It was extensively renovated and reopened on July 17, 2021.
Contributed by
Arthur Pierce
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Recent comments (view all 23 comments)
Congratulations Capitol Theater folks! How nice to see a bit of the psst returned to the front of the theater – next stop… that marquee! CARRY ON! : )
There is a November 1939 photo here from Boxoffice magazine:
http://tinyurl.com/ydsx7wq
That’s a great photo—thanks for passing along that link! That’s actually the new (1939) marquee; we’re going back to the 1928 marquee and vertical sign which we feel is more appropriate to the front of the building. (And ultimately more effective in advertising the place—that vertical sign is 45 ft. high and will actually extend over the top of the building.)
Too bad the photo links do not work anymore.
FYI, this week is Cartoon Week at the Capitol. They’re running a dozen Looney Tunes in 35mm. If you’re in the area, check it outâ€"it’s a great opportunity to see a film presentation in a downtown theater.
Keep these stories coming in…i love reading those old cinema history
The issue of the Rome Daily Sentinel published on December 8, 1928, two days before the opening of the Capitol, included an article about the Kallet Theatre chain (PDF here.)
The Capitol’s grand re-opening after extensive renovations is tomorrow night:
https://www.romecapitol.com/the-rome-capitol-theatre-will-re-open-on-july-17-2021/
A tornado on July 16, 2024 hit downtown Rome, but the good news is that the Capitol did not receive any damage. Unfortunately neighboring buildings were severely damage though.
Yes, 50sSNIPES, it was truly miraculous! The large glass windows on the office portion of the building were blown out, but the new marquee was left untouched while a building across the street was leveled. There seems to be a protective spirit around that amazing theater. In fact, there always has been!