The Hollywood Theatre is a theatre owned by a non-profit organization whose mission is to entertain, inspire, educate and connect the community through the art of film, while preserving a historic Portland landmark.
It is the central historical point of the Hollywood District in northeast Portland, Oregon. The Theatre is located at approximately 42nd and Sandy, across the street from the first suburban Fred Meyer store, which is currently occupied by Rite Aid. The Hollywood Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Commissioned by Jensen and Herberg in 1926, architects John Virginius Bennes and Harry A. Herzog designed the façade of the building after the Baths of Caracalla.
The theater has undergone a series of renovations since it was purchased in 1997 by Film Action Oregon. In November 2011, Regal Cinemas donated newer theater seats to the Hollywood Theatre. Two years later a Kickstarter campaign raised the funds necessary to erect a new marquee to be lit in September 2013.
Originally a venue for vaudeville and silent movies, the Hollywood Theatre currently screens local and international films, classic cinema, animation, grindhouse, educational, independent and experimental programming along with blockbuster second-run movies, featuring many programs in 35mm. The main downstairs auditorium has a 50-foot screen, while two smaller auditoriums are located upstairs, separated by a lounge.
A new marquee replicating the original 1926 one was installed in late August 2013. It replaced a marquee that had been installed in the 1970s.
The Hollywood Theatre offers three auditoriums with a seating capacity that ranges from 111 to 384.
Airport theater
In December 2015, Hollywood Theatre announced plans to open an annex theater in Portland International Airport. The theater will seat 18 with standing room for 10 to 20 people and also have space for live performances. The theatre will show short films no longer than 20 minutes and be free of charge. In mid-February 2017, it was reported that the airport "microcinema" would open on February 23 and have seating for 17 people.
Gallery
References
External links
- Official website
- News Reel of Hollywood Theatre
- Celebrating 90 Years of Portland's Hollywood Theatre on YouTube
