The Loews Paradise Theater is a historic movie palace that dates back to 1929. It was one of the five “Wonder Theatres” built by Loews Inc. constructed during the golden age of grand movie theaters, and is located at 2417 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, New York. It is landmarked for both its interiors and exterior facade.
The Paradise Theater is characterized by its Italian Baroque design and ornate details. The theater was once the largest and most famous movie palace in the Bronx. Over the years, the theater has undergone several renovations to keep up with changing times, but its grandeur and charm have remained intact despite being closed for many years. Today, the theater is a designated individual landmark and is considered one of the most significant examples of Art Deco architecture in the city.
The Loews Paradise Theater is available only for private events, but continues to remain an important part of the Bronx’s cultural heritage.
Loews Paradise History
Loews Paradise Theater is a historic theater located in the Bronx, New York. It was designed by renowned theater architect John Eberson and opened its doors on September 7, 1929. The theater was one of five so-called “Wonder Theatres” built by the Loews chain of movie theaters in New York City outside midtown Manhattan. The theater was built on the Grand Concourse, a major thoroughfare in the Bronx, and was designed to seat up to 4,000 people.
The theater’s Italian Baroque-style movie palace design was inspired by the atmospheric style of theater architecture, which aimed to transport the audience to a different time and place through the use of elaborate and immersive decorations. The theater’s interior was designed to resemble a Mediterranean garden, featuring a starry sky, twinkling stars, and a large mural of a Spanish courtyard.
In its early days, Loews Paradise Theater was a popular destination for moviegoers, who came to see the latest films and enjoy the theater’s luxurious amenities. However, as the popularity of movie theaters declined in the latter half of the 20th century, the theater began to suffer. By the 1980s, the theater had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being demolished.
In 2005, the theater was designated as an individual landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. This designation helped to protect the theater from demolition and spurred efforts to restore the building to its former glory.
In the years that followed, the theater underwent a major renovation and restoration effort, and continues to be a cultural landmark in the Bronx.
Theater Exterior
The theater exterior retains the original signage, though parts of the clock have disappeared over the years. This is what the Lowe’s Paradise Theater building looks like from the outside, completely camouflaging the stunning interiors. The exteriors stretch to include stores that share the same look and feel even today.
Loews Paradise Theater Entrance
While access to the theater is restricted, you can see the entrance from the outside, and it still retains its grandeur despite needing signficiant repair.
Interior of the Theater
The interiors have been restored to reveal their original details. The Italian baroque style details can be seen from the ceilings to the walls, with even the movie poster displays are elaborate windows into another era. The lobby even has a Juliet balcony of its own.
The interior of the Lowes Paradise Theater is like entering a time capsule as it is so completely out of place with what the neighborhood around it is now.
The lobby retains some very ornate spaces for movie/event posters.
Lobby of the Paradise Theater
The lobby of the theater is breathtaking with all the details that cover the walls and ceiling.
Theater Space
The grandeur from the lobby carries through to the single theater.
Loew’s Paradise Theater is unfortunately closed, although it continues to remain available for private events, and I understand is on the market for a buyer.
