Garden Theatre

Garden Theatre is a movie theater in Pittsburgh's Central Northside neighborhood, distinguished by its ornate Beaux-Arts terra cotta facade. The structure stands at 12 West North Avenue and showcases the architectural work of designer Thomas N. Scott.

The theater opened in 1915 with funding from David E. Park, a prominent steel industry figure in Pittsburgh. It initially served as a first-run cinema before changing its programming focus in 1973.

The theater appeared in multiple film productions, including The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh in 1979 and the television adaptation of The Piano Lesson in 1995.

The property underwent acquisition by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2007 as part of a broader redevelopment strategy. The site is being converted into residential apartments, transforming the historic structure for contemporary use.

Bennett Amdursky managed the theater for decades after purchasing it from the original owner's son in 1924, keeping it operational for more than 40 years. His long tenure shaped how the building functioned as a gathering place in the neighborhood.

Location: Pittsburgh

Address: 12 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

GPS coordinates: 40.45550,-80.00730

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06