RKO Keith's Theater

RKO Keith's Theater in Flushing is a movie palace with a three-story Spanish Colonial Revival facade decorated with detailed plaster ornaments. The grand ticket lobby and foyer showcase elaborate decorative elements that display the building's original splendor.

Built in 1928 by architect Thomas W. Lamb, the structure originally opened as the Keith-Albee Theater. When RKO Pictures acquired it in the early 1930s, the building was renamed and began focusing primarily on film screenings.

The venue served as a major gathering place for entertainment in the neighborhood for generations. People came to see both live performances and films, making it a social hub where the community experienced culture together.

The location was a major destination for visitors in Flushing for many years and remains structurally intact today. Visiting offers a chance to see the well-kept original architecture, especially in the protected areas like the foyer and ticket lobby.

The ticket lobby and grand foyer were recognized as protected interior spaces by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1984. This official designation helped ensure these elaborate spaces would be preserved for future generations.

Location: Queens

Architects: Thomas W. Lamb

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

Address: 135-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11354

GPS coordinates: 40.76333,-73.83194

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03