Avalon Regal Theater, Movie theater in South Shore, Chicago, United States
The Avalon Regal Theater is a movie house in Chicago designed with Moorish Revival architecture that draws from Persian influences. Its interior features colorful tile mosaics, intricate lattice patterns, and a ceiling designed to resemble a flying carpet, with seating for around 2,300 people.
Architect John Eberson designed the building in 1927 as an entertainment venue for German, Swedish, and Irish immigrants in the neighborhood. Over time, the audience shifted and it became an important performance venue for Black artists starting in the 1980s.
The theater served as a gathering place where the Black community came together for performances and entertainment, especially from the 1980s onward as it became a stage for major artists. This social function remains visible in the careful details of the space, which reflects how communities used performance venues to celebrate and connect.
The theater is located on East 79th Street and has been closed since 2003, though it is currently undergoing renovation work. Visitors should check for updates on opening status and renovation progress before planning a visit.
The building hosted Barack Obama's first presidential election night victory gathering and participates in architecture walking tours organized by the Chicago Architecture Center. This recognition reflects how the structure's design continues to draw attention far beyond the neighborhood.
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