Malek Theater, former movie theater in Independence, Iowa, United States
The Malek Theater is a movie theater in Art Deco style located in Independence that opened in 1947 and measures roughly 60 by 140 feet (18 by 42 meters). The building displays characteristic Art Deco features including clean lines, geometric patterns, and a distinctive glass block tower on its facade that catches light.
The theater was built in 1947 to replace the Grand Theatre, which burned down in 1945, and was constructed to be completely fireproof with steel reinforcement and fire-resistant materials. After decades of operation, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 and transferred to a foundation in 2020 to ensure its preservation.
The Malek Theater served as a gathering place where residents came together to watch films and celebrate local events. Its name reflects Bob Malek's ownership and his role in bringing entertainment to the community during an era when movies were central to town life.
The theater is located in downtown Independence and is easily accessible, near local shops and restaurants. Visitors can admire the building's exterior features, though the interior is not currently open to the public as restoration work continues.
The theater had two private rooms with glass walls for parents with children, one called the crying room, where noise remained contained. This feature shows how the design considered visitor comfort and made movie nights easier for families.
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