Ambassador Theater

The Ambassador Theater on Liberty Heights Avenue features a striking Streamline Moderne facade with two vertical pylons framed by horizontal brick stripes. This geometric design creates a distinctive appearance that defines the building's character.

Built in 1935, the theater opened as a first-run cinema following a design by architect John Jacob Zink and developed by F.H. Durkee Enterprises. The venue closed its doors to movie audiences in 1968, marking the end of its cinema era.

The building served many roles over time, functioning as a ballroom, skating rink, beauty school, and church, reflecting how Baltimore's neighborhoods adapted to community needs. Each transformation shows the practical flexibility that local spaces offered.

The building at 4604 Liberty Heights Avenue is undergoing restoration and conversion into a community art center through an Artspace project. Work is expected to be completed by 2025.

The original neon lighting system highlighted the flowing curves of the Streamline Moderne style, creating a glowing nighttime presence. The interior held around 1,000 seats across its spaces.

Location: Baltimore

Inception: 1935

Architects: John Jacob Zink

Architectural style: Streamline Moderne

Address: 4604 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21207

GPS coordinates: 39.33132,-76.69487

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41