Village East Cinema

Village East Cinema is a three-story building with a cast stone facade located at the corner of Second Avenue and 12th Street in Manhattan. The space has been divided into seven screening rooms to show different films simultaneously.

The building opened in 1926 as the Louis N. Jaffe Art Theatre designed in Moorish Revival style by architect Harrison Wiseman for Yiddish theatrical performances. The architectural style reflected its purpose as a cultural venue for the community at that time.

The cinema showcases independent and foreign films while hosting film festivals throughout the year, making it a gathering place for cinema enthusiasts in the neighborhood. Visitors appreciate the variety of productions that rarely appear in larger commercial theaters.

The cinema is located at a busy street corner and is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors should expect limited parking in the surrounding area and check the website for current showtimes and information.

The main auditorium still retains its original 1926 architecture with Moorish details that are visible to visitors today. These elements create a striking contrast to the modern renovations found in the other screening rooms.

Location: New York County

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

GPS coordinates: 40.73096,-73.98640

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27