Pickwick Theatre, Art Deco movie theater in Park Ridge, Illinois
The Pickwick Theatre is an Art Deco movie theater in Park Ridge, Illinois, defined by a striking 100-foot tower and an auditorium featuring Aztec and Mayan architectural influences. The building contains multiple screening rooms, including a 39-seat theater on the second floor and three additional screens positioned behind the main auditorium.
The theater was designed by architect R. Harold Zook and opened in 1928 as an important gathering place for Park Ridge's growing community. It gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, marking its status as an important local landmark.
The theater's name comes from Charles Dickens' character Samuel Pickwick, chosen by Park Ridge's mayor William H. Malone I. This literary connection has shaped how local residents think about this gathering place over the decades.
The location is accessible from the main street and offers ample parking nearby for visitors. The various theaters are clearly marked, making it easy to find your way whether you are looking for an intimate screening room or the larger main auditorium.
The blend of Art Deco design with Aztec and Mayan inspired details makes the building unusual, as such cultural elements are rarely seen in Illinois movie theaters. This unexpected combination creates a visually interesting environment that stands apart from typical theater designs of that era.
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