Elgin Theater, Movie theater in Chelsea, Manhattan, US
The Elgin Theater was a 600-seat cinema located at 175 8th Avenue in Chelsea, featuring a Moderne style facade with a prominent marquee at its entrance. It offered diverse film programming from morning until late night, including both revival screenings and art house productions.
Simon Zelnik designed the building in 1942 with a Moderne architectural style, initially operating as a mainstream cinema before transitioning to Spanish language films. The venue continued under this format until 1978, when it ceased regular film operations.
The theater gained recognition for midnight film screenings that began in 1970, creating a new model for alternative cinema culture across America. This programming approach attracted audiences seeking unconventional movie experiences beyond mainstream offerings.
The theater operated throughout the day, opening in the morning and remaining open until late evening, allowing visitors flexibility in timing their visits. Its location on 8th Avenue in Chelsea provided easy access for neighborhood patrons.
After closing as a cinema, the building was converted into the Joyce Theater in 1982 and became a venue for dance performances. This transformation shows how cultural spaces in New York can be repurposed for different art forms.
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