In this edition of the “Scared Houses Series,” we would like to pay homage to the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA as we continue to celebrate and honor notable movie theaters around the globe.
The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, is a historic movie theater that has become a beloved cultural landmark in the city. Established in 1939, it is the oldest continuously operating cinema in Atlanta.
The Plaza Theatre was designed by architect George Harwell Bond and opened its doors on December 23, 1939. Located on Ponce de Leon Avenue in the Briarcliff Plaza. At its opening, it was a grand, single-screen cinema with 1,000 seats, catering to the growing movie-going audience of the late 1930s and early 1940s.
The Plaza primarily showcased first-run films during its early years, providing the local community access to popular Hollywood movies. Like many theaters of the era, the building’s architecture was influenced by the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles, giving it a stylish, sleek design.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the Plaza Theatre experienced uncertainty. During this time, the theater began to screen more independent and exploitation films, reflecting the changing tastes of the movie-going public. It also became known for midnight movie screenings and cult films, attracting a more eclectic crowd.
For a period, the Plaza was also used as an adult cinema, screening X-rated and pornographic films, a common strategy for struggling theaters at the time. In the 1980s, as Independent and cult cinema became more popular, the cinema began showcasing midnight movies like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and other cult classics, helping to build a loyal following.
In 2017, ownership changed hands again when Christopher Escobar, the executive director of the Atlanta Film Society, purchased the theater. Escobar’s acquisition marked a new era for the Plaza, with a renewed focus on enhancing the theater’s role as a cultural hub. Under his leadership, the Plaza became a cornerstone of Atlanta’s independent cinema scene, partnering with local film organizations and continuing its midnight screenings, repertory films, and special events tradition.
The Plaza Theatre underwent further renovations, including restoring its iconic neon marquee. The theater expanded its focus on community engagement by hosting events like the Atlanta Film Festival and offering diverse programming, from independent films and classic movies to live performances and discussions.
Today, the Plaza Theatre is celebrated as a cultural landmark in Atlanta. It continues to operate as an independent cinema, offering various film experiences. The Plaza symbolizes the city’s vibrant film culture, from first-run independent films to cult classics.
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*If anyone wants to send me one of their tasty sweatshirts?
If you know of a theater that deserves recognition in our “Sacred Houses” series, please contact us and provide details about its location, name, and significance to you or your community. We are passionate about supporting local theaters and believe they should be celebrated alongside the more well-known historic venues.
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