You will find any number of historic movie houses, theaters, and even those now-rare drive-ins sprinkled throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s antiquated Nickelodeon dating back to 1905 to the D.C. region’s Avalon Theatre from 1923, it’s heart-warming to know that many such venues have been preserved and restored by caring folks with a true sense of classic cinematic appreciation. Even Maryland’s Parkway Theatre, which was built in 1915, now enjoys new life as the home to the Maryland Film Festival following a formerly lengthy closure, from which it was eventually revived.
Speaking of Maryland specifically, it’s worth noting that you have an impressive array of theaters that have withstood the test of time in this state alone. One of the most stellar standout examples is Baltimore’s acclaimed Senator Theatre. As the oldest, still-consistently operating movie house (which was founded as a movie house) in Central Maryland, the Senator has an impressive storied past. So, in honor of Oscar Week, in this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m sharing a brief overview of that story.
An Architectural Marvel
E. Eyring constructed Baltimore’s Senator Theatre for Durkee Enterprises in the late 1930s at an original cost of $250,000. Noted architect John Jacob Zink, renowned for his impeccable, quality designs of movie houses throughout Maryland and D.C., took control of envisioning the building’s structural theme and motif. He designed the theater to exude an elaborate Art Deco ambiance, with ascending glass blocks, limestone, and the incorporation of multicolored backlighting of the glass block to produce a dramatic nighttime effect.
Terrazzo floors and themed murals depicting the history of performing arts were among the other classic touches Zink incorporated into the building’s construction. A massive gold curtain over the screen, opening and closing each performance accordingly, has forever remained a staple in the Senator’s operations.
Grand Opening and Operations Through the Years
The Senator Theatre made its grand opening debut to the public on October 5, 1939. Its premiere film showing was that of Stanley and Livingstone, starring Spencer Tracy and Nancy Kelly.
The theater’s popularity only continued to grow more abundantly in the following decades. Not only has it attracted attention locally, but it’s even garnered national and international recognition. You can even spot its inclusion in such films as Diner (1982), Avalon (1990), and 12 Monkeys (1995). It can also be seen in the music video “Just a Friend” by Mario in 2002.
While known for showing first-run movies, the Senator also quickly became the go-to theater where local directors like John Waters and Barry Levinson chose to premiere their films. It’s also emerged as the place to see premieres featuring celebrities with local ties, like Edward Norton and Jada Pinkett Smith, and movies that take place regionally along the East Coast. Speaking of celebrities, it’s also worth noting the many notable names who have attended movie premieres here. The lineup includes John Travolta, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Damon, Joaquin Phoenix, Salma Hayek, and several others.
The Senator Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1989. Then, in 2003, it was even selected to become the first venue to complete the Historic Cinema Certification Program from THX Ltd.—a company started by George Lucas in San Rafael, California.
Restorations and Revitalizations
By the time the early 2000s rolled around, the Senator was already beginning to show early signs of emerging financial struggles. It even narrowly avoided going to auction in 2007, thanks to funds raised through a grassroots campaign. The theater again faced foreclosure in 2009, at which time they even ceased showing first-run movies for the first time in 70 years.
But forever-faithful locals rightfully rallied behind the theater, showing their support as darker times progressed. Initially, the City of Baltimore bought the mortgage for the theater in May 2009 and purchased the actual site property at auction on July 23 that same year.
With new owners at the helm, renovations quickly got underway on the existing Senator Theatre. The initial intent was to both revitalize the theater as well as restore it to its former glory, honoring its existing authenticity and classic callouts to the Golden Age of Cinema. Let it be known that all of the newer additions have kept in adherence to the theater’s original cadence.
When it originally opened, for instance, the Senator boasted as many as 1,150 available seats. That number has been altered through the years in light of the aforementioned renovations.
The addition of an elaborate sidewalk out front, which features a “walk of fame,” serves to honor both mainstream and localized cinematic accomplishments. You have references to films that came out the same year the theater made its world debut, like Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, along with Baltimore-based classics like Hairspray, He Said, She Said, and others.
New Life and a Lasting Legacy
The Senator reopened on October 10, 2013, and has since been revived by a new life and a lasting legacy. In addition to the restored original main auditorium, three others have since been established. All offer wheelchair accessibility, closed captioning, and other assisted services for disabled guests. You’ll also find all the classic provisions that are so essential to any movie-going experience and then some, including concessions. It’s been noted that they arguably serve the finest popcorn around, even offering real butter upon request!
The theater also boasts two skyboxes that can be rented out for private engagements of up to 40 people. They are connected by the mezzanine overlooking the outer lobby.
In 2007, the building’s exterior was designated a Baltimore City Landmark by the Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). The interior followed suit in 2011.
Today, the Senator Theatre continues to stand out as a modern marvel, boasting several accolades. Among these are a modern 40-foot curved screen, state-of-the-art projection systems, and Dolby Digital sound with surround EX. It even has the potential to screen films in 35mm or 70mm. In-house equipment includes a Bauer U2 projector with high-end German lenses.
The Senator continues to showcase first-run releases, revivals, and other specialties to this day. And it continues carrying out optimal operations for the viewing pleasure of newer generations and nostalgia seekers alike.
The Senator Theatre is located at 5904 York Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212. For more information, visit the website at www.thesenatortheatre.com.