5th Avenue, Seattle
Image by Truus, Bob & Jan too!
5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
This is one of the most celebrated movie palaces ever built. The 5th Avenue Theatre opened in 1926. Under the guidance of architect Robert C. Reamer and interior designer Gustav F. Liljestrom, the ornate interior was modeled after three of Imperial China’s architectural achievements: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heavenly Peace, and the Summer Palace. The theatre was also considered a technical marvel at the time, thanks to its state-of-the-art sound, lighting and ventilation systems. In the early days, people eagerly lined up for first-class vaudeville shows, featuring top entertainers. The Theatre later transformed itself into a popular movie palace. The 5th fell on hard times in the late 1970’s, and closed in 1978.
The 5th Avenue was saved from a wrecking ball by a visionary group of 43 businesses and community leaders. Following a spectacular .6-million renovation, the theatre re-opened in 1980, more beautiful than ever. Several changes were made during the renovation: the orchestra pit and auditorium seating were rebuilt, the dressing rooms moved, and the technical systems updated. However, the furniture, fixtures and signage are original. Even the paint was carefully restored to its original luster.Today, the theatre produces musical revivals, premieres of bound-for-Broadway shows, and presents touring Broadway musicals.
Sources: Cinema Treasures and 5th Avenue.
