Discover Cinematreasures: Your Guide To Movie Theater History!

Morton Kilback 29 May 2025

What are Cinematreasures?

Ever wondered where your favorite classic films were first screened, or what hidden architectural gems once housed the silver screen? Cinematreasures is the digital answer, a meticulously curated online database dedicated to preserving the legacy of movie theaters, both grand and humble, past and present. It's more than just a listing; it's a living archive that weaves together history, architecture, and the very soul of cinematic experience.

The seeds of this cinematic haven were sown in 1995 by John Triber and Rob Patrick, visionaries who recognized the importance of documenting these cultural landmarks. What began as a passion project has blossomed into a global repository, encompassing over 180,000 theaters across the globe. Cinematreasures operates as a non-profit organization, fueled by the generosity of its users who understand the value of preserving these spaces for future generations.

Aspect	Information
Name	Cinematreasures
Founders	John Triber & Rob Patrick
Year Founded	1995
Type	Non-profit Organization, Online Database
Scope	Worldwide (over 180,000 theaters)
Mission	Preserving the history of movie theaters
Key Features	Comprehensive database, detailed information (history, architecture, programming), user-friendly interface
Support	Donations from users
Official Website	Cinematreasures.org

For those captivated by the magic of the movies and the architectural marvels that once housed them, Cinematreasures is more than just a website; it's a portal into a bygone era. It's a digital time capsule filled with the echoes of laughter, gasps of surprise, and the collective experience of movie-going.

Cinematreasures is an important resource for anyone interested in the history of cinema. It is a valuable tool for researchers, historians, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local movie theater.

The power of Cinematreasures lies not only in its extensive catalog but also in the depth of information it offers. Each theater entry is a mini-encyclopedia, revealing the story behind the building. From the grand picture palaces designed by renowned architects to the humble neighborhood theaters that served as community hubs, each venue has its own unique narrative to tell.

Delving into Cinematreasures, one can discover the architectural styles that defined different eras of cinema, from the opulent Art Deco designs of the 1920s and 30s to the sleek, modern aesthetics of later decades. Detailed descriptions of the building's facade, interior layout, and even the types of projection equipment used are meticulously documented. This wealth of information is invaluable for architects, historians, and preservationists seeking to understand the evolution of theater design and technology.

But Cinematreasures offers more than just architectural details; it also provides a glimpse into the programming of these theaters. Imagine being able to trace the cinematic journey of a particular venue, discovering which classic films graced its screen, which local premieres generated excitement, and which genres dominated its schedule. This wealth of information offers a fascinating window into the cultural tastes and entertainment preferences of different communities and time periods.

The website's user-friendly interface makes navigating this vast ocean of information a breeze. Whether you're searching for a specific theater by name, location, or architectural style, or simply browsing through the database to discover hidden gems, the intuitive search tools and clear organization make the process both efficient and enjoyable.

Cinematreasures is the most comprehensive database of movie theaters in the world. It includes information on over 180,000 theaters from all over the world.

Cinematreasures provides detailed information on each theater, including its history, architecture, and programming. This information is often difficult to find elsewhere.

Cinematreasures has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to search for and find information on theaters.

Cinematreasures is a non-profit organization that is supported by donations from its users. This ensures that the website remains free and accessible to all.

But what truly sets Cinematreasures apart is its commitment to historical preservation. In a world where historic buildings are often demolished or remodeled to make way for modern development, Cinematreasures serves as a vital record of these disappearing landmarks. By documenting the history, architecture, and programming of these theaters, the website ensures that their stories are not forgotten.

Researchers find a treasure trove of information within the digital walls of Cinematreasures. The detailed histories of individual theaters, often pieced together from archival records, newspaper clippings, and personal anecdotes, offer valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the movie-going experience. Historians can use this information to track the evolution of cinema as a form of entertainment, to study the impact of technological advancements on theater design, and to explore the role of movie theaters in shaping community identity.

Cinematreasures is a valuable resource for researchers interested in the history of cinema. The website provides detailed information on theaters, including their history, architecture, and programming.

Cinematreasures helps to preserve the history of cinema. The website provides information on theaters that have been demolished or remodeled, ensuring that their history is not lost.

Cinematreasures helps to build community among people who are interested in cinema. The website provides a forum for users to share information about theaters and to discuss their favorite movies.

For preservationists, Cinematreasures serves as a crucial tool for identifying and advocating for the protection of endangered theaters. By highlighting the architectural significance and cultural value of these buildings, the website helps to raise awareness about the importance of preserving them for future generations. In some cases, the information provided by Cinematreasures has even been used to successfully save threatened theaters from demolition.

Cinematreasures is an online database of movie theaters, past and present. It includes information on the theater's history, architecture, and programming. Cinematreasures is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of cinema or in finding out more about their local movie theater.

Comprehensive Database
Detailed Information
User-Friendly Interface
Non-Profit Organization
Research Tool
Historical Preservation

These key aspects make Cinematreasures a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of cinema. It is a comprehensive database with detailed information on movie theaters from all over the world. The website is easy to use and is supported by a non-profit organization. Cinematreasures is also a valuable research tool and helps to preserve the history of cinema.

The heart of Cinematreasures is its comprehensive database. Its a monumental effort, a digital map charting the rise and fall of countless cinemas across the world. This database isn't just a list of names and addresses; it's a rich tapestry of information woven together from various sources, including historical records, architectural plans, and personal accounts.

Cinematreasures is a comprehensive database of movie theaters, past and present. It includes information on over 180,000 theaters from all over the world. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of cinema or in finding out more about their local movie theater.

The comprehensive database is one of the key aspects that makes Cinematreasures so valuable. It allows users to search for theaters by location, name, or type. Users can also browse through the database to find information on theaters that are no longer in operation.

The comprehensive database is also important for researchers. It provides a wealth of information on the history of cinema. Researchers can use the database to track the development of movie theaters over time and to learn about the different types of theaters that have existed.

The comprehensive database is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of cinema. It is a user-friendly database that provides a wealth of information on movie theaters from all over the world.

Imagine being able to trace the lineage of your local movie theater, discovering when it first opened its doors, what architectural style it embodied, and which iconic films graced its screen during its heyday. Cinematreasures makes this kind of exploration possible, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the cinematic past.

Cinematreasures provides detailed information on each theater, including its history, architecture, and programming. This information is often difficult to find elsewhere, making Cinematreasures a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of cinema.

History
Cinematreasures provides detailed information on the history of each theater, including its opening date, closing date, and any major renovations or changes in ownership. This information is important for researchers interested in the history of cinema and for anyone who wants to learn more about their local movie theater.
Architecture
Cinematreasures provides detailed information on the architecture of each theater, including its size, design, and materials used. This information is important for architects and historians interested in the history of movie theater architecture.
Programming
Cinematreasures provides detailed information on the programming of each theater, including the movies that have been shown there and the dates they were shown. This information is important for researchers interested in the history of cinema and for anyone who wants to learn more about the movies that have been shown at their local movie theater.

The detailed information provided by Cinematreasures makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of cinema. This information is often difficult to find elsewhere, and it is essential for researchers and anyone who wants to learn more about their local movie theater.

The site meticulously catalogs the history of each cinema, detailing opening and closing dates, major renovations, and changes in ownership. This historical record paints a picture of the theater's evolution, reflecting changes in society, technology, and entertainment preferences.

The architectural details are another key feature, providing a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of different eras. From the opulent movie palaces of the silent era to the streamlined designs of the mid-century modern period, Cinematreasures captures the architectural diversity of movie theaters around the world.

Furthermore, the website delves into the programming of each theater, listing the films that were shown and the dates they were screened. This information offers a unique perspective on the cinematic landscape of different communities, revealing which movies resonated with local audiences and which genres were most popular.

Cinematreasures has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to search for and find information on theaters. This is important for several reasons.

Ease of Use
The user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to use Cinematreasures, regardless of their technical skills. This is important for researchers, historians, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local movie theater.
Time-Saving
The user-friendly interface saves users time by making it easy to find the information they are looking for. This is important for researchers who need to quickly find information on a specific theater.
Accessibility
The user-friendly interface makes Cinematreasures accessible to a wider audience. This is important for people who may not be familiar with using online databases.
Enjoyable Experience
The user-friendly interface makes using Cinematreasures an enjoyable experience. This is important for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of cinema.

The user-friendly interface is an important aspect of Cinematreasures. It makes the website easy to use, saves users time, and makes it accessible to a wider audience. This is important for researchers, historians, and anyone who wants to learn more about the history of cinema.

Navigating the Cinematreasures database is a seamless and intuitive experience. The website's design is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to find the information you're looking for, even if you're not a tech-savvy user. Whether you're conducting in-depth research or simply indulging your curiosity, the user-friendly interface ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The search functionality is particularly impressive, allowing you to narrow your search by location, theater name, architectural style, or even the types of films that were shown. This level of granularity makes it easy to find precisely the information you need, saving you time and frustration.

Furthermore, the website is designed to be accessible to users of all abilities. The text is clear and readable, the images are well-optimized, and the navigation is easy to understand. This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the wealth of information that Cinematreasures has to offer.

Cinematreasures is a non-profit organization that is supported by donations from its users. This means that the website is not operated for profit, and all of the money that is donated is used to support the website's mission of preserving the history of cinema.

There are many benefits to being a non-profit organization. First, it allows Cinematreasures to focus on its mission without having to worry about making a profit. This means that the website can provide comprehensive and detailed information on movie theaters without having to worry about advertising or other revenue-generating activities.

Second, being a non-profit organization allows Cinematreasures to accept donations from individuals and organizations. This support is essential for the website's continued operation and allows Cinematreasures to provide its services free of charge to users.

Third, being a non-profit organization helps to ensure that Cinematreasures is independent and objective. The website is not beholden to any particular group or organization, and its information is not influenced by commercial interests.

Overall, being a non-profit organization is essential to Cinematreasures' mission of preserving the history of cinema. It allows the website to focus on its mission, accept donations from users, and ensure that its information is independent and objective.

The fact that Cinematreasures operates as a non-profit organization is a testament to its commitment to preserving the history of cinema. Unlike commercial websites that are driven by profit, Cinematreasures is guided by a passion for preserving these cultural landmarks for future generations.

This non-profit status allows the website to focus on its mission without the pressure of generating revenue. It can provide comprehensive and detailed information on movie theaters without having to worry about advertising or other revenue-generating activities.

Furthermore, the non-profit structure allows Cinematreasures to accept donations from individuals and organizations who share its passion for preserving the history of cinema. This support is essential for the website's continued operation and allows it to provide its services free of charge to users.

Cinematreasures is a valuable research tool for anyone interested in the history of cinema. The website provides detailed information on over 180,000 movie theaters from all over the world, including their history, architecture, and programming.

Researchers can use Cinematreasures to track the development of movie theaters over time and to learn about the different types of theaters that have existed. The website can also be used to research the history of specific movie theaters and to find out what movies have been shown there.

Cinematreasures is a valuable research tool for anyone interested in the history of cinema. The website provides a wealth of information on movie theaters from all over the world, and it is easy to use and free to access.

For researchers, Cinematreasures is an invaluable resource. Its comprehensive database and detailed information provide a wealth of material for studying the history of cinema, the evolution of theater architecture, and the cultural impact of movie-going.

Imagine being able to trace the development of movie theaters over time, from the early nickelodeons to the grand movie palaces of the Golden Age to the multiplexes of today. Cinematreasures makes this kind of longitudinal research possible, offering a unique perspective on the changing landscape of cinema.

Researchers can also use the website to study the architectural styles of different theaters, comparing and contrasting the designs of various venues to understand the aesthetic sensibilities of different eras. The detailed descriptions and photographs provide a visual record of these architectural landmarks, allowing researchers to analyze their features and identify their influences.

Furthermore, Cinematreasures can be used to research the programming of individual theaters, discovering which films were shown, when they were shown, and how audiences responded to them. This information offers valuable insights into the cultural tastes of different communities and the impact of cinema on society.

Cinematreasures plays a vital role in the historical preservation of movie theaters. The website provides detailed information on the history, architecture, and programming of over 180,000 movie theaters from all over the world. This information is essential for researchers, historians, and anyone who wants to learn more about the history of cinema.

Documenting Movie Theater History
Cinematreasures documents the history of movie theaters, including their opening and closing dates, changes in ownership, and major renovations. This information is essential for researchers who want to track the development of movie theaters over time.
Preserving Movie Theater Architecture
Cinematreasures preserves the architecture of movie theaters by providing detailed descriptions of their design, materials, and size. This information is essential for architects and historians who want to learn more about the history of movie theater architecture.
Showcasing Movie Theater Programming
Cinematreasures showcases the programming of movie theaters by providing information on the movies that have been shown there and the dates they were shown. This information is essential for researchers who want to learn more about the history of cinema and for anyone who wants to learn more about the movies that have been shown at their local movie theater.
Raising Awareness of Endangered Movie Theaters
Cinematreasures raises awareness of endangered movie theaters by providing information on theaters that are threatened with demolition or renovation. This information is essential for preservationists who want to save these theaters from being lost.

Overall, Cinematreasures plays a vital role in the historical preservation of movie theaters. The website provides detailed information on the history, architecture, and programming of over 180,000 movie theaters from all over the world. This information is essential for researchers, historians, preservationists, and anyone who wants to learn more about the history of cinema.

In an era where many historic buildings are being torn down to make way for new development, Cinematreasures plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of movie theaters. By documenting their history, architecture, and programming, the website ensures that these cultural landmarks are not forgotten.

The website also helps to raise awareness about endangered movie theaters, providing information on venues that are threatened with demolition or renovation. This information can be used by preservationists to advocate for the protection of these theaters, ensuring that they continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

By providing a comprehensive and accessible record of movie theaters around the world, Cinematreasures is helping to safeguard the heritage of cinema and ensure that these iconic venues continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Cinematreasures, providing clear and informative answers.

Question 1: What is the purpose of Cinematreasures?

Cinematreasures is an online database dedicated to preserving the history of movie theaters worldwide. It offers comprehensive information on theater architecture, programming, and historical significance, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and movie enthusiasts.

Question 2: How does Cinematreasures contribute to historical preservation?

By documenting theater histories, architectural details, and programming, Cinematreasures plays a crucial role in safeguarding the legacy of movie theaters. This information aids preservation efforts, raises awareness about endangered theaters, and supports research on the evolution of cinema.

Summary: Cinematreasures is a vital resource for understanding and preserving the history of movie theaters. Its comprehensive database and dedication to historical preservation make it an invaluable tool for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in the cinematic experience.

Gallup, NM El Morro theater ( 0453) Per Cinematreasures, … Flickr

Arcadia Cinema Olney, Illinois robert

Biograph Theatre, Chicago Flickr

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