Garfield Park / North Lawndale

Central Park Theater

3535 W. Roosevelt Rd.

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Saturday

10am - 4pm

Sunday

closed

Accessibility & Amenities

Architect

C. W. and George L. Rapp (Rapp and Rapp)

DETAILS:

The Central Park Theater has been a focal point of the arts and culture of North Lawndale since it opened its doors in 1917. It is the first movie palace completed by cinema developers Balaban & Katz and architectural firm Rapp & Rapp, a prolific partnership which gave rise to numerous landmarks including the Chicago, Oriental (now Nederlander), Riviera and Uptown theaters. The Central Park was one of the first theaters in the nation to have an air conditioning system. With nearly 1,800 seats, it remained a profitable for decades. The historic exterior and interior have been well preserved, and the owner is working with the Central Park Theater Restoration Committee to restore and reopen the theater as an event and programming space for the North Lawndale community.

ENTRANCE RESTRICTIONS:

  • - Guests must sign waiver.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE:

Visitors will be able to enter the theater to view the architecture. They will receive a short history. Photography is prohibited and the upper levels will be closed.

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Garfield Park / North Lawndale