The following photographs are from the extensive collection of THSA member Joe Coco of New York, and have been generously donated by him to the THSA American Theatre Architecture Archive.

These incomparable images show glimpses of some of New York's legendary theatres of the past, captured at moments in time when they were meccas of the movie-going public. Almost every picture is filled with crowds of New Yorkers waiting to enter the theatre or watching the "show" on the sidewalk.

We thank Mr. Coco for his generosity in providing these photos. We welcome your comments on the photos, the theatres themselves, or what it was like going to them in their heyday.

More information about these photographs

Click on each thumbnail photo below to view a full-size image.

Note that all images from THSA collections are copyright © 2008 by the Theatre Historical Society of America; those of other individuals and organizations remain their property. All rights reserved. Images herein belonging to THSA may be used for personal or educational purposes only, provided proper credit is given. Otherwise, such images may not be used commercially or for-profit or otherwise copied, reproduced, distributed, or published by any means, without express permission and payment of appropriate fees.

Beacon
(Originally designed as Roxy's Midway Theatre)
Broadway at 74th Street, New York City
Opened December 25, 1929
W.W. Ahlschlager, Architect
Photos circa 1929-30
Joe Coco Collection, THSA American Theatre Architecture Archive

Globe
Times Square, New York City
Opened January 10, 1910
Carrere and Hastings, Architects
Presently the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (Broadway entrance closed)
Photo circa 1937
Joe Coco Collection, THSA American Theatre Architecture Archive