Many of these small movie theaters first opened during World War I and in the Roaring ’20s. All have since transitioned to digital, with the intentional exception of Eastman Museum’s Dryden Theater.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m truly pleased with the luxurious recliners available in mega-plex theaters these days, but there is something about a 100-year-old movie house that enhances your experience and transcends you through space and time.
1. Strand Theater Brockport (1908)
First-run, single-feature movies. Second oldest active movie theater in the country. Changed name from Lyric Theater to Strand Theater in 1916 when remodeled.
2. Cinema Theater Rochester (1914)
Cash only, double-feature, first-run movies. The City of Rochester’s oldest theater.
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5 Old Country Stores
Around Rochester
3. Geneseo Riviera (1914)
Shows seasonal favorite and classic single-feature movies. Originally opened as The Rex Theater, changing its name in 1936.
4. Ohmann Theatre Lyons (1915)
First run, single-feature movies. Owned and operated by descendants of the original Ohmann family.
5. Star Theater Dansville (1921)
Cash only, single-feature, first-run movies.
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9 Monroe County Library
VIP-Pass Discounts
6. Glen Theater Watkins Glen (1924)
First-run, single-feature movies.
7. Aurora Theater (1925)
First-run, single-feature movies.
8. Palace Theater Lockport (1925)
First-run and seasonal favorite , single-feature movies.
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31 Quirky Rochester-Area
Roadside Attractions
9. The Little Theater Rochester (1928)
Independent and foreign films. Many films accompanied by formal discussion with experts.
10. Palace Theater Wolcott (1938)
First-run, single-feature movies, cash only.
11. Spotlight Theater Warsaw (1948)
First-run, single-feature movies.
12. Dryden Theater Rochester (1951)
All films shown in their original format, including nitrate films, initially opened to screen the museum’s film collection. Many films accompanied by formal discussion with experts.
