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
1908 – Brockport
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
1914 – Rochester
Cash only, double-feature, first-run movies. The City of Rochester’s oldest theater.
3. Geneseo Riviera
1914 – Geneseo
Shows seasonal favorite and classic single-feature movies. Originally opened as The Rex Theater, changing its name in 1936.
4. Ohmann Theatre
1915 – Lyons
First run, single-feature movies. Owned and operated by descendants of the original Ohmann family.
5. Star Theater
1921 – Dansville
Cash only, single-feature, first-run movies.
6. Glen Theater
1924 – Watkins Glen
First-run, single-feature movies.
7. Aurora Theater
1925 – East Aurora
First-run, single-feature movies.
8. Palace Theater
1925 – Lockport
First-run and seasonal favorite , single-feature movies.
9. The Little Theater
1928 – Rochester
Independent and foreign films. Many films accompanied by formal discussion with experts.
10. Palace Theater
1938 – Wolcott
First-run, single-feature movies, cash only.
11. Spotlight Theater
1948 – Warsaw
First-run, single-feature movies.
12. Dryden Theater
1951 – Rochester
All films shown in their original format, including nitrate films, initially opened to screen the museum’s film collection. Many films are accompanied by formal discussion with experts.
21 Historic Inns & Hotels Around Rochester
These historic inns around Rochester offer unique dining experiences. Unlike bed & breakfasts, their dining rooms are open to the public.
Rochester Railfans: Trains, Depots, Rail-Trails, Models, & Clubs
Rochester railfans are incredibly lucky that passionate preservationists before us saw the value in retaining structures we can still appreciate today.
Date Night in Rochester: The Ultimate Guide for Spending Quality Time Together
Whether it’s your first date night in Rochester or 50th, spending time exploring with your partner is a great way to connect and learn about each other.
92 Performing Arts Venues Around Rochester
Rochester has an excellent performing arts scene! Find plays and musicals by high school and college students, local professionals, and touring companies.
Transcending Places: 37 Alternate Reality Destinations Around Rochester
Rather than an escape, I prefer to think of these as transcending places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind.
5 Old Country Stores Around Rochester
When you walk into one of these old country stores, you feel like you are stepping back in time with aisles of old fashioned toys, knickknacks and candies.
Diners were modular–manufactured in one place and moved by rail to the final location. They were designed to look like a train’s fine dining car.
Which ones are your favorite small movie theaters?
Share with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!