Modern Theatre (Boston)
 Modern Theatre, Washington St., Boston, 1915. "New high class photo plays" | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 42°21′15″N 71°03′44″W / 42.35415°N 71.06210°W |
|---|---|
| Owner | Suffolk University |
| Type | Theatre |
| Capacity | 185 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1876 |
| Renovated | 1914, 2010 |
| Architect | Levi Newcomb (original) Clarence H. Blackall (conversion) Childs Bertman Tseckares (renovation) |
| Website | |
| www2 | |
The Modern Theatre on Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts was first opened in 1876 as the Dobson Building, designed by Levi Newcomb. It was renovated in 1914 as a movie theatre by architect Clarence Blackall; by 1980 it had fallen into neglect and dilapidation. In 2009-2010 Suffolk University demolished the theatre but retained the original facade of theatre, and constructed a new building on the site.[1] Suffolk's new Modern Theatre opened on November 4, 2010.[2]
History
It was the first to show a sound film in Boston (The Jazz Singer in 1928[3]) and the first to show a double feature.[4]
The theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places (1979) and designated as a Boston Landmark (1995).[5]
At one point called The Mayflower Theatre, during the 1970s it showed adult films.[6]
References
- ^ AIA Guide to Boston. 2008; p.131.
- ^ Boston Globe, Nov. 4, 2010
- ^ History & Culture Downtown Boston Modern Theatre
- ^ Modern Theatre, Suffolk University
- ^ Modern Theatre, Suffolk University
- ^ Long-vacant Modern Theatre in Boston to house Suffolk University students
Further reading
- Boston Landmarks Commission. Modern Theatre: study report. 2002.
External links
- Modern Theatre history. Suffolk University, Boston.
- Cinema Treasures. Modern Theatre.
- Flickr. Photo of Modern/Mayflower Theatre building, 2007.
- ArchBoston.org. Discussion thread
- Flickr. Photo, Sept. 2010.
- Flickr. Photo, Sept. 2005.
Image gallery
-
Interior, 1915 -
Advertisement for Modern and Beacon Theatre, 1920; both run by Jacob Lourie -
2007 -
Modern Theatre during renovation, February 2010 -
Modern Theatre during renovation, February 2010
