Bethesda Theatre

Bethesda Theatre
Front elevation and marquee, 2008
Location 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Maryland
Coordinates 38°59′14″N 77°5′41″W / 38.98722°N 77.09472°W / 38.98722; -77.09472Coordinates: 38°59′14″N 77°5′41″W / 38.98722°N 77.09472°W / 38.98722; -77.09472
Area 0.4 acres (0.16 ha)
Built 1938 (1938)
Architect Eberson, John; Woodmont Development Co.
Architectural style Art Deco
NRHP reference # 99000133[1]
Added to NRHP February 5, 1999

The Bethesda Theatre, constructed in 1938, is a historic Streamline Moderne movie theater located at 7719 Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355), Bethesda, Maryland, United States. It is a multi-level building composed of rectangular blocks: an auditorium block and a lower street-front lobby and entrance block, including shops. The theatre retains its original configuration of lobby, foyer, lounges, and auditorium. Many original interior finishes, including painted murals, remain intact, with the exception of the original seating. It was designed by the firm of the world-renowned "Dean of American Theatre Architects," John Eberson.[2]

In 1983 it re-opened as the "Bethesda Cinema and Drafthouse" showing movies on a single screen and serving food and beer. In 1990 it changed its name to the "Bethesda Theatre Cafe". In 2007 it underwent a major renovation and became a venue for theatrical productions. Currently it is owned by the Bethesda Cultural Alliance but is set to be auctioned off on June 29, 2010.[3]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. ↑ Linda B. Lyons (August 1998). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Bethesda Theatre" (PDF). Maryland Historical Trust. Retrieved 2016-01-01.
  3. ↑ Lee, Stephanie (2010-06-17). "Final curtain might be falling on Bethesda Theatre". Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-06-22.


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