Pantages Theatre

Lewis & Clark Theatre (Gone)
Tukwila, WA
Photo courtesy John Spencer

The bright neon of the Lewis & Clark Theatre welcomed moviegoers from busy Pacific Highway South for nearly fifty years. Its towering roadside sign was hard to miss, making the theater a familiar landmark whether you were headed to a movie or just passing by.

When it opened in 1956, the Lewis & Clark was one of the largest theaters in the region, seating more than 2,000 people. It later grew into a seven-screen multiplex, while the neighboring Lewis & Clark Bowl helped make the complex a popular destination for an evening out.

UPDATE: On a sad day for movie fans in Seattle, the Lewis & Clark Theatre in Tukwila closed on Thursday 01/08/04, after being in operation continuously since 1956. Many thanks to Matt Lutthans for info. 01-04

UPDATE: The theater closed in January 2004, and the landmark roadside sign has since been removed. The property has been converted to other commercial uses. 07-26

Paramount Theatre (Gone)
Vancouver, B.C.
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Paramount Theatre was one of the newest additions to downtown Vancouver when it opened in 2005. Its bold marquee and modern glass entrance stood out among the city's older theaters, showing that roadside landmarks don't always have to be decades old. Even though it lacked the vintage neon of its predecessors, the Paramount quickly became a familiar sight for anyone heading through downtown to catch the latest movie. 10-05

Inside, the theater featured nine auditoriums with stadium seating and an inviting Northwest-inspired design that included wood accents and a dramatic indoor water feature. It was built as a modern movie palace for a new generation and soon became one of downtown Vancouver's busiest places to spend an evening. While it may not have had the long history of Vancouver's classic theaters, it was already carving out its own place in the city's entertainment scene.

UPDATE: The theater remains open today as Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver. The original Paramount name and exterior signage have been replaced. 07-26

Vogue Theatre
Vancouver, B.C.
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Vogue Theatre has been lighting up Vancouver's Theatre Row for generations. Its towering neon sign, crowned by the glowing figure of Diana, is one of those downtown landmarks that's almost impossible to walk past without looking up. Day or night, it still adds a little extra color to Granville Street. 10-05

Built in 1941, the Vogue was one of Vancouver's most modern movie theaters, combining Art Deco styling with the latest comforts of its day. It later made the transition from first-run movies to concerts, comedy shows, film festivals, and other live performances, allowing the grand old theater to remain an active part of the city's entertainment scene while so many of its neighbors disappeared.

The best part is that the Vogue still looks like a theater. The marquee continues to glow over the sidewalk, the vertical sign still catches your eye from blocks away, and the building remains one of the last reminders of when Granville Street was lined with movie palaces and brilliant neon.

UPDATE: The Vogue Theatre continues to host live performances, and its landmark neon marquee still shines over Granville Street. 07-26

Orpheum Theatre
Vancouver, B.C.
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Orpheum Theatre has been turning heads on Granville Street since 1927. From its brilliant vertical neon sign to the grand marquee stretching over the sidewalk, it's the kind of theater that makes you stop and admire it before you ever step inside. More than any other building on Theatre Row, the Orpheum still captures the glamour of the movie palace era. 10-05

When it opened, the Orpheum was one of the finest theaters on the West Coast, welcoming audiences to vaudeville shows, silent films, and later Hollywood's biggest movies. Its lavish interior featured crystal chandeliers, ornate plasterwork, and one of the largest theater auditoriums anywhere on the Pacific Coast. By the 1970s the building narrowly escaped a plan to be converted into a multiplex, thanks to a public effort that convinced the City of Vancouver to purchase and restore it.

Today the Orpheum serves as the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, proving that an old theater doesn't have to stop entertaining just because the movies are gone. Best of all, the familiar marquee and glowing neon continue to light up Granville Street, just as they have for generations.

UPDATE: The Orpheum Theatre remains beautifully restored and continues to host concerts and performances beneath its landmark neon marquee. 07-26

Varsity Theatre
Ashland, OR
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The Varsity Theatre has been welcoming moviegoers to downtown Ashland since 1937. Its glowing neon blade sign still stands above Main Street, catching the eye just as it has for generations. In a town better known for Shakespeare, it's nice to find a classic neighborhood movie theater still showing the latest films. 03-06

The Varsity opened as a single-screen movie palace before eventually expanding into a four-screen theater. Along the way it became the cornerstone of the Coming Attractions Theatres circuit and has also hosted countless independent films during the Ashland Independent Film Festival. Through all the changes, the old neon sign has remained one of downtown's most recognizable landmarks.

It's always good to see a theater like this still doing what it was built to do. Grab some popcorn, settle into your seat, and enjoy the show.

UPDATE: The Varsity Theatre continues showing first-run movies beneath its vintage neon blade sign. 07-26

Garland Theatre
Spokane, WA
Photo and info courtesy Josh Hudgens / 2007

The glowing Garland Theatre has been lighting up Spokane's Garland District for generations. Its tall Art Deco neon sign is hard to miss and looks right at home among the vintage storefronts that line the street. If you're looking for an old neighborhood movie theater, this one still delivers. 07-07

The Garland opened in 1945 as one of Spokane's grand postwar theaters and somehow managed to survive while so many others disappeared. By 2007 it had earned a loyal following for its inexpensive three-dollar shows, proving that you didn't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a night at the movies. Over the years the theater has worn a few different hats, but it always found a way to keep the projector running.

Today the Garland is still a neighborhood favorite, showing movies beneath the same familiar neon that has welcomed moviegoers for decades. It's the kind of place that reminds you why old theaters are worth hanging onto.

UPDATE: The Garland Theatre remains open, and its classic neon sign continues to light up the Garland District. 07-26