Village East Cinema

ArchitectureNew York

Village East Cinema, a Moorish Revival Movie Theater in the East Village

The nondescript facade of the Village East Theater conceals one of New York City's great hidden gems. The theater began as the Yiddish Art Theater, designed by Louis Jaffe and could seat 1,265 persons. Charlie Chaplin, George Gershwin and Albert Einstein have passed through its doors. The interior is in the Moorish Revival style with gilded ceilings, etched stonework, vibrant blue and red paints, and an elaborate chandelier. The lobby has a row of vintage decorative entranceways, a double staircase and gilded coffered ceilings.