Last week, New Yorkers were sad to hear that New York City’s famous Ziegfeld Theater is finally closing over the next few weeks for financial reasons. Rumors of its closing have circulated for years in recent times, and last week, news that the theater would officially close and be replaced by one of the largest ballrooms in New York City came out. With its plush red walls, luxurious gold curtains and huge screen, the Ziegfeld Theater, located on West 54th street, hosted many important events and has had countless celebrities pass through its doors. Thus, before this opulent, iconic venue finally closes, here are ten secrets you should know about the Ziegfeld Theater.

10. The Ziegfeld Theater Was New York City’s Largest Operating Single-Screen Cinema

A big reason New Yorkers are sad to see the Ziegfeld Theater go is because it was New York City’s largest operating single-screen cinema, evoking an era of cinema grandeur with its scale and decor. With 1,131 seats and a 52 by 20 foot screen, the Ziegfeld Theater provided the ultimate cinema experience. In addition, the Ziegfeld Theater was one of the last large-scale movie palaces built in the United States and the second largest silver screen in the city after Radio City Music Hall.