Riviera Theatre
4 Center Street,
Geneseo,
NY
14454
4 Center Street,
Geneseo,
NY
14454
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Related Websites
Riviera Theatre - Geneseo (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Kallet Theaters Inc.
Functions: Movies (Classic)
Previous Names: Rex Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Rex Theatre was opened in 1914 with 280 seats. It was built by an Italian immigrant Joseph Aprile, and on the parapet the top of the building in the stonework is his name ‘J-Aprile’. In 1923, the Rex Theatre was remodeled and expanded. It remained the Rex Theatre until as late as 1934, and was renamed Riviera Theatre by 1936. Members of the Aprile family were operating the Riviera Theatre at least as late as 1988.
In February 2012, State funding was granted to rehab many of the buildings in the center of Geneseo, which may include the former Riviera Theatre. It was reopened in January 2017.
Contributed by
Dylan Bittlingmaier
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
The “J-Aprile” on the building’s parapet refers to the theater’s original owner. An article in the Livingston Republican of June 23, 1977, tells a bit about the theater’s early years. It was built in 1914 by an Italian immigrant named Joseph Aprile. It was originally called the Rex Theatre. In 1923 it was remodeled and expanded.
The theater was called the Rex at least as late as 1934, but had become the Riviera by some time in 1936. Members of the Aprile family were operating the Riviera at least as late as 1988.
There was also a Grand Theatre in Geneseo, converted from a Baptist church in 1920. It was located at Bank and Wadsworth streets. It operated both as a movie house and as a live theater. It was destroyed by fire on March 27, 1927.
oh , this makes me so sad! this is close to where I live, about 45 minutes away…would love to save it….
Update September 2014: The Riviera is set to open back up within the next month or 2. While it will not be returned to its former self. The theater is said to be in co-op with the local SUNY Geneseo.
Hey guys. The theater is actually open. Their website is: http://geneseoriviera.com/.
It has been beautifully restored and shows classic movies.