Apex Theater

4813 Massachusetts Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20016

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: K-B Theatres

Architects: John J. Zink

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Nearby Theaters

Apex Theater

This beautifully designed Streamline Moderne style movie house, designed by reknowned architect John Zink, opened November 20, 1940 with Don Ameche in “Down Argentine Way”. All seating was on a single floor.

In addition to the sumptuous auditorium, the theater also featured a "crying room" and another area also enclosed in soundproof glass.

The Apex Theater closed in 1976 and was torn down in 1977 to make way for an office building.

Contributed by Cinema Treasures

Recent comments (view all 18 comments)

sconnell1
sconnell1 on April 2, 2009 at 5:24 am

The Apex opened on November 20, 1940. Its opening attraction was “Down Argentine Way” starring Betty Grable, Don Ameche, and Carmen Miranda.

MrBluehaunt
MrBluehaunt on January 15, 2010 at 1:59 am

Posted a few photos from a 1940’s book:
View link

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on August 17, 2010 at 2:56 am

Thanks for the photos MrBluehaunt,and Jack.

Giles
Giles on March 17, 2011 at 2:20 am

was the theatrical run of PATTON in 70mm? what else played here as such?

sconnell1
sconnell1 on March 31, 2012 at 10:10 am

“Patton” played its first-run engagement at the Apex from March of 1970 to July of 1970.

HornerJack
HornerJack on March 31, 2012 at 12:43 pm

What a beautiful facade – simple, clean, elegant. Wish The Apex was still around.

JohnRitch
JohnRitch on January 26, 2013 at 1:29 pm

In 1977, right after the Apex was demolished, I came into possession of a lot of beautiful pieces of brass from its interior stairway. Oddly, i still have these — always hoping to put them to respectful good use — but have neve been able to place them into visual context. I’d welcome seeing any pics of the theater’s interior.

evieemee
evieemee on March 28, 2014 at 8:05 pm

Just posted two original photos of the medallions ( in color ) that were on the front of the Apex Theatre.

rivest266
rivest266 on June 21, 2015 at 6:44 pm

November 20th, 1940 grand opening ad in photo section

MovieMemories
MovieMemories on February 26, 2016 at 3:18 pm

Growing up in the DC area during the 1960s and 70s, I enjoyed many wonderful movie experiences in this theater. Gone With the Wind’s 70 mm reserved seat engagement played this theater fall ‘67 through spring '68. Also saw Yours, Mine and Ours and Airport '75 here. Screen had a beautiful gathered cerise silk curtain that rose up. Remember the unique lighting fixtures as mentioned by sstrack. Was sorry to see it come down for another soulless office building.

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