Castro Theatre

The Castro Theatre, situated at the corner of Castro Street and Market Street, is one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks. This magnificent neighborhood theatre is decorated in the Spanish Renaissance style; with a Moorish Tent ceiling, Oriental Zodiac emblems, and Art Deco touches throughout. It was built by the Nasser Brothers and became the flagship theatre of their small circuit of neighborhood theatres. It was the first theatre to be designed by architect Timothy L. Pflueger.

Opened June 2, 1922 with Wallace Reid in “Across the Continent”. Waldemar Lind and the New Castro Orchestra and Carmichael at the Robert-Morton 2 manual 11 ranks pipe organ accompanied the movie. In 1937 a small fire damaged the auditorium, and Timothy L. Pflueger was brought back to redesign some damaged sections and design a new Art Deco style chandelier in the center of the auditorium ceiling. In 1950 the organ was replaced by a Conn organ, which, in around 1982 was replaced by a larger 3 manual 16 ranks Wurlitzer organ, the console of which was originally installed in 1925 in the State (now Palms) Theatre, Detroit, MI. In recent years the Castro Theatre has hosted several premiers including in 1984 “The Times of Harvey Milk”, in 1985 the world premiere of “Buddies”, and in 2008 the world premiere of “Milk” starring Sean Penn, which also featured the theatre in the movie. The Wurlitzer organ was removed from the theatre at the end of September 2015 and was replaced by a 7 manual pipe/digital organ.

The theatre was still going strong in the country’s best known gay neighborhood. Playing films from across the spectrum of independent film, revivals and classic movies, the Castro Theatre is one of the last picture palaces left in the San Francisco area. Sadly, despite a strong community opposition new operators Another Planet Entertainment planned to convert the theatre into a concert venue, and approval was granted in June 2023 to convert it into a nightclub. It was seen as open in October 2023, screening occasional one-night movies current & classic once or twice a week, with an occasional concert once or twice a week. The neon on the huge vertical sign had sections missing and also parts of neon on the marque were not working. It was sad to see on an evening when there was nothing happening in the shuttered theatre with barriers across the entrance lobby.

Another Planet Entertainment announced on December 12, 2023 that the theatre would close on February 4, 2024 with Julie Andrews in a sing-along version of “Victor/Victoria”. When it has reopened they have promised to allocate one third of the programming to film festivals and screenings. Renovations are being carried out to the plans of Evergreene Architectural Arts. A reopening is planned for February 10, 2026 with British singer Sam Smith playing for 8-dates.

In 1976 the Castro Theatre was designated San Francisco city landmark #100.

Recent comments (view all 192 comments)

m00se1111 on January 20, 2024 at 6:14 am

The final film has been announced by ape on Feb 4th. a sing-a-long presentation of Victor/Victoria. Odd that as the only songs worth singing along to are “Le Jazz Hot” & “Shady Dame from Seville”

Proof how tone deaf those programming are to the illustrious history of this soon to be shell of it’s former self.

Only one movie should be the ‘final film’ , especially if they want a sing-a-long -

Clark Gable, Jeanette McDonald, Spencer Tracy in 1936’s “San Francisco” - every year on the anniversary of the great quake, the Castro would show this to a packed house. Before each movie, what does the organist end his set with? Talk about a social media moment and sending the iconic venue off than a packed house singing “San Francisco”. But no, the tone deaf apes, just don’t get it- nor have they or will they.

May the once great lady rest in peace.

stevenj on January 27, 2024 at 2:51 pm

Have uploaded 10 photos from last night’s showing of All Of Us Strangers. A near sell out with David Hegarty at the organ before the film. Did not know the crown of the tented ceiling had been restored - looking like night and day compared to the rest of the ceiling. Miss the smell of fresh popped popcorn in the lobby. A second concession stand is in the upstairs lobby (just popcorn and drinks).

stevenj on February 7, 2024 at 11:23 am

Status should be changed to “Closed” “Renovating”

Castro Closes For Renovations

m00se1111 on February 7, 2024 at 11:46 am

story about closing and last look at what the great theatre was from KGO 7

https://youtu.be/keOthVFq3AQ?si=BfTlB3qjMJPH-pH_

m00se1111 on March 8, 2024 at 6:56 pm

KTVU had a story w/ video as the renovations begin

https://www.ktvu.com/news/restoration-work-at-historic-sf-castro-theatre-starts-after-years-of-contentious-debate-and-opposition

stevenj on May 1, 2024 at 11:34 am

SF Bay Area Reporter article on the Castro’s blade renovation:

Castro Blade

m00se1111 on March 12, 2025 at 8:46 pm

The Castro Theatre’s contentious renovation is costing more than double its initial budget, further delaying reopening plans. The century-old theater has been closed since 2024 while Berkeley-based concert promoter Another Planet Entertainment converts it into a multipurpose venue. During that time, the budget for the renovations has grown by more than $20 million.

https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/renovations-sf-landmark-20-million-budget-20217522.php

m00se1111 on June 27, 2025 at 4:31 pm

Behind the scenes renovation video now up on Castro’s Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1719B4igHJ/

Not included the long time Castro Street residents, the Castro Coffee Company & Castro Nail Salon being forced out.

stevenj on September 29, 2025 at 8:57 pm

According to this SF Gate article today, the Castro will be reopening in February 2026.

Castro

m00se1111 on September 30, 2025 at 1:14 pm

The Castro re-opens Tuesday Feb 10, 2026 with an 8 show residency of singer Sam Smith.

Dates of the shows 2/10 2/11, 2/13, 2/14, 2/17, 2/18, 2/20 and 2/21

Tickets go on sale Monday 10/06

Updated website www.thecastro.com