Art Cinema

204 Tremont Street,
Boston, MA 02116

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Additional Info

Functions: Bar

Nearby Theaters

Art Cinema

This was a small twin cinema that opened in the early-1970’s on Tremont Street between Boylston Street and Stuart Street, diagonally across from the Emerson Majestic Theatre. It started out showing second run mainstream films and later switched to adult movies, both gay and straight.

Contributed by Gerald A. DeLuca

Recent comments (view all 6 comments)

rsalters (Ron Salters)
rsalters (Ron Salters) on August 6, 2018 at 1:15 pm

I remember this little cinema, but never went into it. I seem to recall that it was created out of a branch bank office.

rsalters (Ron Salters)
rsalters (Ron Salters) on August 7, 2018 at 10:37 am

The Art had a ticket window right at the street entrance, with a turnstyle next to it. After paying admission, one went through the turnstyle just like at a subway station.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on August 7, 2018 at 4:52 pm

The space occupied by the Art Theatre in the vintage photo is now occupied by Limelight Stage + Studios, which the Internet describes as a “[l]ively karaoke joint offering a choice of a public stage or private rooms, plus drinks & appetizers.” The menu is primarily east Asian and photos (and videos of people committing karaoke) on the Internet indicate a predominantly east Asian clientèle.

da_Bunnyman
da_Bunnyman on September 24, 2018 at 11:13 pm

Nice to finally see some info on this place. When I worked at The Saxon I’d see the tiny entrance to this theater, don’t think I ever saw anyone go in or out. Always wondered if it was even open. An article in one of the papers (might have been The Phoenix) mentioned plans to refurbish it which would include a full bar. I’m guessing this was a place where the balcony was closed off to become the second house.

da_Bunnyman
da_Bunnyman on June 28, 2019 at 10:14 pm

Apparently this was part of a multi-state chain of theaters all named Art Cinemas. The book “Coming Back to a Theater Near You: A History of Hollywood Reissues, 1914-2014” mentions a reissued film doing well for the Art Theater Circuit, mentioning Boston and another city.

martybearass
martybearass on March 19, 2021 at 5:13 pm

If I remember correctly this twin cinema the theaters were next door to each other no balcony etc. Saw few gay films in 70’s and rememebr seeing texas chain saw massacre there. Laughed all way out and ticket seller told me it was a true story….

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