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American Movie Palace Museum

Theatre Historical Society of America is a national non-profit organization founded in 1969 which is interested in the history of theatre buildings. Since 1993 its headquarters has been located in the 2nd floor of the renovated 1920's York Theatre building in Elmhurst, Illinois. Elmhurst is a suburb 16 miles west of Chicago which is easily accessible by Metra train, via interstate, or from O'Hare International Airport.

The American Movie Palace Museum display artifacts, renderings, photos, ads, and other exhibits relating to the great motion picture palaces which were built in all parts of the U.S. One museum display is the Avalon Video Theatre, a large scale model of Chicago's 1927 Avalon (New Regal) Theatre, with a large screen TV on stage to allow viewing of archive videos about theatres across the country. Another exhibit features a restored vintage Motiograph Movie Projector.

The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday and on occasional weekend and evening hours. Small group tours up to 20 people are also welcome by prior appointment. Suggested donation is $2.00 per person. Please note the Museum is not currently handicapped accessible.

Theatre Historical Society of America also houses the American Theatre Architecture Archives. Please see our website for details on research fees and procedures.

Theatre Historical Society of America
152 N York St, 2nd Floor
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Hours:
Tuesday through Friday 9am to 4pm