The North Park Theatre is a historic single screen movie theatre in the North Park neighborhood of Buffalo, New York, United States.Sommer, Mark "Lighting up Hertel Strip" The Buffalo News, April 2, 2006Esmonde, Donn "At the North Park, a Vestige of Elegance in a Sterile World" The Buffalo News, January 10, 1993 It has functioned as a cinema since it opened on November 21, 1920.
History Originally called Shea's North Park, the theatre, along with Shea's Performing Arts Center, serves as the remaining remnant of the now defunct Shea's theatre chain, once owned by early twentieth century businessman Michael Shea. Its design by Henry Spann was influenced by the neoclassical movement.DiDomizio, Joseph "The North Park: Uncovering Neoclassicism in a Buffalo Theatre" Buffalo Rising, February 23, 2008 The auditorium features a proscenium above the screen and a 5-paneled recessed dome arched into the ceiling, both decorated with murals by Raphael Beck. List of works by Raphael Beck at Meibhom Fine Arts Meibhom Fine Arts
The theatre was operated by Shea's until 1948, when Loew's Theatres took over the remaining assets of the company. It operated under the Loew's branding until 1963, when Western New York based theatre chain Dipson Theatres began operating the location for the longest period of time in the theater's existence, as it operated as a location under their management. The theater would operate under Dipson until June 2013, as Dipson announced it would not renew its lease. Fetouh, Omar "Local group looking to take over North Park Theatre after Dipson's exit" Buffalo Toronto Public Media
Quickly after Dipson announced it would not renew its lease, a new ownership group formed by Buffalo defense attorney Tom Eoannou and local restaurant owner Mike Christiano announced plans to purchase the building.Simon, Jeff "North Park Theatre Won't Be Going Dark" The Buffalo News, May 23, 2013 After their purchase, the theater closed for an eight-month restoration that included returning ornamental features such as the plaster dome and proscenium in the auditorium to their former glory, and a restored stained-glass window above the marquee that had long been hidden behind a concrete panel. The theater reopened on March 7, 2014, and to this day screens a mixture of first-run, children's, independent, specialty and anime films. About North Park Theatre
In March 2024, a crowdfunding campaign was started on GoFundMe for the theatre to obtain a new 4K laser projector and a new screen. The campaign was a success, and the new projector and screen were installed and put into use starting in May 2025.Nussbaumer, Newell "North Park Theatre successfully purchases state of the art 4K Laser Projector. Embarks upon brilliant screenings." Buffalo Rising, May 3, 2025
Movie Premieres In June 1998, the North Park held the world premiere of Buffalo '66. This marked the first major film to premiere in Buffalo since The Natural opened in 1984. In attendance were Vincent Gallo, Christina Ricci, and Asia Argento.Kuczynski, Alex "Vincent Gallo's American Buffalo" The New York Times, June 28, 1998Simon, Jeff "A Local Premiere for 'Buffalo 66'" The Buffalo News, June 9, 1998
The First Purge, which was filmed in 2017 in Buffalo, made its world premiere at the North Park in July, 2018, one day before its worldwide release, with the outside marquee stating the film's star was “The City of Buffalo”.Lynch, Kaley "“The First Purge” makes debut at North Park Theatre" WIVB-TV, July 3, 2018
The theater hosted the Buffalo International Film Festival in October 2025 and the premiere for the documentary Baristas vs. Billionaires, produced by Alec Baldwin and Mark Mori, who were both in attendance. Gallagher, Angelica "Alec Baldwin, Mark Mori attend world premiere of doc at North Park Theatre" WIVB-TV, October 10, 2025
See also North Buffalo - neighborhood Riviera Theatre - historic theatre
References
External links North Park Theatre Official Website History of the North Park Theatre The North Park Theatre at cinematreasures.org