Historical dates: NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, interior designation report (2006) and building designation report (1997).
Theater Timeline
1928–1929 A palace takes shape Construction brings architect John Eberson’s atmospheric theater to the Grand Concourse. The auditorium, published in Motion Picture News, March 1, 1930. Motion Picture News, March 1, 1930, pp. 40–41; reproduction via Theatre Talks. View sourceSeptember 7, 1929 The first curtain Loew’s Paradise opens with live entertainment, organ music, and The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu. A 1929 film release poster. This is publicity artwork, not a Paradise-specific poster. Paramount Pictures, 1929 / Wikimedia Commons. View source1973 One palace, multiple screens The auditorium is divided into two cinemas, with further subdivisions in later years. January 1994 The movie era closes The Paradise ends its run as a movie theater. February 11, 1997 A Bronx landmark New York City designates the theater building a landmark. October 2005 The doors reopen After restoration, the Paradise welcomes audiences again as a live entertainment venue. May 16, 2006 The interior is protected Landmark designation recognizes the theater’s extraordinary interior spaces. The grand foyer, published in Motion Picture News, March 1, 1930. Motion Picture News, March 1, 1930, pp. 40–41; reproduction via Theatre Talks. View sourceThe next chapter Paradise, reimagined The Paradise Performing Arts Center envisions new places for performances, dining, film, and community stories.