From Nickelodeons to Picture Palaces: America at the Movies, 1910-1960

From Nickelodeons to Picture Palaces: America at the Movies, 1910-1960

During the first half of the twentieth century, the exhibition of moving images evolved from a novelty presented in vaudeville theaters and amusement halls to a star attraction shown in opulent dream palaces designed for the express purpose of showcasing motion pictures.  As savvy theater owners sought to lure moviegoers, they employed all manner of gimmicks, from ornate exteriors and radiant marquees to tantalizing treats and enticing giveaways.  Whether in small towns or big cities, movie theaters provided an escape from the everyday world. 

Drawn almost entirely from the library’s extensive Tom B’hend and Preston Kaufmann collection, this exhibition looks at movie theaters in the United States between 1910 and 1960, and offers a glimpse of the complex social fabric of audiences drawn together from all walks of life.