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After the Final Curtain: Images that show the fall of the American movie theatre

There's nothing remarkable about a cinema today, but that wasn't always the case. When the great American movie palaces opened in the early 20th century, they were some of the most lavish, stunning buildings anyone had ever seen.

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Abandoned art deco cinema interior with ornate ceiling, empty rows of seats facing a dark stage, and peeling painted walls in shades of cream and terracotta

With the advent of television, theatre companies found it harder and harder to keep them open. Some were demolished, some were converted, and some remain derelict to this day.

After the Final Curtain: The Fall of the American Movie Theatre is a series by New York photographer Matt Lambros that will take you through 24 of these magnificent buildings showing what beauty remains years after the last ticket was sold. Now available in a beautiful book to purchase and treasure, courtesy of Jonglez Publishing.

Speaking of his ongoing project, Matt said: "Abandoned architecture has fascinated me since I was five years old. My grandmother used to take my brother and I in to investigate any old barn she happened to drive past. She was curious about what was left behind, and her inquisitive nature made a lasting impression on me.

"I’ve spent ten years composing photographic obituaries for once-thriving buildings that are now crumbled and forgotten. My hope for my work is that it will shine light on beautiful, dated architecture and on the equal yet sinister beauty in decay."

Via direct submission | All images courtesy of Matt Lambros

Ornate movie palace interior with crimson velvet seats, red curtains framing the stage, gilded decorative details and pink coffered ceiling.
Ornate abandoned cinema interior with rows of red seats facing a decorated stage framed by gilded columns and ornamental ceiling details
Rows of crimson velvet seats flank a central aisle leading through ornate golden columns to a stage lit in an abandoned movie palace
Rows of faded red velvet cinema seats stretch through a decaying movie palace with ornate columns and peeling paint on the ceiling.
Rows of burgundy velvet seats face an ornate stage inside an abandoned cinema with gilded architectural details and decorative plasterwork on the ceiling and walls
Ornate gold-leaf ceiling and arched corridor with dangling crystal chandeliers in an abandoned movie palace, showing intricate decorative plasterwork and peeling paint.
Abandoned cinema interior showing deteriorating ornate ceiling with peeling paint, a projector, and glowing orange stage backdrop visible in the darkness
Ornately decorated corridor with an intricately patterned ceiling, arched doorways and dramatic warm lighting illuminating the abandoned interior of a grand movie palace
Abandoned cinema interior with red velvet panels flanking a decorative gold doorway, orange seats visible in the foreground
Ornate theatre interior with decorative ceiling and columns, rows of empty red seats facing a grand proscenium arch with faded curtain and stage scenery
Abandoned cinema interior with ornate ceiling dome, empty rows of black seats and a curved archway framing the decaying stage beyond
Deteriorating foyer of an abandoned American movie palace with peeling walls, ornate ceiling, patterned floor and dark wooden doors opening to further rooms
Rows of empty seats fill the ornate interior of an abandoned American movie palace, with decorative ceiling details and balcony visible
Abandoned movie theatre interior with rows of empty seats visible through an archway, ornate plasterwork and exposed brick walls showing decades of decay and neglect
Rows of worn brown theatre seats face a large screen behind protective plastic sheeting in an abandoned American movie palace
Derelict cinema interior with rows of deteriorating seats facing an ornate stage with clock tower, lit by natural light from tall windows, showing decay and abandonment.
Abandoned cinema interior with rows of empty seats facing a dilapidated stage with torn backdrop and debris, walls decorated with faded murals
Derelict cinema interior with decaying ornate details, rows of orange seats, and a deteriorating screen visible in the darkness
Abandoned cinema interior with deteriorating stage, dangling wires, rows of brown seats and peeling walls lit by natural light from arched window
Derelict cinema interior with peeling turquoise paint, broken windows, debris-covered floor and abandoned furniture from Matt Lambros's After the Final Curtain series
Dilapidated cinema interior with a decaying red velvet seat in the foreground and a large window with peeling paint letting in bright light
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