Last week, I was scouting on Jamaica Ave when I noticed a movie-theater-turned-church up the block.
This is pretty common in New York, where are a LOT of once great theaters have been gutted and repurposed, most often into churches, pharmacies and gyms. I’ve stopped in quite a few hoping to find the rare gem that’s survived, but have only been disappointed time and again.
But something immediately stuck out about the Tabernacle of Prayer church.
What a gloriously stunning facade:
The entire front is dripping with swirls of ornamentation, a whimsical blend of Spanish and Mexican baroque design – with an aquatic emphasis? Note the mermaid in the center…
And the numerous half-shells dotting the front. I also love that headressed figure on the right:
But was the interior as well preserved? Or was this another case of a beautiful facade masking a lifeless interior? I tried to go inside, but the church was closed until Sunday. I was definitely coming back.
In the meantime, I did a bit of research and was surprised to learn that this was once the Loew’s Valencia movie palace, one of five flagship Wonder Theaters opened by the Loew’s chain in and around New York in the late 1920′s (a time when an elevated subway used to run along Jamaica Ave).
Picture CC CinemaTreasures.org
All five Wonder Theatres are miraculously still standing. I’ve written about Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre (now being restored), and I’ve been to The Bronx’s Paradise Theatre, Washington Heights’ 175th Street Theatre, and the Loew’s Jersey City. But how had I missed the Valencia?
Then I found this picture of the interior in its hey day, and it floored me. It wasn’t so much a theater as an outdoor village, complete with a night sky. Could this possibly have survived into the 21st century?
Picture CC CinemaTreasures.org
With fingers crossed, I returned the following Sunday. And, just going into the entranceway, I was taken aback.
Already, the entire place was dripping with exactly the sort of intricate design I was hoping to find still intact.
The original ticket booth – can you imagine buying a movie ticket here??
The ceiling – note the beautiful hanging lanterns, all of which were still working:
The floor tiles, and not a single one missing. All a very good sign…
Then I stepped into the entrance galley, and realized I had stumbled on something very special.
Right off, the towering arched ceiling sets the tone, literally the total polar opposite of what a movie-going experience is like today. If I don’t stop myself, I’ll use the word “glorious” too much, but that’s exactly what I kept thinking.
Note how the wooden ticket line banisters are still in place:
In a 1990 article, the NY Times designed this as “more Persian than anything else, a riot of scupltured, gilded plaster screens and balconies.” The balconies line both walls…
…and just look at the insane designwork below:
Another fascinating feature – about one fifth of the lobby has been sectioned off by these elaborate columns:
Guessing here, but perhaps this was the designated exit?
Bringing me right back to Spain were the numerous colorful tiles set into the plaster:
Today, religious messages are displayed where movie advertisements would have been:
From there, I headed into the lobby proper, and the grandeur only intensified.
Turning right into the central part of the lobby…
…there was suddenly no question I was in a palace – movie or otherwise.
The Loew’s Wonder Theatres were created in the late-1920s for movie-goers for whom midtown Manhattan wasn’t easily accessible. The Valencia was the first of the five to open on January 12, 1929.
The Valencia was the work of architect John Eberson, who designed nearly 100 movie palaces around the world, most described as “atmospheric” for their over-the-top, exotic decor. Sadly, many are long gone, razed to make way for new development in an age where such a theater could house twenty screens instead of just one.
The Valencia is largely considered to be the most elaborate of all his New York theaters.
And it really is unbelievable just how much has been packed into every inch of space:
One of my favorite elements of the lobby is the enormous fountain stationed right at the entrance, which all movie-goers would have to pass before entering the theater.
Incredibly, it was working until just recently:
Several more animals keep watch:
The sort-of Spanish/sort-of Mexican wall decor:
Even the air vents have flair:
And then it was time to head into the theater…
…which might as well have been a trip back to 1929.
I’m not even sure the term “movie palace” does the Valencia justice. More like “movie cathedral.”
Huge pan – click for full-size!
As the NY Times wrote in 1990, “the vast auditorium itself will make even the most jaded architectural pilgrim gasp, or even kneel.” I’m pretty sure I did both.
Huge pan – Click for full-size!
What I absolutely love about the Valencia is how it puts the audience not in a movie theater, but rather in the center of a Spanish – or is that Mexican? – town.
Fake foliage lines the edges of building facades covered in over-the-top ornamentation:
You practically expect to look up and see someone watching the movie from one of the many faux balconies dotting the edges:
Each side of the theater is different, giving you the sense of being a part of a movie set.
The ceiling, meant to be the sky, is painted a dark blue with hints of cloud. And if you look really closely, you can just make out tiny pin-pricks of light. In other words, movie-goers would look up from the film and see a starry night sky overhead.
By the mid-1970′s, audiences had shrunk and most of the fare at the Valencia were Blaxploitation films. The theater was donated to the Tabernacle of Prayer church, who has kept it in immaculate shape ever since. Said Reverend Johnnie Washington in 1977, “It has a beauty, an atmosphere that makes you feel you are at someplace sacred.”
The theater holds 3,500, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Huge pan – click for full-size!
A few changes have been made over the years. The chandelier above is of course new. Also, a number of formerly nude statues above the altar seemed somewhat out of place for a house of worship.
But, some angel wings and robes later, all is taken care of:
In particular, I love the balconies running along the sides of the theater.
While I highly doubt anyone actually ever watched movies from here…
…they are actually accessible from the balcony level:
Detail on the theater seats:
The side aisles:
Golden torches lighting the way:
All the original aisle signs are still in place, including one denoting a Children Section, for when kids could be dropped off at the theater on weekends:
A series of cut-outs offer the sky impression to those seated under the balcony:
My favorite door in the theater…
…featuring this flowering emblem:
Golden metal ropes line the walls:
Even for those holding the cheaper balcony tickets, the trip upstairs offered no lack of splendor:
The mezzanine level:
Check out the amazing railings:
The entrance to the balcony – note the arched wooden doors:
The men’s room entrance…
…complete with sailing ship tiles.
And finally, the women’s room entrance, with a different motif:
A special thanks to Sister Forbes, who saw me taking pictures and insisted I take a private guided tour with her. From all the church patrons I spoke with, the Valencia is a treasured home treated with reverence, and it’s safe to say the old movie palace is in good hands.
-SCOUT
All I can say is WOW! Just WOW! I wish more beautiful buildings like this one could be saved from modernization. Gorgeous.
Kudos to the Tabernacle of Prayer for their meticulous care and stewardship of a great architectural gem!
These “atmospheric” movie palaces almost always had moving cloud projections on the ceilings along with the twinkling lights resembling stars. It was meant to transport the audience and make them feel like they were in a charming village under a twilight sky. Such intricate beauty and craftsmanship in architecture will never be seen again.
Wow. I grew up, long ago, in Cypress Hills. The Jamaica el (at the time, the “15″ train) ran through my neighborhood to 168th Street ( I slept with the continual screech of the “S” curve from Fulton to Jamaica Ave). Jamaica never recovered from the destuction of the el. But I remember gawking at the upper facade of the Valencia from the station. I went there once as a kid. It was like being in a dream. Incidentally, the Flushing RKO (if there’s anything left of it) was in the same league – but not nearly as extravagant.
Oh… my…
WHAT.
“Insane” doesn’t even begin to cover it!
The Best. Movie. Theater. EVER.
I want to live there.
This is a treasure and especially to me. My father was a projectionist his whole life and our family was privileged to be at so many live stage shows at the Roxy, Paramount, Capital during the 40′s and 50′s. His last job was Chief Projectionist at the Music Hall. But never in all the times I accompanied him to repair projectors, do I remember seeing such opulence. How wonderful that the Tabernacle has seen fit to maintain this theater so spectacularly.
As a child I used to take the Q4 bus to Jamaica and go see my favorite movies at the Valencia, what a place! I remember the stars.
For your information, just two blocks down was another beautiful movie theater but could not compare to the Valencia. I met the Three Stooges live right in front of the Valencia theater. Thank you for the memories. I will definitely go visit again.
My best,
Steven Weiland
Mind=Blown
What a treat to see this beautiful interior. Thank you for sharing it.
My God…it’s full of stars!
Incredible ! This theatre is another example of the amazing discoveries you make on a regular basis. I think of you as a modern day Indiana Jones w/ metro NYC as your treasure map.
I visit a lot of historic websites and blogs, but none offer as much history and sense of discovery as yours does.
Oh my God, its so beautiful! I love Eberson theatres, I’m currently fighting a losing battle to save the one in my hometown. Thank you for your careful documentation of this priceless treasure.
OMG! literally this is wonderful
What a beauty! I am always on the lookout for all these beautiful restored theaters. I had the good fortune in the last couple of years to go to rock shows both at the Paradise and at the Palace. Both are magnificent, and I would love to see this one too! Since NYC is not the best city for preserving old architecture, I am thankful that there are those that are willing to put the work in to restore these incredible spaces – whether they’re repurposed as churches as the Palace, and this one are, or used as performance spaces, like the Paradise is. I will ALWAYS seek out a good show at one of these theaters, because not only are they spectacular spaces to spend time in, but there is never a bad seat in the house, and the acoustics are excellent.
Great find! I can’t wait to go see it.
Holy Schinikes, Scout! Maybe your greatest find yet? Kudos to the church for maintaining such a magnificent palace.
God given talent from the architect. An appropriate place for a church. Such beauty!
Beautiful. I’m so happy so much of this is preserved. I grew up in Flushing going to the RKO Keiths which, if I recall has a wonderful Indian/Taj Mahal motif. Last time I was there it was a hulking, rotting shell.
Thank you for sharing this bit of nostalgia. As a kid I used to take the Q17 to Jamaica, and yes, I can imagine buying tickets at that ticket booth because I did many times. Thank you Tabernacle of Prayer for maintaining the beauty and integrity of the theater. The Keiths in Flushing was also quite awesome in those days. Sadly, for many years it has been left to rot. Shame on whoever took it over for letting it die a painful death.
I remember sitting in the balcony and heckling the movie with my friends. We usually got more laughs than the movies we were watching. Two movies with a cartoon in between. Come in anytime and stay all day if you wanted to. Those days will never be again unless Jesus returns to the Valencia and changes it back to a movie theater.
OK, about 30 of us showed up today and they were NOT prepared to have visitors on Sunday. They allowed us to look around the lobbies, but no further. We were told that if we wanted to view the rest of the theater we had to call Sister Mary and arrange an appointment for a tour any other day of the week.
Please remove the info about visiting on Sundays.
We lived in Jamaica and often spent a whole day at the Valencia, our apartments weren’t air conditioned so a day at the Valencia was like going on a luxury trip. The first time I went I couldn’t watch the movie, I just sat there looking around and watching the ceiling move. What a fantastic place.
Thank you very much for all your work! I had a great time “traveling” in history of NY !!! It is magnificent place !!! I’m speechless!
Oh my, awesome, seen so many movies here throughout my childhood. Took the 111st bus from Liberty Ave to Jamaica Ave and walked to the theatre. My favorites were the koi and the ceiling, somethings you never forget.
I’m going to pass these pictures to all my surviving classmates who will thoroughly enjoy the memories.
Saw many movies as a child and teenager at the Valencia. We lived in South Ozone Park and would take a Greenline Bus to Jamaica Ave. and and walk under the “L” to the Valencia. It was like being in another world as we walked into the theatre. After the show we would go to the Good Earth Chinese restaurant…great memories! Thanks!
I went often to the Valencia as a child and even saw Jerry Lewis live there when he was promoting one of his movies.
The tour was wonderful but did not mention the pools in the lobby with the live goldfish and koi. As a young child I was fascinated by them.
I remember fondly the beauty of the starry sky and how when the lights went down, the stars would appear.
Downtown Flushing in its heyday! What an amazing place the Valencia was and obviously still is!
I grew up in Jamaica and saw many movies at The Valencia. The Ten Commandments starring Charleton Heston was just one that I remember.My father worked there as an usher and was required to wear a uniform, similar to page type with a tiny hat on his head.As moviegoers would arrive he would meet their vehicle(the sidewalk was carpeted in front of the theatre)he would open the car door for them and escort them into the ornate lobby and return to his post to await the next vehicle.While working there, he met his future wife(my mom)and they would date after the show was over.She attended Jamaica High School and lived in the area. On special occasions the theatre would have huge searchlights mounted on flatbed trucks, parked across the street ,in front of the RKO Alden theatre, to publicize the new premiers currently playing at the Valencia.There was a huge fish pond in the lobby with Koi and people would throw coins in,my father would have to clear them out every night and turn the money over to the manager.The Valencia had a sister theatre (also Lowe’s)named the Hillside Theatre on Sutphin Blvd. What pleasant memories those photos rekindled. Thank you.
I graduated from J.H.S. 172. We had our commencement at the Valencia Theater in June 1959.
Grew up in Woodhaven and Ozone Park. Used to go to Jamaica to the Valencia. Saw many great movies there. It was like stepping into another world. The decorations were fantastic. The seating were the best. Not a bad seat in the theater. I remember when the lights went out the sky would light up with all stars and clouds. You would think that you were sitting outdoors. A great place to take your date to. Outside, Jamaica Ave had the overhead El. All the big department stores lined the Ave. I used to take the Atlantic Ave bus to Jamaica Ave. The bus used to cost a nickle. Thanks for bring back some of the GOOD OLD DAYS. It brought back some great memories. Jeff D.— The Valencia was on Jamaica Ave. In Jamaica— not downtown Flushing. You have you places wrong.
John Michaud! I went to elementary school (Gate of Heaven) with a boy of that same name. (Is that you?) I too, used to take the Q 4I (I think that was the #) getting on at Liberty Ave. and 111 ST. to go into Jamaica and the Valencia theatre! I think I spent so much time staring up at the Waterman’s blue-black ink sky sparkling with stars and wondering what was behind those side balconys, that I’m sure I never really paid attention to the movies. There were other movie theaters much closer, the Crossbay, the Lefferts, the Ace, but they just didn’t have the magic and grandeur of the Valencia. So glad it is so well-preserved, unlike the Keiths on Northern Blvd. in Flushing, which sadly has gone to wrack and ruin at the hands of a realtor.
Are you the John Michaud who went to Gate of Heaven elementary school and graduated in 1954? If so, I was in your class and have our eighth grade class picture!
Loved the Valencia. Hope you’re doing well…John
Wow….I really loved this.
I went to Thomas Edison High School and graduated in 1956.
We used to cut class and go to the Valencia to catch the movies. It opened about 11.00 and we would get out when the bus was coming later in the day with all our classmates going home.There was a girls high school there and all the girls had to wear uniforms…but they would then get on the bus and put on the lipstick and make-up they couldn’t wear at school.
Gertz was the big Dept. Store. We woluld hang out there too. Six floors. The El ended at 168 st. Edison H.S. was at 171 St.
Those were great times. Glad to see the Valencia lives on.
Phil
Likewise, The Flushing RKO Keiths at Northern Blvd. and Main Street was bought by a reputable, big-time, Asian Real Estate developer in the ’70s.
When he closed the deal he was not obligated to restore it or keep it as any kind of landmark status.
Then, after being empty it for a year or two, he was told it now HAD to be restored and NYC officials WOULD decide what HE could do with the building. They were probably wrong, but he was up against it.
He had a different idea, more along the lines of gutting it and making it into a modern office complex. Boarded up from view to the passerby public, he gutted it of all the scmaltzy stuff [just like the Valencia] BEFORE the politicains knew what was happening.They vilified him for doing so, and fined him up the gazoo!
I heard later on, he gave up fighting for the right to do what he wanted to do with his property, and it may stay gutted permanently.
It was his, but was told not to do anything with it. A sad ending all around.
Uh, pretty sure you’re in the minority with this opinion.
If you are a big Government person, you get told what size soda to drink, demand trans-fat margarine be removed from your diet, and believe everything you are told. Property bought in good faith is not the government’s to change just because they want too. You probably believe what Obama is telling you about raising taxes too. Keep drinking the Kool Aid, fella…..
Oh how I wish I could have seen a film here. Anything left of a projection booth?
Sad to be wasted on something like religion…but then again, religion IS theatre, isn’t it? Glad it’s preserved, at least, and ty for the great pics!
I lived in Hollis NY. Next to Jamaica. As a treat my parents would take my brother Joe and I to the Valencia Theater. I loved its beauty and was heart broken when it closed. But I am thrilled to see it has been taken care of all these years later. Also my grandfather was one of the original builders of the theater,so I always had a special connection to the theater.
Wow. Possibly your most exciting find to date. And good for you for dismissing the right-winger with the inane comments. He must’ve been taking a break from commenting on stories in the LA Times.
One comment. While I have not researched it, I believe the term “atmospheric” referred to theatres like this which were designed to feel like courtyards out under the stars with an “atmospheric” ceiling.
I used to go to the Valencia as a young boy. My biggest thrill there was seeing the Three Stooges Live on stage. The were old and didn’t seem like they wanted to be there but i was excited nonetheless.