Pittsburgh's Historic Row House-Hollywood Theater Makes Stellar Comeback

In a city where history intertwines with modernity, Pittsburgh welcomes back an iconic piece of its cultural tapestry — the Row House-Hollywood Theater. Nestled on Dormont’s Potomac Avenue, this cinematic gem, originally christened in 1926, reemerges from a two-year cocoon of transformation. As it unfurls its newly-adorned wings, both the legacy of yesteryears and the allure of fresh beginnings echo through its hallowed halls.

An Ode to the Past and a Glimpse of Tomorrow

Once a cornerstone in the golden age of cinema, the theater now dances to a melodic harmony of innovation and nostalgia. The reborn 400-seat main auditorium flaunts a palette of atmospheric aesthetics evocative of the 1920s. Here, the skies light up not just with stars but with the whispers of the past, thanks to a planetarium-style star projector. According to 90.5 WESA, this meticulous revival aims to transcend mere movie-going, crafting instead a multisensory experience.

A Tapestry of New and Classic Films

As the curtains part for a soft opening, patrons will be enchanted by Hitchcock classics like “The Birds.” Soon, their imaginations will be captured anew by “Bugonia,” the brainchild of the ever-innovative Yorgos Lanthimos, adding a modern twist to the vintage charm.

Beyond the Silver Screen

In the theater’s underbelly, anticipations brew for the upcoming bar, lounge, and intimate screening rooms — spaces destined to buzz with conversation and creativity after their November debut. The theater’s ambitious program even includes rare 35 mm and 70 mm film screenings, appealing to cinephiles who crave celluloid’s warmth over digital sleekness.

Engaging the Community

November promises not just films but an array of entrancing events, from a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screening to the Three Rivers Film Festival. Each event meticulously curated to forge bonds within the community, celebrating cinema as a shared journey rather than a solitary escape.

Crafting a Future in Cinema

Principal owner Brian Mendelssohn envisions Row House-Hollywood as a beacon, not just for film but for fellowship. “We wanted to create something compelling enough to lure people away from their home screens,” he muses. And with that vision, the theater invites everyone to rediscover the communal magic of movie-going.

Row House-Hollywood is no longer merely a specter from Pittsburgh’s storied past; it is a vibrant pulse within its thriving arts landscape, a testament to the enduring power of film to unite and inspire.