Greenbelt Cinema
A Streamline Moderne cinema that opened in 1938 as the cultural centerpiece of Roosevelt Center, rescued from closure in 2002 and restored as one of Maryland’s few nonprofit two-screen theaters.
At a glance
Built between 1937 and 1938, the Greenbelt Cinema represents the Streamline Moderne variant of Art Deco that dominated American cinema architecture in the 1930s. The theater opened on September 21, 1938, with a screening of Little Miss Broadway starring Shirley Temple. Its two auditoriums now seat 368 and 40 patrons respectively, serving the community as a rare nonprofit cinema venue.
History
The cinema was conceived as an anchor for Roosevelt Center, the heart of Greenbelt’s planned community. Opening during the Great Depression, it provided both entertainment and cultural identity to the growing suburban development.
In 2002, threatened with closure and conversion to retail, the theater faced an uncertain future. The City of Greenbelt acquired the property, committing to preserve it as a cinema. Between 2014 and 2015, major renovations restored the building to functional elegance, installing new digital and 35mm projection systems, refreshing the lobby and ticket booth, and upgrading facilities. The Friends of Greenbelt Theatre, a local nonprofit, now manages its operations and programming.
What you see
The cinema exemplifies Streamline Moderne design—Art Deco’s sleek, machine-age evolution. Its original architectural vocabulary of horizontal lines, curved forms, and geometric ornament remains visible in the restored lobby and ticket booth, now complemented by contemporary cinema technology and improved public spaces.
Cultural significance
The Greenbelt Cinema stands as a testament to New Deal–era town planning and the role cinema played in shaping American suburban identity. Its survival—and the city’s investment in its restoration—underscores the cultural value communities place on shared gathering spaces. Few two-screen nonprofit cinemas remain in Maryland, making this venue a distinctive educational and recreational asset.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Greenbelt, Maryland
- Built: 1937–1938
- Opened: September 21, 1938
- Architectural style: Streamline Moderne (Art Deco)
- Seating: 368 (Main Auditorium) + 40 (The Screening Room)
- Coordinates: 39.0014089, -76.8761593
Practical information & getting there
The Greenbelt Cinema is located within the Greenbelt Historic District at Roosevelt Center. For current hours, programming, and ticket information, visit the cinema’s website or contact The Friends of Greenbelt Theatre. The theater welcomes visitors for standard film screenings and special archival 35mm presentations.
Sources & resources
- Greenbelt Cinema — Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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