Art Theatre

Fantastic architectural gem of long beach.
There’s only a few of these sorts of theaters in the South Bay and long beach.
Worth it to check out an Indy or whatever is playing.
It’s worth it to check out the theater and area «retro row». A lot of cute retro restaurants and shops.
You really have to walk the area and check out this theater.

Located in the heart of Long Beach’s retro row, the Art Theatere has been on 4^th St since I was a kid riding the bus to elementary school. Nevertheless, it’s a historic building that reminds you of the early 30’s. They are known for always playing the Rocky Horror Picture Show every weekend along unique indie films, biopics etc… (Don’t expect to see box office hits like The Avengers or any Disney/​Pixar films). Overall it has a real old school feel, you are usually allowed inside the the theatre 30 minutes before showtime, theres an adjacent wine bar for those who like to have a glass before, and the snack bar is relatively cheaper than any other theaters I’ve been to (Popcorn, candy and drink was $ 10.00). If they offer a movie you are interested in, I recommend that you treat yourself to the experience. As stated before, since it’s located on 4^th Street retro row there’s plenty of things to do before and after if you are up for it. Excellent place for a date night.

Although I give it the same number of stars as Cinemark at The Pike (my last review) the Art Theatre couldn’t be more night and day.
Someone has done an amazing job with the upkeep of this establishment. Preserving the history of a building is so important. You can walk in and just imagine all the glamor of the late 1930’s and 1940’s showings. Beside the preservation aspect who wants to sit down for any extended period of time in a dirty, sticky auditorium. You will not find that here, it is as clean as can be!
Now, in sharp comparison to Cinemark I wouldn’t want to see a basic new release here. The seats are comfortable and have a pretty good incline to see over the row in front. However this is a vintage theater so don’t expect the upgraded seating and visual display and sound of a newer place.
What I do love about this place is the special events/​showings. This was the perfect place to see Charles Phoenix this weekend…“I know”. Special events like Rocky Horror Picture Show are a perfect fit for this venue. This was the only place around that showed Nick Cave’s 20,000 Days on Earth.
It’s location in the heart of Retro Row is simply lovely. Great shopping and dinning, but probably not the best parking.
So much respect for the Art Theatre!

This is a really nice theater. They managed to keep the charm of an old theater and incorporate new and independent films to the mix. The snack bar is reasonable when compared to big movie theater prices. I would recommend this theater because of their retro demeaned and their location. There’s a lot to see and do while you’re waiting for your movie to start. They’re across the street from Lola’s (I believe they have a deal if you eat there and go to the movies) and they’re surrounded by cool thrift stores. Cool place!

Small theater in long beach, I would’ve never heard about this place but hitting the apex (great movie) was screening here and no other local theater would show it. So I make the trip down here from Pasadena on a Thursday night, parking is HORRIBLE in this area. We parked BLOCKS away which was horrible because it was chilly and the neighborhood isn’t exactly the nicest around. I couldn’t believe that we drove around for 15 minutes looking for parking all over, north south east and west. We finally lucked out and found a spot and while it was blocks away (10 – 15 minute walk passed the 7 – 11) we decided that was the best we were going to get. So we get in line for this movie and I’m beyond excited, because I’ve been waiting for at least 9 months for this to come out. The concession stand is very basic and honestly over priced, but whatever I still got our drinks l, pop corn, dots and raisinettes.
We walk into this small auditorium (think your middle school auditoriums from the 70/80/90’s) hard seats and unlike your modern theaters not every seat is a good seat. The movie was about two hours long do you can only imagine how it felt to sit in those hard seats for so long, I felt bad for my date because she wasn’t too excited about the movie to begin. I’m glad I came to this «timeless» theater so I can check it off my list but I wouldn’t come back here if the tickets were free and parking wasn’t an issue. If you’re heading here for the first time plan on spending 20+ minutes looking for parking. Good luck

Great theater! I’ve been to movies and special performances/​screenings like concerts and the première of Outlander. I love the Rocky Horror cast here and have seen the show a ton. It’s nice group of people who try to make each show unique and interactive. The best SoCal show!

I have been to this place twice for a viewing of RHPS. I performed in Berkeley for years and was on the original board for the current cast in the Bay Area. I was warned by a handful of others not to go see this cast that they were horrible and pretentious. This is a true statement. RHPS is supposed to be fun and a crazier type of art. The director and staff are just rude and a holes. I have visited several casts and have never been treated the way I was treated here both times. I think the cast thinks they are performing in the Nutcracker and not RHPS. Pfft… this Alumni will go see Santa Ana.

I love the movie theater that’s pretty close to my house! Renovated 1920s theater surrounded by great food good bars and I shops. Small parking lot is across the street. Popcorn is decent, Coffee and cocoa are Kurig.

The owner of this theatre is a racist piece of crap. And frankly I refuse and I encourage others to refuse to support this business.

The only historic and Art Deco theatre left in Long Beach, swoooon! I appreciate its location, within walking distance, and on Retro Row.
They screen both mainstream films and indie, foreign, and cult. You will always be surprised! I“ve seen Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Amy, Micmacs, Rocky Horror, etc. You purchase your tix at the concession stand, so bypass the cute ticket booth out front.
They renovated it so it’s clean, bathrooms too, and seats are nice. Not ArcLight Cinema nice, but good enough. The only downside is that the screen is a little small and far from the seats so be sure to sit close.

I’d love to give the Art a five star review to this gem of 4^th Street’s Retro Row because it’s so retro and clean and beautiful and inexpensive with convenient parking and great restaurants and wine bar just steps away… but someone’s gotta say it: by «Birdman» I noticed the chairs slope a bit, and they are slippery, so it feels like I’m sliding out of my seat the entire time. By «American Sniper» I was outright uncomfortable.
[ Movies I’ve seen there: «In the Company of Men» (⁸⁄₁₉₉₇), «Sick and Twisted Animation Festival» (⁵⁄₁₉₉₉) Y Tu Mama Tambien (⁴⁄₂₀₀₂), Curious Case of Benjamin Button (¹⁄₂₀₀₉), True Grit (¹²⁄₂₀₁₀), Searching For Elliot Smith (⁵⁄₂₀₁₁), Robot & Frank (⁸⁄₂₀₁₂), Dallas Buyer’s Club (¹¹⁄₂₀₁₃), Birdman (¹¹⁄₂₀₁₄), American Sniper (²⁄₂₀₁₅) ]

So I’ve seen Rocky Horror at a few different locations now and.yep. This location is still my very very favorite. Every time I go– it’s different, and hilarious, and just uniquely special.
A great theater to see movies, and the best place to see Rocky Horror.
I just wish parking were better.

Rocky Horror is a must see here, they give their own weird twist that is unique enough to leave a lasting impression.

This theatre transports you back to a time when movie theatre’s still had a marquee over the Box Office. The Art Theatre is the kind of establishment that shows the motion picture industry the respect and class it deserves. Clean and small concession stand serving up fresh popcorn which the attendant even brought to my seat bc it wasn’t ready yet. What other theatre would do that nowadays?
The building itself is flawless in its restoration by retaining the clean lines and architecture. The size of the screening room is just right, not too small or too big. I just wish the surround sound would of been turned up to 11 considering that it was an action film full of demolition.
The neighborhood its nestled in is just as historic. Check it out and walk around and find a new local fave.

A beautiful gem!!!
A kind welcome, fresh popcorn smell and a cozy screening is what this is.
This is Not your typical movie theatre. You won’t get your seat to recline, or a3D iMax experience here.
What you do get is a beautiful sense of nostalgia, even if it is your first time here. Accompanied by a great, highly acclaimed film, not usually played at your local venue.

Attended last nights 7 pm showing of The Congress a Friday evening at a spectacular theatre with approx 17 other patrons.
What’s wrong Long Beach? Any other city even Cleveland Ohio would be sold out or close to, every night. This place is like a tomb!
Usually the AC is tuned off when the film starts so you sit in the most uncomfortable seats and warm stagnant air. Is anybody paying attention? How about some kick ass sound and base also. Sad to say the trendy community doesn’t support this unique facility…

A gem in the heart of LB!
I came here a while ago to watch the 50^th anniversary of «A Hard Day’s Night» and fell in love with this small historical theater. I love the Art Deco architecture and since their restoration, i felt like I traveled back in time! I’m so happy this place exists.

Learned about the Long Beach arts theatre while researching Lola’s across the street. Walked in and was amazed at how clean the building was. The staff was very attentive and served us some snacks and drinks at a reasonable price. Once inside the movie room we enjoyed the film and the quality of the presentation. The restoration of the theatre has been done to perfection and the upkeep is immaculate .
Parking is available at a pay per car automatic teller across the street. 3 hours will cost you about $ 3 which you can use for the theatre and other nearby businesses.
Overall a great experience and you get a discount at Lola’s if you purchase movie tickets.

Nice local theater on 4^th street in Long Beach. Came here to see a film screening during the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival and was pleasantly surprised by how nice the theater was inside.
Comfortable chairs, but the non rising seats makes it difficult at times to read the subtitles on the screen.
Didn’t see a parking lot, so we needed up parking on the streets. Be sure to come early because street parking is tough in this area due to nearby food and shopping establishments.

A great theater. Can be a little tricky to park though, street parking. Street parking in long beach can be bittersweet at times.
Only one theater, and usually indie movies. Saw Dallas Buyers Club here and the Lamb of God Movie: As the Palaces Burn.
Overall nice classic looking. Is nice when there is a full crowd, but super creepy when the theater is empty.
If you buy your tickets online, the just swipe your card when you get there and it prints out the tickets, you don’t have to print them and bring them to the theater. That is really super convenient.