Multi-Media Arts Center
562 Bloomfield Avenue,
Bloomfield,
NJ
07003
562 Bloomfield Avenue,
Bloomfield,
NJ
07003
3 people
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Additional Info
Architects: Frank Grad, Maurice D. Sornik
Previous Names: Lincoln Theatre, Broadmoor Theatre, Center Theatre, Roberts Lost Picture Show
Nearby Theaters
The 1,000-seat Lincoln Theatre was opened on March 7, 1914 with “A Message From Mars”. It was later renamed Broadmoor Theatre. The theatre reopened in 1931 as the Center Theatre. It was remodeled in 1946 to the plans of architect Maurice D. Sornik when it was listed with 955 seats.
Most recently operated as a movie theatre by the Roberts Theatres named the Lost Picture Show. The converted balcony will eventually become a 99 seat second stage for the 12 Miles theatre. The 12 Miles West Theatre Company is a not for profit arts organization founded in 1992. The Center Theatre was re-opened as the Multi Media Arts Center which closed around 2010.
Contributed by
Chuck Van Bibber
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
New owner as of 1/8/2008
Multi Media Arts Center, LLC
www.TheMMAC.net
973-748-MMAC
Old ticket:
View link
I seem to recall seeing my first movie at this theatre. My older sister took me to see Pinnochio when I was about 5. This would have been about 1962
This theater is closed now
I recently called the bank holding the note on the theater to see if it was available to rent, I was informed that the theater is a complete wreck inside. The roof has caved in, No HVAC systems, Electric system is shot out, Anything and everything is gone seats, screen etc. Also it is a haven for junkies and homeless. Needles, trash and human waste litter the place. I was told that ½ million was still owed on the property and the place would need a minimum of 1 million to restore it. It will up for auction very soon to be sold only as a “shell” to renovate. I was surprised because from the street the lobby, box office area and office was in decent condition. Shame another theater bites the dust.
This is open for both film and live events as the Multi Media Arts Center.
http://www.multimediaartscenter.com
As you can see in the photos I just uploaded, it is most certainly still closed. It was the MMAC when it closed around 2010. I was disappointed to find that they had definitely demolished the original ceiling. However, upon peeling back a curtain I was surprised by a cascade of damaged plaster falling to my feet. However, further attempts to remove the curtain proved pointless, as more and more plaster was coming down. The building is being sold as a shell, and the most likely future for this theater is that it will be torn down as a part of the town redevelopment.
I was in Montclair yesterday working at the Wellmont, and passed this place. As was just mentioned, it it definitely closed, and sadly looks ready for demolishon. The sad part is that the Royal up the street was in mint condition when it was torn down years ago and made into a parking lot.
Grand opening ad for the Lincoln Theatre on March 7, 1914 with the film, “A Message From Mars” in photos. The theater closed in 1930. The theatre became the Broadmoor Theatre equipped with new sound systen by Rapf & Ruden in 1931 likely on a 15-year lease. It closed though re-emerging on March 21, 1946 and was renamed the Center Theatre launching with a new streamlined look and the films, “My Reputation” and “The Lone Wolf.”
The May 10, 1913 issue of The American Contractor had an item about a theater to be built in Bloomfield. The address and name of the theater weren’t given, but the description said that a 2-story building 50x164, was to be built for owner Joseph Green. It was being designed by Newark architect Frank Grad. The size and timing are right for this project to have been the Lincoln, and the details and handling of materials in the original façade certainly call to mind other works of the period designed by Grad.