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The Castro Theatre (429 Castro) – The huge, 1930s neon sign reading “CASTRO” started out as advertising for this neighborhood movie palace but in the 1970s the flamboyant sign became the symbol of the area’s emergence as gay Mecca. Tourists who only pause long enough to have their picture taken in front of The Castro’s sign and campy Mexican cathedral façade are making a big mistake: the interior is even more fabulous! Designed by architect Timothy Pfleuger, the inside is done in ornate 1922 Spanish Revival style, with colorful Italianate murals and an art deco Moorish fantasy chandelier and ceiling. The Castro was built and continues to be run by the Nasser family, who opened their first Castro theatre, a Nickelodeon, in 1907. One of the U.S.’s few remaining 1920s movie palaces in operation, the theatre is renown not only for its retro style but its innovative programming of old and new movies, and special events (film festivals, concerts by the Gay Men’s Chorus, live interviews of aging movie stars, etc.). Each evening before the main attraction is shown, the house organist plays the theatre’s mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, closing the mini-concert with a lively version of “San Francisco.” All this for the price of a movie ticket! For a program list, upcoming special events, history and other information, see www.castrotheatre.com. (Information and Photo Copyright © 2005-2008 The Castro Theatre - All Rights Reserved.)
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