Exploring The Magic Of The Trylon Theater: Past And Present
Have you ever thought about the special feeling of stepping into a movie house, a place where stories come alive on a big screen? It's a rather unique experience, isn't it? For many, the very idea of a cinema brings back fond memories, maybe of a first date, a family outing, or just a quiet evening lost in a different world. The Trylon Theater, in its various forms, certainly holds a special spot in the hearts of film lovers and community members. It's a name that, in some respects, echoes with a bit of history and a lot of passion for movies.
This name, Trylon, actually connects to two distinct yet equally fascinating places that have brought films to people. One was a grand old movie palace in Queens, New York, which saw decades of cinema history unfold. The other, still very much active today, is a beloved independent cinema in Minneapolis, Minnesota, keeping the spirit of classic film alive for a new generation. So, you know, it's a name that carries weight in different places.
We're going to take a look at both of these remarkable places, understanding what made them special and why they continue to matter to people who love movies. From the grand architecture of a bygone era to the cozy, dedicated space of a modern repertory cinema, the story of the Trylon Theater is, in a way, a celebration of film itself and the community it gathers. It's a rather interesting tale, to be sure.
Table of Contents
- The Trylon Theater of Queens: A Glimpse into History
- The Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis: A Modern Classic
- Why Independent Theaters Matter
- Beyond the Big Screen: Trylon's Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Trylon
The Trylon Theater of Queens: A Glimpse into History
Back in 1939, a rather exciting year for New York City, a new movie house opened its doors in the Rego Park section of Queens. This was the original Trylon Theater, and it was, you know, quite a big deal. Its name was a direct nod to the famous centerpiece of the 1939 World's Fair, held very close by in Flushing. That spire, along with the Perisphere, became a well-known symbol of that particular fair. So, the theater carried a name that was, in a way, quite iconic for its time.
Opening in a Grand Era
The year 1939 itself was a landmark time, with the World's Fair drawing visitors from all over. The Trylon Theater, opened by United L.I., seemed to capture some of that same forward-looking spirit. It was a place where people could go to escape into stories, to see the latest films, and just enjoy a night out. The very architecture of the building, an Art Deco style, really spoke to that era of sleek lines and modern design. It was, you know, a very stylish place to be.
Distinct Design and Changing Hands
Inside, the Trylon Theater offered a classic movie-going layout. Seating was available on both the orchestra and balcony levels, which, you know, gave patrons a choice of how they wanted to experience their film. This kind of tiered seating was pretty typical for grand movie houses of the time, allowing for a good view from almost anywhere. Over the years, the theater's administration changed hands, with Interboro Circuit Inc. eventually taking over. It continued to be a popular spot for many, many years, a real community fixture, you might say.
Closure and Lasting Legacy
Sadly, this once very popular Art Deco style movie house closed its doors on December 31, 1999. For many who remembered it, the closure was a rather shocking event. People like Michael Perlman, who led a preservation committee to try and save the Trylon Theater, felt a deep sense of loss. He was, in his own words, "shocked that I would witness" its closing. The building itself, a trapezoidal block, was the location of the former theater until 2022. Even after its physical presence changed, the memory of the Rego Park Trylon Theater, a symbol of a particular time in cinema history, certainly lives on for those who cherished it. It was, you know, a very important place for many.
The Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis: A Modern Classic
Moving from the past to the present, we find another special place carrying the Trylon name: the Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is a very different kind of movie house, but it shares that same dedication to the art of film. It's located at 2820 E 33rd St in Minneapolis, MN 55406, and it's, you know, a real gem for film enthusiasts. This place is not just a theater; it's a non-profit organization, which is pretty cool.
A Non-Profit Mission and Community Heart
The Trylon Cinema operates with a clear purpose: to bring repertory cinema to its audience. This means they specialize in screening classic films, forgotten gems, and revival cinema. It's a place where you can discover old favorites or see something completely new to you, but still from a past era. The cinema is run by three dedicated staff members and over forty volunteers, which, you know, really shows the passion behind it. This kind of community effort helps keep the ticket prices between $2 and $5 for concessions, making it a rather accessible way to enjoy movies. It's very much a labor of love, you might say.
The Unique Viewing Experience
When you step into the Trylon Cinema, you'll find a cozy yet very well-equipped space. It features 90 rocker seats, which are, you know, pretty comfortable, allowing you to settle in for a relaxed viewing. The screen measures 20 feet, providing a good, immersive picture. What's really special for film purists is the presence of a pair of 35mm projectors. This means many films are shown in their original format, which offers a different kind of visual quality, a certain warmth that digital sometimes lacks. In 2017, the cinema had an expansion, which, you know, resulted in an increase in its capabilities, making the experience even better. It's clear they care a lot about the quality of the show.
Practical Details for Your Visit
Planning a visit to the Trylon Cinema is pretty straightforward. You can check ticket availability for any screening on trylon.org. This website actually displays the remaining ticket count, which is super helpful, right up until one hour before show time. This is because the Trylon Cinema sometimes sells out, especially for popular screenings, so it's a good idea to check ahead. When it comes to paying for things at the cinema, they keep it a bit old-school but convenient. The Trylon box office and concessions stand accept cash and checks. For those who might need it, there's also an ATM on site, with just a $1 fee. So, you know, it's pretty easy to sort out your payment.
Speaking of concessions, outside food is not permitted at the Trylon Cinema, but they do have a good selection of movie theater treats. You can get popcorn, candy, and beverages, with prices generally ranging between $2 and $5. It's a pretty classic selection, just what you'd expect for a movie night. If you're thinking about renting the cinema for a private event, you'll need to make payment in full to reserve a slot. If plans change, rental cancellations receive a 50% refund, which is, you know, a fair policy. They also have a very active online presence, with over 10,942 likes, 117 people talking about them, and 6,985 visits recorded, showing a pretty strong community connection.
A Star Wars Connection
It's interesting to note that the Trylon Cinema also has a connection to some truly iconic films. For example, they've hosted screenings related to "Star Wars." You know, back in 1976, George Lucas began shooting "Star Wars" at Elstree Studios. This eventually led to the world meeting a saga of a powerful empire and a rather fragile rebellion, all mixed with the pop iconography of the 1930s Flash Gordon serials and Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films. "Star Wars" would become one of the most recognized and consequential films of its time. The Trylon, by showing such films, helps keep their legacy alive, giving audiences a chance to see these important works on the big screen, as they were, you know, meant to be seen. You can view showtimes for movies playing at the Trylon in Minneapolis, Minnesota (MN 55406) with links to movie information, like plot summaries, reviews, and details about actors and actresses, and more information about the theater itself. It's a pretty complete experience.
Why Independent Theaters Matter
The story of both the Rego Park Trylon and the Minneapolis Trylon, in a way, highlights why independent theaters are so important. These places are often more than just venues for showing films; they become community hubs. They offer a curated selection of movies, sometimes focusing on films you won't find at the big multiplexes. This focus on repertory cinema, as the Minneapolis Trylon does, helps preserve film history. It allows people to experience classics or overlooked works in the way they were intended: on a big screen, with an audience. It's a very different feeling from watching something at home, you know?
These independent spots also often foster a sense of belonging. The fact that the Minneapolis Trylon relies on dedicated staff and over forty volunteers really speaks to that community spirit. People give their time because they believe in the mission, they love film, and they want to share that love with others. This kind of dedication helps create a unique atmosphere, a place where everyone feels welcome. It's, you know, a rather special thing to witness, the passion that goes into keeping these places going.
Beyond the Big Screen: Trylon's Impact
The impact of a place like the Trylon Cinema goes beyond just showing movies. It's about creating shared experiences. Think about it: sitting in a dark room with other people, all focused on the same story, laughing or gasping together. That's a powerful thing. It connects us. The Trylon, with its comfortable rocker seats and its commitment to quality projection, tries to make that experience as good as it can be. It's about appreciating the craft of filmmaking and the collective joy of watching it unfold. You know, it's a pretty simple pleasure, but a very meaningful one.
These cinemas also serve as cultural anchors. They remind us of the rich history of film and its ongoing evolution. By showing older films, they educate new audiences and bring back fond memories for others. The very act of going to an independent cinema, one that accepts cash and checks and has an ATM, feels a bit like stepping back in time in the best possible way, yet it's very much a part of the present. It's a place where the past and present of cinema, you know, sort of meet.
If you're interested in learning more about the history of cinema and how it impacts communities, you might find this external resource interesting: The Criterion Collection, which, you know, celebrates classic and important films. It's a good place to start.
You can also learn more about independent theaters on our site, and link to this page for a deeper look at cinema history. We think it's pretty neat.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trylon
Here are a few common questions people often have about the Trylon, both past and present:
What kind of movies does the Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis show?
The Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis specializes in repertory cinema. This means they show classic films, movies that might have been forgotten, and revival screenings of important works. So, you know, it's a great place to see older movies on the big screen.
How can I check movie times and get tickets for the Minneapolis Trylon?
You can view showtimes and check ticket availability directly on trylon.org. The website actually shows how many tickets are left for a screening, which is pretty helpful, up until one hour before the movie starts. It's a good idea to check ahead, as they sometimes sell out, you know.
What happened to the original Trylon Theater in Queens?
The original Trylon Theater in the Rego Park section of Queens, New York, which opened in 1939, closed its doors on December 31, 1999. It was a well-loved Art Deco style movie house for many decades, but it's no longer operating as a cinema. Its legacy, though, certainly lives on for those who remember it.
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