Castro Theatre

Historic 1922 movie palace in San Francisco's Castro District, renowned for its Art Deco marquee and live organ performances.

The Castro Theatre is a historic movie palace in San Francisco's Castro District, designed by Timothy Pflueger and built in 1922. The exterior blends Beaux-Arts grandeur with Spanish Baroque flourishes, while the iconic Art Deco marquee was added in 1937. The venue was designated a San Francisco landmark in 1977, the 100th building to receive the honor. The theatre is celebrated for hosting live organ performances before screenings — the mighty Wurlitzer rises from the orchestra pit for classic films and special events. A major renovation completed in 2026 preserved the ornate interior while bringing capacity to 1,385 seats. Today the Castro Theatre stands as a cultural anchor for the neighborhood and a living monument to San Francisco's LGBTQ history.